In Basics by The BakerMama, I teach you how to make homemade croutons for your soups, salads, and snacks. These easy-to-make crunchy cubes take simple meals from good to great!
Basics by The BakerMama
Welcome to Basics by The BakerMama! I created this how-to series to help beginner cooks hone their skills, make the most of their time in the kitchen, and create great family memories. I hope you enjoy!
The Perfect Simplicity of Homemade Croutons
Want to take a simple meal from good to great? Look no further! Plopping a few croutons into a bowl of tomato soup or in a fresh, crisp salad changes the game. And if they’re homemade? Well, that’s even better. The texture and flavor of a homemade crouton cannot be beat. They’re extraordinarily easy to make and worth the small added effort every time. I love how simple they are. With a loaf of crusty bread and four simple ingredients, you’ll have fresh, crunchy croutons in no time! Try them in my Citrus Caesar Salad or on a Cobb Salad Board or you know, just grab a few and eat them on their own. I won’t tell.
How to Make Homemade Croutons
First, preheat the oven to 375°F. Take a crusty baguette and cut it into 3/4-inch cubes. Then in a large bowl, toss the cubed bread with olive oil until coated evenly. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt and pepper. Gently toss until well combined.
Next, spread the seasoned bread cubes into a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake until golden and crispy, gently flipping the croutons halfway through, about 15 minutes total. That’s all there is to it!
Make sure you let the croutons cool completely before using them. Toss them in a salad or a hot bowl of soup and enjoy! You can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Ready to Learn More?
Looking for more of Basics by The BakerMama? Put together the perfect salad by learning how to pan sear chicken tenderloins. Oooh, why not add some baked bacon while you’re at it? You can also roast a head of garlic to mix in your favorite salad dressing.
I hope you find these simple basics helpful! When you make something with the help of my BakerMama’s Basics series, be sure to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can see and others can be inspired!
xoxo,
Basics by The BakerMama: How to Make Homemade Croutons
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Description
In Basics by The BakerMama, I teach you how to make homemade croutons for your soups, salads, and snacks. These easy-to-make crunchy cubes take simple meals from good to great!
Ingredients
- 1 crusty baguette, cut into ¾ inch cubes (about 4 cups)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, toss the cubed bread with olive oil until coated evenly. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt and pepper. Gently toss until well combined.
- Spread the seasoned bread cubes into a single layer on a large baking sheet.
- Bake until golden and crispy, gently flipping the croutons halfway through, about 15 minutes total.
- Let cool completely and use immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
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