Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the joy of making sourdough croutons! There’s something so satisfying about taking a loaf of sourdough bread and transforming it into crispy, crunchy little bites of goodness. I love how versatile they are—perfect for jazzing up a simple salad or adding a delightful crunch to a cozy bowl of soup. I remember the first time I made them; I had some leftover sourdough languishing on the counter, and I thought, “Why not?” I tossed it with some olive oil and spices, and my kitchen was filled with the most amazing aroma. Trust me, once you try these homemade croutons, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again!
Ingredients for Sourdough Croutons
Making these delicious sourdough croutons is super easy, and you only need a few simple ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 cups sourdough bread, cubed (day-old is perfect!)
- 1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin works wonders)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for that savory kick)
- 1 teaspoon salt (don’t skip this for flavor!)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or more if you like it spicy!)
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (thyme or oregano are my favorites)
That’s it! Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to bring some crunch into your life!
How to Prepare Sourdough Croutons
Alright, let’s get those crunchy sourdough croutons going! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll love how easy it is to whip these up. Just follow along with these steps, and you’ll have a tasty batch in no time!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial because a hot oven will help those croutons achieve that perfect golden brown crunch. Trust me, the smell of baking croutons will make your kitchen feel like a cozy haven!
Combine Ingredients
Next, grab a large bowl and toss in those cubed sourdough pieces along with the olive oil. Now, here’s the key—add the garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and dried herbs. Use your hands (I prefer this for better mixing) to gently toss everything together until each piece of bread is evenly coated. You want to see that lovely sheen of oil on every cube; it makes all the difference!
Bake the Croutons
Now, spread the seasoned bread cubes out on a baking sheet in a single layer. This is important because overcrowding can lead to soggy croutons, and we definitely don’t want that! Bake them in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes. Make sure to turn them halfway through so they get that lovely crunch on all sides. Keep an eye on them; you want them golden, not burnt!
Cool and Serve
Once they’re golden brown and irresistible, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This cooling time helps them crisp up even more! After that, they’re ready to sprinkle on salads or toss into soups for that perfect crunch. Enjoy every bite of your homemade croutons!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to make with just a few ingredients!
- Offers a delightful crunch that elevates any dish.
- Full of flavor thanks to garlic and herbs.
- Perfect for using up leftover sourdough bread.
- Versatile for salads, soups, or snacking on their own.
Tips for Success with Sourdough Croutons
Want to take your sourdough croutons to the next level? Here are a few pro tips that’ll ensure you get the best results every time! First, using stale sourdough bread is key—it’s drier and will crisp up beautifully. If your bread is fresh, just leave it out for a few hours to dry out a bit. Don’t be shy with the seasonings; feel free to adjust them to your taste! Also, consider adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before baking for an extra savory twist. Finally, make sure they’re fully cooled before storing them to keep that crunch intact!
Nutritional Information for Sourdough Croutons
These homemade sourdough croutons are not just delicious but also provide some great nutritional benefits! Each serving, which is about 1/4 cup, contains approximately 120 calories. You’re looking at 9g of fat, with just 1g of saturated fat. Plus, they’re low in sugar and cholesterol-free! Keep in mind that these values are estimates, so feel free to adjust based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy that crunch guilt-free!
FAQ About Sourdough Croutons
Got questions about making and storing your delicious sourdough croutons? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I get, along with the answers you’ll need to keep your crouton game strong.
How do I store leftover croutons?
Storing leftover croutons is super easy! Just pop them into an airtight container once they’ve cooled completely. This will help keep them crunchy and fresh. You can store them at room temperature for up to a week—if they last that long!
Can I use different herbs for seasoning?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your herb choices. You can use rosemary, basil, or even Italian seasoning for a twist. Each herb brings its own unique flavor, so experiment to find your favorite combination!
How long do homemade croutons last?
When stored correctly in an airtight container, your homemade croutons will last about one week. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. Just remember to let them cool down completely before storing!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
For more information on the health benefits of sourdough bread, you can visit Healthline.
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Sourdough Croutons: 5 Steps to Crunchy Perfection
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crunchy and flavorful sourdough croutons perfect for salads and soups.
Ingredients
- 4 cups sourdough bread, cubed
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (thyme or oregano)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine cubed sourdough bread and olive oil.
- Add garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and dried herbs.
- Toss until the bread is evenly coated.
- Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste.
- Great for adding crunch to salads or soups.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: sourdough croutons, homemade croutons, salad toppings