How to make Homemade Croutons

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Learn How to make Homemade Croutons from Scratch. These delicious Jumbo Garlic and Herb Croutons are perfect for Stews, Soups, Chilli’s and Salads. Follow this quick and easy recipe for perfectly tasty Crunchy Croutons every time!

What’s so great about my Homemade Croutons?

Easy- All you need is a Knife, a chopping board, mixing bowl and baking tray. A basic bake that requires very little skill.

Quick– Chopping Board to Plate within 20 minutes! A fabulous last minute bake for topping stews and Salads.

Better than Shop Bought– I assure you, once you make my Homemade Croutons, you will never by dry shop bought ones again! Plus, mine are Jumbo! Not teeny as is so often the case with Supermarket Croutons.

Make ahead of time– Store for up to 7 days in and airtight container

Delicious– Obviously! Wonderful flavours combined with a satisfying crunch!

What are Croutons ?

A Crouton is essentially a piece of cubed stale bread that has been seasoned and re-baked. Traditionally tossed in oil or Butter then toasted or fried, the Crouton derived from the French word ‘croûton‘ a diminutive of ‘croûte‘ which means Crust has been around since Medieval times.

Croutons Origins

The Croutons Origins derive from France and a dish called “Panade,” a soup that contained chunks of bread soaked in milk or cream. The dish was credited with having restorative benefits, it was often consumed by weary travellers who sought to recover and regain energy, so they might have the strength to continue on their Journeys. By the 1400’s ‘Panade’ became more associated with stale bread soaked in water, wine, or broth and was flavoured with assorted spices. By the 17th century, the small cubes of bread then called “croute,” were primarily added to flavour stews.

New York fame!

It wasn’t until the 20th Century and a gentlemen named Oscar Tschirsky, a maître d’hôtel (Head waiter) whom worked at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, New York, had the idea of serving pieces of fried toast with salad dishes. During the Gilded age in New York, he is credited with the introduction and popularity of what would later evolve into cubed baked bread (Croutons) often associated as an accompaniment for Caesar Salads.

Affectionally known as ‘Oscar of the Waldorf’ Tschirsky later went on to be a Successful Cookbook Author and inventor of Eggs Benedict and the famous Waldorf Salad. Thank you Oscar!

How to make Homemade Croutons

Ingredients

• 4 Slices White Bread
• Olive Oil
• Garlic & Herb Seasoning
• Onion Salt
• Cracked Black Pepper

Instructions

Preheat the Oven to 190°c

• Cut the Bread into cubes
• Places the cubes into a large Mixing bowl
• Add to generous glugs of olive oil, then stir with a wooden spoon to coat the bread
• Season generously with Garlic and Herb Seasoning and stir
• Season with Onion salt and Pepper, Stir again
• Line a baking tray with baking paper, place the seasoned cubes on the tray
• Cook for 7 minutes on each side until golden brown

Which Bread to use for Croutons?

Technically, any bread will work. The original point of the Crouton if we go back to the Medieval age, was to make use of stale bread. a revival technique that served to prolong the life of the bread. I didn’t buy any bread specifically for this recipe I used whatever was in the house, which just happened to be white bread. But, you could also use, Brown, Wholemeal, Sourdough, French Baguettes, Ciabatta, anything goes! Does the bread have to be stale? -Ideally you want at least 1 day old bread, but fresh will work ok too.

Top tips for Making Homemade Croutons

• Try to make sure the cubes of bread are all similar in size. This is so they all cook evenly, and at the same time

• Coat well with Olive oil, for that delicious satisfying Crunch

• Season well and stir, make sure each cube has an equal share of flavour

• Turn over half way though, for a nice even bake

Substitutions

Tastes differ, which is why I love how adaptable this Crouton recipe is…

Bread- I went with White, but you can of course use whatever you have to hand

Olive Oil- Switch with melted Butter if you prefer

Seasoning- There are so many options! Try some Italian Herb mix, or even sprinkle with Cheese for a really naughty Crouton!

What to serve with Homemade Croutons

Dips– I sometimes love to eat these like I would Doritos! Pile a load on a plate and dip in Salsa, Sour Cream and Chive, Melted Cheese! Just Heaven!

Soups- Great with Vegetable soup, Tomato Soup, Chicken Soup

Stews- Particularly good with a Corned Beef Hash or Chicken/Beef Stew

Chilli Con Carne– I do love Chunky Croutons with a hot Chilli!

Salads– Caesar of Course! But any plant based salad would benefit from the texture and flavour of these homemade Croutons

Looking for more Quick Bakes?

Tools Used

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Mixing Bowl

Baking Tin

Wooden Spoon

Baking Paper

Did you make this recipe? If so, please leave a rating and comment below, I would love to know how you got on. Did you take a picture? Great! Tag me on Instagram, I love to share your creations on my stories.

OHG x