Imagine transforming ordinary bread into a crunchy, golden treasure that will elevate your salads, soups, and snacking experience! These homemade garlic sourdough croutons are not just a side ingredient – they're a flavor-packed sensation that will make your taste buds dance with delight. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you'll create restaurant-quality croutons that are infinitely more delicious than anything you can buy in a store.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 4 cups sourdough bread, cubed
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Cut day-old sourdough bread into uniform 1/2-inch cubes, ensuring they are roughly the same size for consistent toasting.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together to create a flavorful coating.
- Add bread cubes to the seasoned oil mixture and gently toss, ensuring each cube is evenly coated with the garlic and herb mixture.
- Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded to allow proper air circulation.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even browning and crispy texture.
- Remove from oven when croutons are golden brown and crisp, with a crunchy exterior and slight garlic aroma.
- Allow croutons to cool completely on the baking sheet, where they will continue to crisp up.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, maintaining their crunchiness.
Tips
- Use day-old or slightly stale sourdough bread for the best texture and crispiness.
- Cut bread cubes as uniformly as possible to ensure even toasting.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet – give your croutons space to crisp up properly.
- Stir the croutons halfway through baking to promote even browning.
- Let croutons cool completely on the baking sheet to maximize their crunchiness.
- Experiment with different herbs and seasonings to customize your flavor profile.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain their crisp texture for up to 5 days.
- For extra flavor, try using infused olive oil or adding grated Parmesan cheese before baking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
