There’s something undeniably magical about the smell of freshly baked sourdough wafting through the kitchen—it’s like a warm hug for your senses. And then, transforming that nostalgic comfort into crunchy, golden croutons? Pure genius. Whether tossed in a simple salad or savored straight from the oven, these homemade sourdough croutons are a testament to the power of simple ingredients—plus, they remind me of grandma’s kitchen, where everything felt like a culinary adventure.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) to get it ready for baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, blend together the melted butter, Italian seasoning, olive oil, and kosher salt. Add the sourdough bread cubes to the bowl and toss them to ensure they are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the coated bread cubes and give them another toss to evenly distribute the cheese. Spread the seasoned bread cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake the bread cubes in the preheated oven, stirring them occasionally to promote even browning. Continue baking until they are golden and crisp, which should take about 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- ? cup of melted butter
- 1 ½ teaspoons of Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon of extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt
- 6 slices of sourdough bread, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 2 teaspoons of grated Parmesan cheese
Nutritional Values
Total Calories: 1008 | Total Fat: 64g | Saturated Fat: 48g | Cholesterol: 160mg | Sodium: 1952mg | Total Carbohydrate: 80g | Dietary Fiber: 0g | Total Sugars: 0g | Protein: 16g | Vitamin C: 0mg | Calcium: 160mg | Iron: N/A | Potassium: 256mg
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of bread instead of sourdough?
- Yes, you can substitute sourdough with other types of bread, such as French or whole wheat, but the flavor and texture might differ slightly.
- What can I use if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
- If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can create a similar blend using herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
- How can I make these croutons extra crispy?
- To make the croutons extra crispy, you might need to bake them for a longer duration, checking frequently to avoid burning. Some users found that doubling the baking time helped achieve the desired crunch.
- Is there an alternative to butter for this recipe?
- You can substitute butter with olive oil if you prefer or if you need a dairy-free option. The flavor will be slightly different, but they will still be delicious.
- Can I add other ingredients to the croutons for extra flavor?
- Absolutely! Feel free to experiment by adding garlic powder, onion powder, or your favorite herbs and spices to enhance the flavor.
Tips
- If you find that the croutons aren’t crunchy enough after the suggested baking time, consider extending the baking duration. Some users found that doubling the baking time helped achieve the desired crispiness.
- In case you’re short on butter, you can substitute some or all of it with extra-virgin olive oil. This adjustment still results in flavorful croutons.
- To make use of leftover bread, try different types of sourdough, such as garlic or olive and Parmesan, to add unique flavors to your croutons.
- Remember to stir the croutons occasionally while baking to ensure they are evenly browned and crispy all over.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet (if they don’t have one)
- Large Mixing Bowl (if they don’t have one suitable for tossing bread cubes with seasoning)
