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Crispy homemade croutons made from day-old French or Italian bread, tossed in melted butter and fresh herbs, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect for salads, soups, or snacking.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cubed French or Italian bread (day-old is best)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh herb mix (parsley, thyme, chives, sage, rosemary, or your preference)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and place a rack in the middle of the oven.
  2. Line a 13 x 18-inch baking sheet with heavy-duty foil for easy cleanup.
  3. Spread the bread cubes evenly in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Drizzle melted butter over the bread cubes, then sprinkle with the fresh chopped herbs.
  5. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  6. Toss the bread cubes on the baking sheet so all pieces are evenly coated with butter, herbs, and seasoning, ensuring they remain in a single layer.
  7. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes, stirring or tossing once halfway through to ensure even browning on all sides.
  8. Once the croutons are golden brown and crisp, remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet.
  9. Store cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  10. To refresh frozen croutons, warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Using day-old bread improves crunch and absorbs butter better. If fresh bread is used, leave it uncovered on a counter for about an hour to dry out., Heavy-duty foil on the baking sheet helps reduce cleanup., Seasoning with fresh herbs adds a vibrant flavor, but herbs can be adjusted to your preference., Croutons can be stored at room temperature or frozen for longer storage., Nutrition info is estimated and may vary depending on specific ingredients and brands used.

  • Author: mapps6841@gmail.com
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Snack/Side
  • Cuisine: American (homemade style)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: Approximately 1/3 cup croutons
  • Calories: 80 calories per serving
  • Fat: 4 g per serving
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g per serving
  • Protein: 2 g per serving