Garlic Herb Croutons

Name: Garlic Herb Croutons
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups cubed day-old bread; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

🕒 Prep: 10 min

🔥 Cook: 20 min

🍽 Serves: 6

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If you've ever wondered how to elevate a simple salad or soup, these Garlic Herb Croutons are your answer. They're crispy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make at home, adding that perfect crunch and a burst of flavor to any dish.

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Ingredients for Garlic Herb Croutons

Bread is the heart of this recipe. Day-old bread is perfect as it holds up well to the oil and herbs, maintaining its structure during baking. I love using a rustic loaf or sourdough for extra depth of flavor.

Olive oil is what makes everything stick together. It also helps the bread crisp up beautifully in the oven.

Garlic brings a savory punch. Freshly minced is best for a robust flavor that permeates the croutons.

Dried thyme and oregano offer a lovely herbal aroma that complements the garlic without overpowering it.

Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning. They enhance the flavors without making the croutons too salty.

Tips & Tricks

Use a serrated knife to cube the bread; it cuts through crusty loaves more easily.
If you're a garlic lover, add an extra clove for more intensity.
Store cooled croutons in an airtight container to keep them crispy.

Serving Suggestions

These croutons are perfect on a classic Caesar salad, adding crunch and flavor. Try them on a creamy tomato soup for an irresistible texture contrast. They also make a great snack on their own!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?: Yes, fresh herbs can be used, but you'll need to increase the quantity to match the flavor intensity of dried herbs.
What if my croutons turn out too hard?: Try reducing the baking time slightly or lowering the oven temperature by 25°F.

Garlic Herb Croutons Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it's heating, let's get the flavor base ready. In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir so the garlic and herbs are evenly distributed in the oil.

Next, add the bread cubes to the bowl. Toss them gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece gets coated with the flavorful mixture. This is key for getting that even taste in each bite.

Now, spread the coated bread cubes out in a single layer on a baking sheet. You want them to have space to crisp up, so don't overcrowd the pan.

Bake in your preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes. Halfway through, give them a toss. This helps them brown evenly. You'll know they're ready when they're golden brown and crispy.

Once done, remove the croutons from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. This cooling step is crucial — it helps them firm up and get extra crunchy.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Transforms day-old bread into a delicious treat.
Simple to make with pantry staples.
Adds a gourmet touch to everyday meals.
Customizable to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

4 cups cubed day-old bread

1/4 cup olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.

3. Add the bread cubes to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the oil and herb mixture.

4. Spread the coated bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet.

5. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.

6. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before using or storing.

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