Herb-Cheese Croutons
Herb-cheese croutons add a flavorful crunch to salads and soups, featuring garlic, Parmesan, and Italian spices for a savory, crispy topping perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice bread 3/8 inch thick.
- Combine olive oil, melted butter, and minced garlic. Toss with bread slices.
- Combine grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian spices, and red pepper.
- Sprinkle the spice mixture on the bread and toss to coat.
- Bake on a sheet at 400°F for 5 minutes.
- Turn the bread slices and bake for another 2 to 5 minutes until crispy.
- Cool and store in an air-tight container for up to 3 weeks.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter alternative, you can substitute half of the butter with additional olive oil. Using day-old bread sticks will enhance the texture, making them crispier. Feel free to experiment with different cheese, like cheddar or feta, to give a unique twist. Adding herbs like rosemary or thyme can also elevate the flavor profile. These croutons add great crunch to salads or soups, such as Diane'S Pasta Salad.
Serving Suggestions
These herb-cheese croutons are perfect for topping salads, soups, or even pasta dishes for added texture. They pair beautifully with Mediterranean recipes, enhancing flavors and providing a satisfying crunch. Serve them alongside a fresh garden salad or as a crunchy garnish for creamy soups for an added touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks. If they lose their crunch, reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes to restore their crispness. Avoid refrigerating them as moisture can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herb-Cheese Croutons contains roughly 434 calories, with 11g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 532mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
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 use different types of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! While small soft bread sticks work well, you can use any leftover bread, such as baguette or ciabatta. Just adjust the baking time accordingly, as different breads may require slightly different cooking times to achieve the desired crispiness.
How can I make these croutons spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the spice mixture. You can also experiment with other spices, such as smoked paprika, for a different flavor profile that complements the croutons.
Can I freeze croutons for later use?
Yes, you can freeze baked croutons! Allow them to cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use them, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to crisp them up again.
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).