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These croutons are infused with fabulous garlic flavor, a touch of salty parmesan, crispy, and crunchy.
Are you looking for a delicious way to pizzazz up your salads? Do you hate wasting food? Do you like having special touches to take meals from everyday to extraordinary? How about saving money at the grocery store - are you all about that?
If the answer is yes to any of these questions, then you're going to LOVE these delightfully delicious, Garlicky Parmesan Croutons. They'll dress up your favorite salads, can be made ahead, freeze well and have the ability to reincarnate stale bread into something spectacular. They are also ridiculously inexpensive in comparison to commercial croutons.
Oh, and did I say they're delicious? Infused with fabulous garlic flavor, a touch of salty parmesan, crispy, crunchy, they're quite addictive on their own. Try sitting down next to a bowlful and eating just one or two... you'll see exactly what I mean!
Sometimes I serve these as a mouthwatering appetizer, beside a bowl of hummus or herbed olive oil. Guests can dip them, one at a time, savoring each tiny exploding-with-flavor bite after another...
P.S. You didn't think I'd end the week without teasing you just a bit, did you? Be sure to check back on Monday for our most favorite salad of the summer- Panazella w/ Fresh Corn, Avocado and Heirloom Tomatoes, a Café Sucré Farine twist on an Italian classic!
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Garlic Parmesan Croutons
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large clove minced garlic, or 2 small
- 6 cups crustless cubed day-old bread*, cut into ½-inch cubes
- sea salt, I like Maldon Sea Salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 6 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 325˚F.
- Place the garlic, butter and olive oil in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, remove bowl and stir. Return to microwave for another 30 seconds until butter is melted and garlic is fragrant. This may take another 10-20 seconds depending on your microwave.
- Add cubed bread to bowl with butter mixture. Toss gently to coat. Immediately add Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of sea salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Toss again to coat.
- Transfer bread mixture to a large baking sheet and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes then remove, and stir. The croutons on the outside will tend to brown quicker than those in the center. Return to oven, and bake for about 15 more minutes or until crisp and golden. Allow to cool completely, then store in an airtight container. Can be frozen for several weeks in an airtight container or ziplock back. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
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how convenient! they can be frozen!
Amanda
This is exactly what I'll do with my bread ends. Brilliant.
I love the look of your croutons and serving them to guests with some dips is a great idea. Now that salad looks amazing! xx
Coming over from Maureen's site to say hello. I love to make homemade croutons and your method looks great! I'm off to go "Like" you everywhere 🙂
Hello Chris, I was on vacations but now I;m back, looking forward to catch up on the posts I've lost. Hugs my friend, "see you" soon!
Always am looking for a better crouton, Chris, but never have thought to offer them as a nibble. Yesterday I joined a friend at our local Italian restaurant and ordered, guess what, Panzanella Salad. I would love to make the "ultimate" home-version so will be tuned in Monday for yours.
i also like that these are baked instead of frying them. Thank you!
These croutons looks quite awesome... Looks a little bit like my favorites!!!! Nest time, try adding smoked paprika, it's even better (if it's possible)!
We just had a dinner party and I have delicious bread leftover in Ziploc bag. I'm going to try making this tomorrow!
Cheesy garlicky croutons are the best one!
Oh yum Chris! Now I'm regretting throwing out the dead baguette earlier in the week!
Yum, I think I would eat those just by themselves! Great food photography:)
I've been tossing out our stale sourdough bread to the squirrels. All that's about to change!
I love your site. You even make old bread look fabulous. I wish I lived near you, but I guess this is the next best thing.
wow that looks gorgeous...bet it tasted the same too...beautiful clicks!! love croutons!!
Regards,
Manju
http://manjuseatingdelights.blogspot.com
Balvinder Ubi, you could definitely use any salt that you like in this recipe. The croutons will still be delicious!
Nothing beats homemade croutons! Pefectly done!
I love croutons and crusty breads.Maldon sea salt? Would it taste different if I use regular table salt?
You sold me on the croutons! They sound delish! I need to get some nice bread, eat a few slices and then make your garlicky croutons. I love that you can freeze them. I would never of thought of that! Have a great weekend!
I love croutons, I always make an extra large batch thinkign I can save them for easy soups alter, but thengo through them rather too quickly 😉
I love these already 🙂 Croutons are so great in salads and added to soups just before serving!
I love croutons:) Bookmarked this recipe!
Thanks by sharing!
I love croutons:) Bookmarked this recipe!
Thanks by sharing!
They really sound great! Love the idea of dipping them and that they can be frozen:@)
fabulous flavor!
What a perfect way to spice up summer salads! Love your bowls too.