Herbed Croutons
Crispy, flavorful herbed croutons with Parmesan, perfect for salads or snacking, offering a savory blend of herbs and cheese that enhance any dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, basil, salt, and black pepper; set aside.
- Toss bread cubes in a large bowl with the cooking oil.
- Add the cheese-herb mixture to the bread cubes and toss thoroughly.
- Spread the coated bread cubes on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 225°F (about 107°C) for 45 minutes to an hour, turning occasionally, until light golden and crisp.
- Cool the croutons.
- Store in plastic bags with ties or in jars with tight lids.
- Will keep about one month.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding dried thyme or rosemary to the herb mixture. If you don't have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano makes a great substitute. Make sure to use stale bread for better texture; day-old bread works best. For a gluten-free version, opt for gluten-free bread. Adjust the amount of garlic powder based on your preference for garlic intensity.
Serving Suggestions
Herbed croutons are perfect for adding crunch to salads, soups, or even as a topping for Tortilla Pizzas. They complement creamy soups like tomato or butternut squash exceptionally well. Consider pairing them with a light vinaigrette salad for a delightful texture contrast or using them as a garnish for creamy dishes like Gravy Steak.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled croutons in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag to maintain their crispness. They can be kept at room temperature for up to one month. If you want to revive them, simply reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes to restore their crunchiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herbed Croutons contains roughly 146 calories, with 5g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (26% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1809mg per serving (79% 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 fresh herbs instead of dried herbs?
Yes, you can substitute fresh herbs for dried ones, but use three times the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. For instance, if the recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of dried oregano, use 6 tablespoons of fresh oregano. Just be sure to finely chop the fresh herbs before mixing them with the other ingredients.
What type of bread is best for croutons?
Stale or dry bread works best for making croutons as it holds up better during the cooking process. French bread, sourdough, or even whole grain bread can be used. Avoid soft sandwich bread, as it can become mushy. If your bread is fresh, you can cube it and leave it out overnight to dry out a bit before using.
How can I make croutons spicier?
To add some heat to your croutons, consider sprinkling in some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the herb mixture. Adjust the amount to your spice tolerance. You can also experiment with spicy oils, such as chili oil, for tossing the bread cubes before baking.
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).