Garlic butter croutons are one of the best additions to salads, soups, or even as a snack on their own. Their crispy texture and savory garlic flavor make them a perfect addition to whatever you are making!
Making Garlic Butter Croutons
Croutons are little pieces of bread often cut into cubes. The croutons can be seasoned or brushed with butter prior to baking. But they aren't done yet! Now it's time to bake them. Once they are done baking you can use them on salads, in soups or eat them as snacks.
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Ingredients
This is a simple recipe. You will need:
- Bread
- Butter
- Garlic salt
- Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Brush each side of the bread generously with melted butter, then slice bread into ½-1 inch slices. Arrange bread on baking sheet, then sprinkle with garlic salt and Italian seasoning.
- Bake bread at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes, then flip the bread and cook an additional 7-10 minutes or until bread is nicely browned. Remove from oven, allow croutons to cool.
Substitutions
This garlic butter croutons recipe can be easily adapted for any dietary needs or restrictions. Here are some simple substitutions you can make:
- Gluten free: If you are wanting to make your croutons gluten free, use gluten free bread.
- Dairy free/Vegan: Substitute plant based butter or dairy free butter in place of the butter.
Tips
Choosing the right bread for making your croutons comes down to a few simple tips:
- Stale Bread: Day-old or slightly stale bread works best as it absorbs the butter and flavors without becoming too soggy.
- Bread Types: French, Italian, and sourdough are excellent choices for their firm texture and flavor. If you are using gluten free bread, Schar has a nice sourdough taste and is one of my favorites to use.
Storing
Store your croutons in an airtight container at room temperature, homemade croutons can last up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months. Reheat croutons in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Variations
Why not try some of these fun variations?
- Herbs: Add dried or fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the garlic butter mixture for extra flavor.
- Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or Romano cheese over the croutons before baking for a cheesy twist.
- Spices: For a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the garlic butter mixture.
FAQ about making garlic butter croutons
Yes, you can use pre-sliced sandwich bread, but the texture may be softer. For best results, use a firmer bread like French or Italian.
Aside from salads and soups, use croutons as a topping for casseroles, a crunchy layer in baked dishes, or grind them up for breadcrumbs.
Ensure you don’t overbake them. They should be golden brown and crispy but not too hard. Allowing them to cool completely before storing helps maintain the right texture.
Garlic Butter Croutons
Equipment
- baking sheet
Ingredients
- 4 whole bread slices
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Generously brush both sides of the bread with melted butter, then slice it into ½ to 1-inch pieces.
- Arrange the bread slices on the prepared baking sheet, and sprinkle them with garlic salt and Italian seasoning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, then flip the bread slices and bake for an additional 7-10 minutes, or until the bread is nicely browned.
- Remove from the oven and break the bread into croutons, then allow the croutons to cool before serving.
Rich
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