Description
These Easy Homemade Garlic & Parmesan Croutons are a perfect crunchy addition to salads and soups. Made with simple ingredients including crusty bread, olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese, these croutons are baked to golden perfection for 10-15 minutes. The recipe is quick and straightforward, yielding flavorful, crispy croutons that you can easily make at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Croutons
- 2 generous cups bread (try a baguette or any good crusty bread), cut into croutons
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and adjust the oven rack to the middle position. Line a baking sheet with tin foil for easy cleanup if desired.
- Prepare the Bread: Cut your bread into small, bite-sized croutons and spread them evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the olive oil over the bread pieces.
- Season the Croutons: Sprinkle the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt & pepper evenly over the bread pieces. Use your hands to toss and mix everything thoroughly to ensure each crouton is coated well.
- Add Parmesan: Spread the croutons out in an even layer on the baking sheet so they are close but not stacked. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the croutons to maximize cheese coverage.
- Bake: Place the tray in the oven and bake the croutons for 10 to 15 minutes until they are crispy and golden. Fifteen minutes works best if using fresh bread.
- Cool and Store: Allow the croutons to cool for a few minutes after baking. Use immediately in salads or soups, or store in an airtight container. Don’t discard any cheesy bits that fall off during baking—they add great flavor when sprinkled over dishes.
Notes
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread for best texture and less sogginess.
- Adjust garlic powder and seasoning to your taste preference.
- Ensure croutons are spread evenly and not stacked to bake uniformly.
- Store cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispiness for up to a week.
- For a twist, try adding finely chopped fresh herbs such as parsley before baking.
