Caesar Salad De Provence
Savory, herb‑laden croutons from a French loaf, bursting with garlic, basil, and Herbs de Provence, perfect for elevating a simple Caesar salad or serving as a fragrant appetizer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Cut the loaf of French bread lengthwise, then across into 1½‑inch strips, and cube each strip into 1½×1½‑inch cubes.
- Place the bread cubes onto a large cookie sheet or square cake pan.
- In a blender or food processor, combine melted butter, extra virgin olive oil, grated aged cheese, Herbs de Provence, peeled garlic cloves, and fresh basil; blend until smooth.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the bread cubes and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
- Remove from oven, use a spatula to toss the croutons again so they brown evenly.
- Continue baking until the edges of all croutons are browned, then remove from oven.
- Transfer the finished croutons to a brown paper bag and let them cool before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the butter mixture for extra depth of flavor. You can also substitute ciabatta for the French bread if you prefer a different texture. Adjust the amount of Herbs de Provence to suit your taste. If you're short on time, consider using store-bought croutons, but homemade croutons are always best and pair beautifully with Zucchini Silver Dollars.
Serving Suggestions
These croutons are fantastic tossed into a classic Caesar salad or as a crunchy topping for soups. They can also enhance dishes like Olive-Nut Dip or be enjoyed as a standalone snack. Pair them with a light vinaigrette for dipping or serve alongside Mediterranean recipes for a delightful meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, spread them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes, ensuring they regain their crispiness. Avoid refrigerating, as that can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Caesar Salad De Provence contains roughly 539 calories, with 5g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (67% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (24% of the Daily Value), and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make croutons ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the croutons in advance. Once baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about a week. Reheat them briefly in the oven to regain their crunch before serving.
What types of cheese work best for this recipe?
For this recipe, aged cheeses like Parmesan, Romano, or Asiago are ideal due to their robust flavors. You can experiment with different varieties or even combine them for a unique taste. Just ensure the cheese is grated well for even blending.
How do I know when the croutons are done baking?
The croutons are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the edges. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning, as oven times may vary. Tossing them halfway through helps ensure even browning.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).