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To make these tasty garlic Parmesan croutons, gather the following ingredients: - 4 cups of day-old bread (baguette or sourdough), diced into cubes - 1/3 cup olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Using the right bread is key to great croutons. I suggest using baguette or sourdough for the best flavor and texture. These breads have a nice crust and chewy inside. Day-old bread works best because it is drier. This dryness helps the croutons become crispy in the oven. If you use fresh bread, it may not get as crunchy. Feel free to change up the flavors! Try adding a pinch of cayenne for heat or a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky touch. You can also mix in some herbs like rosemary or thyme. Fresh parsley adds a nice pop of color and flavor, too. Get creative and make these croutons your own! You can check the Full Recipe for more ideas. To start, gather your ingredients. You need day-old bread, olive oil, garlic, and cheese. I like to use a baguette or sourdough for the best taste. Cut the bread into small cubes, about one inch in size. This makes them easy to bake and eat. In a big bowl, mix the bread cubes with olive oil. Make sure each piece is coated well. Next, add the minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried herbs. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Toss the mixture, so every cube gets a nice flavor. This step is key for that tasty crunch! Once your bread is mixed, spread the cubes on a baking sheet. Use parchment paper to keep them from sticking. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the croutons for about 15 to 20 minutes. They should turn golden brown and crispy. Halfway through baking, give them a toss. This helps them cook evenly. For the crispiest croutons, watch the baking time closely. Each oven may vary a bit. If they look light brown, they are likely done. You can also try using a convection setting if you have one. This helps circulate the heat and crisp them up even more. After baking, let them cool for a few minutes. This step makes them extra crunchy. You can sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color too. Enjoy these croutons as a snack or a topping! You can find the full recipe above for all the details. When picking olive oil, look for extra virgin. This type has the best flavor. A good olive oil enhances your croutons. Check for a fruity or peppery taste. Freshness matters too, so check the harvest date on the bottle. One common mistake is using fresh bread. Day-old bread works best. Fresh bread can become too soft and chewy. Another mistake is not mixing well. Make sure every bread cube gets olive oil and seasonings. Also, don't skip tossing halfway through baking. This step ensures even crispiness. Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme work well. You can also try adding garlic powder for extra flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick. For a twist, use rosemary or dill. These herbs give your croutons a unique taste. Check the full recipe for more ideas! {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese in your croutons. Try using cheddar for a sharp taste. Feta adds a salty, tangy twist. If you like a creamier crouton, use mozzarella. Each cheese brings its own flair to your dish. Don't be afraid to experiment! Seasonings can change the whole vibe of your croutons. Add a pinch of cayenne for heat. Smoked paprika gives a nice depth of flavor. You can even toss in some ranch seasoning for a fun twist. Try mixing garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor. The options are endless! If you need gluten-free croutons, use gluten-free bread. Just check the label to make sure it fits. For a vegan version, skip the cheese. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without dairy. You still get that tasty crunch with these easy swaps. I love making croutons at home, and proper storage is key. Once your garlic Parmesan croutons cool, place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and crunchy for up to a week. Avoid storing them in the fridge; the moisture can make them soft. To maintain that perfect crunch, always store croutons at room temperature. Keep them away from sunlight and heat. You can also layer them with paper towels in the container. This absorbs any extra moisture and helps keep them crisp. If you want to save some for later, freezing works great. Just let the croutons cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to use, bake them at 375°F for about 5-10 minutes to refresh their crunch. For the full recipe, check the complete Garlic Parmesan Croutons recipe section. Homemade croutons last about one week when stored properly. Keep them in a sealed bag or container. They stay fresh at room temperature. If you notice any signs of moisture, toss them out. Yes! You can make croutons in an air fryer. Simply toss your bread cubes with oil and seasonings. Place them in the air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F for about 5-8 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through for even cooking. Garlic Parmesan croutons are great on salads and soups. They add crunch to Caesar salad. Try them on tomato soup for a tasty twist. You can also use them as a topping on baked dishes. You can find pre-made garlic Parmesan croutons at most grocery stores. Look in the salad or bread aisle. Many brands offer various flavors. Check the labels for quality ingredients. To make croutons crispy again, preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread croutons on a baking sheet. Bake for about 5-10 minutes. Check often to avoid burning. This method revives their crunchiness and flavor. For the full recipe, visit the complete Garlic Parmesan Croutons recipe section. To make these croutons, you need just a few simple ingredients: - 4 cups of day-old bread (baguette or sourdough), diced into cubes - 1/3 cup olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish These croutons are easy to make. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, mix the diced bread with the olive oil. Make sure each cube gets coated. Then, add the minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Toss it all together well. Next, spread the mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes. Toss the croutons halfway through baking for even browning. They should turn golden brown and crispy. Once done, let them cool for a few minutes. You can garnish with fresh parsley if you like. One serving of these croutons (about 1/4 cup) contains roughly: - Calories: 120 - Protein: 4g - Fat: 8g - Carbohydrates: 10g - Fiber: 1g These croutons provide a good mix of flavor and crunch without too many calories. They make a perfect addition to salads or soups. You can use these croutons in many ways. They shine as a topping for salads, adding a nice crunch. Try them in soups, like tomato or minestrone, to enhance the texture. You can also mix them into casseroles for extra flavor. Serve them in a small bowl as a snack, and watch them disappear! For extra fun, pair them with a creamy dip. For the full recipe, you can refer to the earlier section. Enjoy your croutons! You now have all the tools to make great garlic Parmesan croutons. We covered the ingredients you need, the best bread types, and how to customize them. You learned the step-by-step process for perfect texture and crispiness. Also, we shared tips to avoid common mistakes and enhance flavor. Remember to store your croutons correctly to keep them fresh. With this knowledge, your croutons can elevate any dish. Enjoy your tasty creations!

Garlic Parmesan Croutons

Elevate your meals with homemade Garlic Parmesan Croutons! This simple recipe transforms day-old bread into crunchy, flavorful bites infused with garlic and Parmesan. Perfect for salads or soups, these croutons are easy to make in just 30 minutes. Discover how to create this delicious addition to your dishes. Click through for the full recipe and impress your family and friends at your next dinner!
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Ingredients
  

4 cups of day-old bread (baguette or sourdough), diced into cubes

1/3 cup olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced bread cubes with the olive oil, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.

      Add the minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the bread cubes are evenly coated with the mixture.

        Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

          Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the croutons are golden brown and crispy. Be sure to toss the croutons halfway through for even browning.

            Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. If desired, sprinkle with fresh parsley for added color and flavor.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6 servings

                - Presentation Tips: Serve croutons in a small bowl as a crunchy topping for salads or soups.