Garlic croutons

Garlic Croutons Recipe - Authentic French Flavor

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 5 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Garlic croutons are a delicious and versatile addition to salads, soups, and other dishes. These crunchy cubes of bread are seasoned with garlic salt and paprika for a flavorful kick.

History

Croutons have been around for centuries, with the first recorded recipe dating back to the 17th century. Originally used as a way to use up stale bread, croutons have evolved into a popular topping for salads and soups.

Ingredients

2 slices of bread
2 tsp of margarine
paprika, as desired
garlic salt, as desired *

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 300°F (149°C). Cut the bread into 0.5 inch cubes. Melt the margarine in a shallow baking pan. Add the bread cubes and lightly toss to coat. Sprinkle with paprika and garlic salt (note: not included in sodium nutrient content). Bake for 20 minutes or until the cubes are dry and browned. The croutons can be stored in an airtight container for use in salads and soups. The yield is 1.5 cups. A 2 tbsp serving contains 18 calories, 0.4 g of protein, 0.8 g of fat, 2.3 g of carbohydrates, 31 mg of sodium, 5.2 mg of potassium, 0.1 g of fiber, and 0 cholesterol.

Variations

Try adding grated Parmesan cheese or dried herbs to the bread cubes before baking for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure that your croutons are crispy and golden brown, be sure to toss them in the melted margarine evenly before baking. You can also customize the seasonings to your liking by adding herbs or spices.

Serving Suggestions

Serve garlic croutons on top of a Caesar salad or a bowl of tomato soup for added crunch and flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Bake the croutons in the oven at a low temperature to ensure that they are evenly toasted and crispy.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butter or olive oil in place of margarine for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make a large batch of garlic croutons and store them in an airtight container for up to a week.

Presentation Ideas

Serve garlic croutons in a small bowl on the side of your dish for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair garlic croutons with a fresh green salad or a bowl of creamy soup for a satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store garlic croutons in an airtight container at room temperature. To reheat, place them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes until warm and crispy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of garlic croutons contains 18 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of garlic croutons contains 2.3 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of garlic croutons contains 0.8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of garlic croutons contains 0.4 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Garlic croutons contain small amounts of potassium and fiber.

Alergens

Garlic croutons contain wheat and may contain traces of soy.

Summary

Garlic croutons are a low-calorie, low-fat addition to your favorite dishes.

Summary

Garlic croutons are a simple and delicious way to add texture and flavor to your favorite dishes. Try making a batch today for a tasty addition to your meals.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for garlic croutons. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl learning how to cook in my mother's kitchen. The recipe had been passed down to her from her own mother, and now she was passing it down to me.

I can still picture the old, tattered recipe card with faded ink that my mother handed to me that day. The instructions were simple, but the end result was always a delicious and crispy treat that added the perfect finishing touch to any salad or soup.

The recipe called for just a few basic ingredients - stale bread, garlic, olive oil, and a sprinkling of salt and pepper. But it was the method of preparation that truly made these croutons special.

I remember my mother showing me how to slice the bread into small cubes, making sure they were all evenly sized so they would toast up perfectly in the oven. Then came the garlic - a generous amount of minced garlic that would infuse the bread with its strong, savory flavor.

Next, we drizzled the cubes with olive oil and tossed them gently to ensure each piece was coated evenly. A sprinkle of salt and pepper, and they were ready to go into the oven.

As they baked, the kitchen would fill with the irresistible aroma of garlic and toasted bread. I would watch through the oven door, eagerly waiting for the croutons to turn golden brown and crisp.

Once they were done, we would let them cool slightly before digging in. The first bite was always the best - crunchy on the outside, with a soft and garlicky center that melted in your mouth.

Over the years, I have made these garlic croutons countless times, each time bringing back memories of that day in my mother's kitchen. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of making these simple yet delicious treats.

Now, as a grandmother myself, I take pride in teaching my own grandchildren how to make garlic croutons. I show them how to slice the bread, mince the garlic, and toss everything together just right.

And as we wait for the croutons to bake, I see that same sense of wonder and anticipation in their eyes that I once felt so many years ago. It warms my heart to know that this recipe, passed down through generations, will continue to bring joy and deliciousness to our family for years to come.