This was my first attempt at homemade croutons, and they were absolutely superb! Making croutons yourself is easy and you can control the seasoning along with the crispness. I hate getting croutons on my salad in a restaurant and the croutons being so hard that you are afraid you are going to break a tooth. My croutons were crisp on the outside but not hard.
Just start with your favorite bread and cut it into cubes. As I have said numerous times, one of my favorite breads is Publix Italian Five Grain Bread. I cut up 2 slices of bread first, and then decided I needed more so I would have several generous servings.
After mixing the bread cubes with the garlic, parsley and olive oil, I spread them out on a baking sheet lined with non-stick aluminum foil. I used an all natural butter flavored extra virgin olive oil from From Olives and Grapes. You can certainly use plain olive oil or your favorite flavored olive oil.
They are baked to perfection! These croutons are a perfect addition to my Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups bread cubes (approximately)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil good quality
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cover a baking sheet with non stick aluminum foil.
In a large bowl, drizzle the olive oil over the bread cubes. Sprinkle the garlic powder, the parsley flakes and the salt evenly onto the bread cubes. Toss the bread cubes to ensure the olive oil and spices are evenly distributed.
Spread bread cubes onto baking sheet.
Bake for 6 minutes or until browned and crispy on the outside, but not hard.
Let cool and add to salad. Store any leftover croutons in an airtight container for several days.
