Homemade Croutons

Vegetarian Homemade Croutons Recipe with Bread, Olive Oil, Garlic, Basil, Tarragon, and Oregano

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Croutons are a versatile and delicious addition to salads, soups, and even as a snack on their own. These Homemade Croutons are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite herbs and spices.

History

Croutons have been around for centuries, with origins dating back to ancient Rome. Originally, they were made from stale bread that was toasted or fried to make it more palatable. Today, croutons are a popular addition to many dishes and are often found in salads and soups.

Ingredients

5 to 6 slices of whole grain bread, cut into cubes
6 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tbsp of dried basil
2 tsp of dried tarragon
2 tsp of dried oregano

How to prepare

In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil.
Add the bread cubes and continuously toss them on high heat for five minutes, until the bread has absorbed most of the oil.
Reduce the heat to low, then add the garlic and herbs. Fry for 25 minutes, occasionally tossing, until the croutons are browned and crunchy.

Variations

Add grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor.
Use different herbs and spices, such as rosemary or thyme, for a unique taste.
Try using different types of bread, such as whole wheat or sourdough, for a different texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use stale bread for the best results, as fresh bread can become too soggy when making croutons.

- Toss the bread cubes frequently while cooking to ensure they are evenly coated with oil and herbs.

- Customize the herbs and spices to your liking, such as adding Parmesan cheese or chili flakes for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Homemade Croutons on top of a Caesar salad, tomato soup, or as a crunchy snack on their own.

Cooking Techniques

Frying the bread cubes in olive oil ensures they become crispy and flavorful. Tossing them frequently while cooking helps to evenly distribute the oil and herbs.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of bread for this recipe, such as white, whole wheat, or gluten-free bread. You can also use different types of oil, such as vegetable oil or butter, for frying.

Make Ahead Tips

Homemade Croutons can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crunchiness.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Homemade Croutons in a small bowl or on a plate alongside your favorite dish. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Homemade Croutons with a classic Caesar salad, minestrone soup, or a creamy tomato bisque for a delicious meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Homemade Croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Homemade Croutons contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Homemade Croutons contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Homemade Croutons contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Homemade Croutons contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Homemade Croutons are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Homemade Croutons contain gluten from the bread. They may also contain allergens depending on the type of bread used.

Summary

Homemade Croutons are a tasty addition to salads and soups, providing a crunchy texture and delicious flavor. They are relatively low in calories and can be customized to suit your dietary preferences.

Summary

Homemade Croutons are a simple and delicious addition to salads, soups, and more. With just a few ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a crunchy and flavorful topping that will elevate any dish. Enjoy these Homemade Croutons as a snack or as a tasty addition to your favorite recipes.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for homemade croutons. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the countryside. My family didn't have much, but we always made the best of what we had. And one day, my mother brought home a baguette that she had purchased from the local bakery. She told me that we were going to turn it into something special - homemade croutons.

I watched as my mother carefully sliced the baguette into small cubes, making sure they were all uniform in size. She then drizzled them with olive oil and sprinkled them with salt and herbs before placing them in the oven to bake. The aroma that filled our tiny kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

When the croutons were finally done, my mother pulled them out of the oven and let them cool slightly before offering me a taste. The crunch of the crispy bread mixed with the savory flavors of the herbs was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. I was hooked.

From that day on, homemade croutons became a staple in our household. My mother would make them whenever we had leftover bread that needed to be used up, or when she wanted to add a little something extra to our salads and soups. And as I grew older, I began to experiment with different herbs and seasonings to create my own unique variations of the recipe.

Over the years, I learned to make homemade croutons from many different sources. I picked up tips and tricks from friends and family members, and even strangers I met along the way. Each person had their own special twist on the recipe, and I was eager to try them all.

One summer, while visiting my aunt in the city, I came across a trendy bakery that served the most delicious croutons I had ever tasted. I struck up a conversation with the owner, a friendly woman with a passion for baking, and she graciously shared her secret recipe with me. It involved a special blend of spices and a longer baking time, but the results were well worth the extra effort.

Another time, while traveling through Europe, I stumbled upon a quaint little cafe in a charming village. The owner, an elderly woman with a twinkle in her eye, invited me into her kitchen to watch as she made her famous croutons. She used day-old bread and a mixture of garlic and Parmesan cheese to create a savory, indulgent treat that melted in your mouth.

And then there was the time I attended a cooking class in a bustling market in Asia. The instructor, a young chef with a flair for fusion cuisine, showed me how to make croutons with a spicy kick using chili flakes and soy sauce. It was a bold departure from the traditional recipe, but it opened my eyes to the endless possibilities of this humble dish.

As the years passed, I continued to collect recipes and techniques for making homemade croutons. I drew inspiration from every corner of the globe, blending flavors and traditions to create my own unique spin on this classic dish. And now, whenever I make a batch of croutons, I am reminded of all the people and places that have contributed to my culinary journey.

I like to think that my love for cooking and sharing recipes with others is a reflection of the many influences that have shaped me over the years. And as I pass down the recipe for homemade croutons to the next generation, I hope that they too will find joy and inspiration in the simple act of creating something delicious from scratch. For in the end, it is not just about the food itself, but the memories and connections that we create along the way.