ADVERTISEMENT
Ingredients:
4 cups cubed stale bread (any type of bread works, but a crusty loaf like sourdough or baguette is ideal)
2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter for extra richness)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or a mix of Parmesan and cheddar for a cheesier flavor)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 clove garlic, minced for a fresh kick)
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1 to 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Make the bread: Cut the bread into bite-sized cubes, about 1 inch. If you don't have stale bread, you can toast fresh bread in the oven for 5-10 minutes to dry it out a bit.
Mix the seasoning: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil (or melted butter), Parmesan cheese, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Mix the bread cubes: Add the bread cubes to the bowl with the seasoning mixture and toss until all of the bread cubes are coated with the olive oil and cheese mixture.
Bake: Spread the bread cubes out on a baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, stirring the croutons halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Optional garnish: If using fresh parsley, sprinkle it over the warm croutons right after they come out of the oven for a pop of color and flavor.
Cool and enjoy: Let the croutons cool for a few minutes before using in salads, soups, or just for snacking!
Tips:
ADVERTISEMENT
