How to Make Croutons from Sliced White Bread

The humble crouton may seem like a mere garnish, but anyone bitten into a perfectly crispy, flavorful crouton knows it’s anything but. Croutons can make or break a salad, soup, or even a humble bowl of tomato sauce. Today, we’ll dive deep into making croutons from sliced white bread. By the end of this guide, you’ll be a crouton-making expert.

The Importance of Quality Ingredients

Bread

The most crucial ingredient in making croutons is, unsurprisingly, bread. While it’s possible to make croutons from a variety of bread types, our focus here is on the universally available white bread. Opt for a good-quality loaf that doesn’t contain too many additives or preservatives. The flavor and texture of the bread will significantly impact the final product.

Oil

The type of oil you choose can affect the texture and taste of your croutons. Olive oil is a popular choice for its rich flavor, but you can also use neutral oils like canola or vegetable oil. Ensure your oil is fresh, as stale oil can make your croutons rancid.

Seasoning

Finally, your choice of herbs and spices will add the final touch to your croutons. Whether you want the traditional garlic, rosemary, and thyme mix or experiment with spices like cumin or paprika, make sure your seasonings are fresh and aromatic.

Tools You’ll Need

Large Mixing Bowl: For tossing the bread cubes with oil and seasoning.
Knife: To cut the bread into cubes.
Measuring Cup and Spoons: For accurate measurements of oil and seasonings.
Baking Sheet: Lay out the bread cubes for baking.
Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat: To prevent sticking.
Oven: Preheated to the right temperature.
Tongs or Spatula: For flipping the croutons during baking.

Preparing the Bread

Slice the Bread: Remove the crusts, then cut the bread into slices. Each slice should be about 3/4-inch to 1-inch thick.
Cube the Slices: Cut the slices into 3/4-inch to 1-inch cubes. Try to make the cubes as uniform as possible for baking.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is preheating, you can proceed with seasoning the bread cubes.

Seasoning the Bread Cubes

Pour Oil: In a large mixing bowl, pour approximately 1/4 cup of your chosen oil.
Add Seasonings: Add your chosen herbs and spices to the oil. For a standard mix, you can use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste.
Mix: Stir the oil and seasoning mix thoroughly.
Toss the Bread: Add the bread cubes to the mixing bowl and toss them until they are evenly coated with the oil and seasoning mix.

Baking the Croutons

Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This will prevent the croutons from sticking and make for easy cleanup.
Spread the Bread Cubes: Arrange the seasoned bread cubes on the baking sheet in a single layer. Ensure they are not touching, which will help them bake evenly.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 10 minutes, then use tongs or a spatula to flip the croutons. Continue baking for another 5-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Cooling and Storing

Cool: Once the croutons are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
Store: Once completely cooled, store your croutons in an airtight container. They can last up to two weeks if properly stored.

Bottom Line

Creating your croutons from sliced white bread is a simple yet rewarding culinary exercise. With just a few quality ingredients and a dash of creativity, you can make croutons that are worlds apart from the store-bought variety. Not only are homemade croutons cheaper, but they also allow you to customize the flavor and crunch level to suit your preference. So add that extra flair to your salads and soups with your perfect croutons.