Turn you unused bread slices into a delicious salad topper. Homemade garlic croutons are so delicious and so easy to make! These are best made with stale bread so no need to waste extra bread any longer.
Use your stale homemade bread
I always seem to have a few slices of bread leftover that just don't get used. There are the ends from each loaf that are just too small to make into a sandwich. Fresh homemade bread doesn't remain fresh for very long. After a couple of days, when it starts to get stale, I save any extra pieces for making croutons. I just throw all the pieces into a gallon freezer bag, put it in the freezer and just keep adding every time I have a piece or two.
When the bag is full, it's time to make croutons! I use slices from my White Whole Wheat Bread that I make regularly. However, you can use any type of bread: White sandwich bread, leftover focaccia, french bread, or an artisan style bread. I usually use the extra pieces, but you could use a fresh loaf just for making croutons. It's all up to you!
Croutons are dried cubes of bread that are flavored with herbs. Croutons are often eaten on a salad, sprinkled on a soup or crushed and used as a topping for a casserole.
These delicious salad toppers are very versatile. You can adjust the taste to fit your individual likes.
Steps to make
If making from frozen slices, remove bag from freezer and let sit for 30 min. The pieces will have softened, but will still be slightly frozen. The bread is easier to cut in the partially frozen state. Cut into small cube pieces. It's helpful to have the pieces be fairly even in size. My cubes are approximately one inch cubes. You can make slightly larger or smaller, depending on what you like.
Place the cubes in a roasting pan and place in the oven to dry. You do need to stir frequently so the ones on the top don't get too dry. I checked them every 10 minutes. Once they are dry you pour the delicious buttery mixture over the cubes and then you dry some more. At this point the smell of garlic, butter, and bread will have your mouth watering. You will continue stirring every 10 minutes. I have a really hard time resisting sampling every time I have to stir the croutons....quality control is what I keep saying!
Can I use different herbs?
You bet! Instead of parsley, you could add dried basil, dried thyme or fresh chives. You could also use a mixture of herbs, if you'd prefer.
How to use
Any green leaf salad is perfect for these croutons. I often use these when making Caesar Salad. These croutons would also be delicious sprinkled on tomato soup!
If you make these garlic croutons, I'd love to hear about it! Leave a comment below or tag a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop
Be certain to check out all my salad recipes!
Homemade Garlic Croutons
Ingredients
- 8 - 12 Cups Bread (Cubed)
- 1 Cup Butter
- 5 Cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 Tablespoons Parsley (Fresh or dried)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place bread cubes in a large roasting pan.8 - 12 Cups Bread
- Dry at a 350 oven. Stir bread every 10 minutes until almost completely dry.
- Meanwhile, melt butter in a sauce pan over low heat. Add garlic. Cook on very low heat for 3-5 minutes. You just want to warm the garlic and release the oils. You will be able to smell the garlic as it warms up. Set aside off heat.1 Cup Butter, 5 Cloves Garlic
- When bread is dry, pour butter mixture over dried bread.
- Add Parsley and salt and pepper.2 Tablespoons Parsley, Salt and Pepper to taste
- Stir and return to oven for 5 minutes.
- Stir again and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely. Store in an air tight container for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition
This post was originally posted in March of 2015. The recipe, photos and post have been updated.
Harshad says
Such a simple and tasty Croutons recipe, Kathy!
I enjoy making these easy to make recipes at home, as you get to play with different flavors and ingredients of your choice.
Stacey @ The Sugar Coated Cottage says
I could eat these like potato chips, cant have just one! These look so buttery and I can just imagine them dissolving in my mouth with each bite 🙂 . Take care.
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
Homemade croutons are thes BEST! I could legit eat them as they are for a snack and be quite happy 😉
Kathy says
Me too!:)
David @ Spiced says
What a great idea to save the ends of loaves of bread! I do love homemade croutons, but I've just used bread that I purposely staled for the purpose. This is a much better route. Homemade croutons can take an average salad to an award-winning salad in seconds! 🙂 Love this recipe, Kathy!
Kathy says
There are times I have to use fresh bread that I cut up just for croutons. Either way works fine.
Alix @A Hedgehog in the Kitchen says
These look so so good! We love making soups so it's always great to have a fabulous crouton recipe on hand. Thank you!
Kathy says
They are perfect sprinkled on soup.
Alexandra @ It's Not Complicated Recipes says
Garlic and bread are my two real loves! So I know I will adore this 😉
Kathy says
Mine too! I love just nibbling on these croutons all by themselves. 🙂
Kelly | Foodtasia says
Kathy, these croutons look so crunchy and delicious! They really make a salad special!
Kathy says
It's all about that delicious crunch!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
I really dislike store-bought croutons Kathy! Homemade are always the best. Can't wait to try your recipe.
Kathy says
I hope you give them a try!