Are you tired of bland, store-bought croutons that lack flavor and texture? Get ready to elevate your culinary game with these mouthwatering Sourdough Italian Croutons that promise to turn any ordinary salad into a gourmet experience! Imagine crispy, golden-brown bread cubes bursting with garlic and Italian herbs, creating the perfect crunchy topping that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups sourdough bread, cubed
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature will help achieve a nice golden-brown color on your croutons.
- Gather all your ingredients: 4 cups of cubed sourdough bread, 1/4 cup of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed sourdough bread with the olive oil. Ensure that all the bread cubes are evenly coated with the oil for optimal crispiness.
- Add the garlic powder and Italian seasoning to the bread and oil mixture. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Stir gently to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the bread cubes.
- Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Make sure they are not overcrowded, as this will help them crisp up nicely.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the croutons are golden brown and crispy. Be sure to stir them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
- Once done, remove the croutons from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. They will continue to harden as they cool.
- Serve the croutons warm or at room temperature, and enjoy them in salads, soups, or as a crunchy snack!
Tips
- Use day-old sourdough bread for the best texture and crispiness
- Ensure bread cubes are evenly coated with olive oil for uniform browning
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - give your croutons space to crisp up
- Stir the croutons halfway through baking to ensure even golden color
- Let croutons cool completely to achieve maximum crunchiness
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week to maintain freshness
- Experiment with different herb blends to customize your flavor profile
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
