Extra-Crispy Homemade Garlic Croutons Recipe for Perfect Salads

Garlic croutons are like the fairy godmothers of the bread world, transforming ordinary salads into enchanting feasts. Imagine biting into a salad topped with these delightful morsels; they add an unexpected crunch and an irresistible garlicky aroma that dances around your kitchen like a well-rehearsed ballet. These Extra-Crispy Homemade Garlic Croutons are just what you need to elevate any dish from mundane to magical in minutes—for salads, soups, or a midnight snack straight from the bowl, of course.

Nothing compares to the satisfaction of making your own croutons at home. I remember the first time I made these little beauties. It was one of those rainy afternoons where the thought of takeout felt wrong, yet I wasn’t in the mood to whip up a five-course meal. I rummaged through my pantry and found some stale bread. I had no idea that this seemingly unremarkable ingredient would lead to something so heavenly. As the aroma of garlic and herbs filled my kitchen, I knew I was onto something special. Trust me, this recipe is about to become your go-to kitchen hack for instant flavor!

Ingredients for Extra-Crispy Homemade Garlic Croutons

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Extra-Crispy Homemade Garlic Croutons:

6 tablespoons (90ml) extra-virgin olive oil – This oil adds richness and helps the garlic infuse its flavor into the croutons, creating a delightful crunch.

200 g (7 ounces) crusty bread – Choose ciabatta, baguette, or sourdough for the perfect sturdy base; day-old bread works best!

5 medium cloves garlic (25 g), peeled and minced – Fresh garlic is essential for that punchy flavor that elevates your croutons into a crunchy garlic paradise.

1 tablespoon (5 g) finely chopped rosemary – This herb adds an earthy, aromatic touch that complements the garlic beautifully.

1 tablespoon (5 g) finely chopped thyme – Fresh thyme adds a subtle depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.

1/2 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt – Enhances the flavors of the bread and herbs; if using table salt, reduce by half.

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper – Provides a hint of spiciness to balance the richness of the oil and garlic.

How to Make Extra-Crispy Homemade Garlic Croutons

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Extra-Crispy Homemade Garlic Croutons:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Adjust your oven rack to the middle position and preheat to 350ºF (175ºC). A hot oven is essential for achieving that perfect golden-brown crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread
Add your cut-up crusty bread pieces to a large bowl. Make sure they are about 3/4 to 1 inch to get a good crunch on each piece.

Step 3: Infuse the Olive Oil
In a small saucepan, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and thyme. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until the garlic is just starting to turn golden, about three minutes. This step fills your kitchen with a glorious aroma that’s impossible to resist.

Step 4: Combine Oil and Bread
Immediately strain the infused oil over the bread pieces in the large bowl. Reserve the herb-garlic mixture for later. Toss the bread with the oil, salt, and pepper until all pieces are beautifully coated.

Step 5: Bake the Croutons
Transfer the crouton mixture to a rimmed baking sheet, spreading it out in a single layer. Bake for about 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to ensure even browning. Your kitchen will smell phenomenal at this point; don’t blame me if you start dancing!

Step 6: Toss with Remaining Garlic and Herbs
Remove the croutons from the oven and immediately transfer them to a large bowl. Add the reserved garlic and herb mixture to the croutons. Toss well to coat and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Let them cool completely at room temperature—if you can resist eating them all before that!

Now that you’ve made your Extra-Crispy Homemade Garlic Croutons, toss them onto salads, soups, or just enjoy them straight from the bowl. They are delightful little bites of flavor that will turn any meal into a celebration! Enjoy the crunch, savor the garlic goodness, and remember—homemade is always better!

Perfecting Extra-Crispy Homemade Garlic Croutons Cooking Process

Start by preparing the garlic oil while your oven preheats. Toss the bread with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then bake until golden brown. This sequence ensures your croutons are deliciously flavored and perfectly crispy every time.

Add Your Touch to Extra-Crispy Homemade Garlic Croutons

Feel free to swap out the bread for your favorites, like whole grain or gluten-free varieties. You can also experiment with different herbs like oregano or basil for a unique twist on these flavorful croutons.

Storing & Reheating Extra-Crispy Homemade Garlic Croutons

To maintain their crunch, store leftover croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to refresh them, a quick bake at 350ºF will restore their crispiness.

When I first made these croutons for a family gathering, their crunch and flavor blew everyone away. My cousin even tried to sneak some in her purse for later—a true testament to how addictive they are!

FAQs About Extra-Crispy Homemade Garlic Croutons

What are Extra-Crispy Homemade Garlic Croutons?

Extra-Crispy Homemade Garlic Croutons are small, crunchy pieces of bread, packed with bold and savory flavors from garlic and herbs. They are made by baking cubes of crusty bread tossed in fragrant garlic-infused olive oil. The result is a delightful topping that can elevate salads, soups, or even stand-alone snacks. These croutons are not only easy to prepare but also a fantastic way to use leftover bread. What’s more, you can customize them with various herbs and spices to suit your taste!

How do I achieve perfect crunch with Extra-Crispy Homemade Garlic Croutons?

To achieve a perfect crunch with Extra-Crispy Homemade Garlic Croutons, ensure that your bread is cut into even-sized cubes. The key is to toss the bread in warm garlic oil, allowing the intense flavors to penetrate each piece. Baking at a moderate temperature, stirring frequently, ensures even browning and prevents burning. Allowing the croutons to cool completely before storage helps maintain their crispiness, making them ideal for salads and soups.

Can I customize Extra-Crispy Homemade Garlic Croutons?

Absolutely! The beauty of Extra-Crispy Homemade Garlic Croutons lies in their versatility. You can substitute the herbs, trying basil, oregano, or even spicy red pepper flakes for a kick. Additionally, different types of bread like whole grain or rye can be used to personalize the flavor profile. Get creative with add-ins like Parmesan cheese or lemon zest to make your croutons a unique addition to your dishes!

How should I store Extra-Crispy Homemade Garlic Croutons?

To store Extra-Crispy Homemade Garlic Croutons, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This prevents moisture from making them soggy and keeps them crunchy. If they lose their crispness, a quick refresh in the oven at 350ºF for a few minutes will restore their delightful crunch. This way, you can enjoy your homemade croutons longer without compromise on texture or flavor.

Conclusion for Extra-Crispy Homemade Garlic Croutons

In conclusion, Extra-Crispy Homemade Garlic Croutons are an easy and delicious way to enhance your meals. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you can whip up a batch that is perfect for salads, soups, or snacking. Remember to experiment with different bread types and herbs to create your ideal crouton. These crunchy delights are sure to impress your family and friends, keeping them coming back for more!

Extra-Crispy Homemade Garlic Croutons

Delicious Extra-Crispy Homemade Garlic Croutons elevate any dish with a crunchy texture and savory flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Cooling Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 cups

Course: Salads

Cuisine: American

Calories: 327

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 90ml
• 200 g crusty bread cut into 3/4- to 1-inch pieces
• 5 cloves garlic peeled and minced
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped rosemary or other herbs as desired
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped thyme or other herbs as desired
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt for table salt, use half as much by volume
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Equipment

• oven
• large bowl
• small pan
• fine mesh strainer
• Rimmed baking sheet

Method

 

1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
2. Add bread to a large bowl. In a small saucepan, combine olive oil with garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until garlic just begins to turn golden, about 3 minutes. Immediately strain oil over the bread and reserve garlic and herb mixture.
3. Toss bread with oil, salt, and pepper to evenly coat. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet and spread into an even layer. Bake, stirring every 5 minutes, until golden brown and crisp, about 20 minutes.
4. Remove from oven. Transfer croutons to a large bowl and add reserved garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Toss to evenly coat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cool completely at room temperature before serving or storing, about 20 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 327kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 5gFat: 22g

Notes

Feel free to swap out the herbs and bread type for customization. Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them crunchy.

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