Homemade Croutons

I know what you are probably thinking. Homemade croutons. Big deal. Let me say that croutons are a big deal in my house. I only say this because when croutons are placed on our nightly salads, those little nuggets of joy entice my kids, enough to have them grab maybe a carrot along with the croutons, or God forbid some celery, or whatever other vegetables I have placed in the dinner salad.  Yes, I typically make a salad for every dinner, believe it or not.

As I have been one, like many, to purchase store bought croutons when I am in a pinch. Each time that happens, I cringe. For one all of the ingredients listed in order to make a crouton is ridiculous, and two, there is nothing like a fresh made crouton. With a couple of simple ingredients, you can make homemade croutons in no time. The beauty is that you can also make them any size, and pretty much season them up any way you would like.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of stale bread, cut into cubes
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• parchment paper

Start by preheating your oven to 300 degrees.

In the meantime, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. It’s not necessary, but it’s less fuss and cleanup later on.

Add your bread cubes to a large bowl.

Mix your oil and seasonings.

Drizzle the oil over the cubes, and begin mixing the bread, ensuring that all cubes get lightly coated with the oil and seasoning.

Add the bread cubes to the baking sheet.

Place in the oven, and cook for about 25-30 minutes. Half way through the cooking process, remove the tray, and lift up the edges of the parchment paper, allowing the cubes to mix and flip around which should allow for an even cooking process.

The finished breadcrumbs should be golden, and a bit crunchy. When finished, remove them and allow them to cool.

Eat one. Have another one. And one more.

You can store these in an airtight container for a couple of weeks, but let me just say, they won’t last that long.

So next time you are thinking of croutons, save yourself some money, and spend a bit of time making homemade croutons. You will never consider store bought croutons again. Enjoy.