This is one of those things that seems so simple and sensible, you wonder why everyone isn't doing it already. The taste, texture, and value of homemade croutons are fabulous. Maybe you just don't know how. So here's how to make croutons at home, with delicious results.
Basically, croutons are just toasted bread. The difference is that they are toasted longer, so that the interior of the bread dries out, giving a satisfying crunch throughout, not just on the surface.
However, if you like that crunch just on the outside, the good news is, you have full control when you make your own. You can leave them in the oven for less time, to get a softer, chewier finished product. Or keep them there longer, to get almost a tooth-shattering morsel. The choice is yours.
Simply use some leftover bread. I don't like bread heels, the slices you cut off at either end of a loaf. Normally I give them to friends, but since they have moved away, I'm stuck with them. I can either give them to the chickens, who would gladly devour them, or I can make croutons. Guess which I prefer?
Any bread is fine. You can use fresh bread or stale, whole grain or white, sweet or savory. In fact, for variation, try using sweet bread sometimes. It makes for a nice complement to a carrot soup, for example.
You don't even have to use bread slices. Any shape or size will work. Have some leftover rolls or buns? Use those.
Recipe: Homemade Croutons
2 slices bread, cubed (or a similar amount of rolls or buns,) about 3 cups
2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
salt to taste (optional)
I use a serrated knife to cut the bread into cubes. Place the bread cubes into a 9 by 13-inch baking pan. I prefer this to a cookie sheet, because the cubes stay inside when you mix them, but you can use a cookie sheet as well.
Add the olive oil. Mix well. Sprinkle on the garlic and onion powders. Mix well. Spread out evenly in the pan.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 to 15 minutes, until browned and hard. Stir halfway through.
Stick around while they are baking, because they can overcook very quickly.
Be sure to cool them completely before storing in an airtight container.
Now you know how to make homemade croutons. It's very straightforward and simple, and if you try it for yourself, you'll see how delicious they are. You will likely never buy pre-made again.
Want to know what to do with them?Basically, croutons are just toasted bread. The difference is that they are toasted longer, so that the interior of the bread dries out, giving a satisfying crunch throughout, not just on the surface.
However, if you like that crunch just on the outside, the good news is, you have full control when you make your own. You can leave them in the oven for less time, to get a softer, chewier finished product. Or keep them there longer, to get almost a tooth-shattering morsel. The choice is yours.
Simply use some leftover bread. I don't like bread heels, the slices you cut off at either end of a loaf. Normally I give them to friends, but since they have moved away, I'm stuck with them. I can either give them to the chickens, who would gladly devour them, or I can make croutons. Guess which I prefer?
Any bread is fine. You can use fresh bread or stale, whole grain or white, sweet or savory. In fact, for variation, try using sweet bread sometimes. It makes for a nice complement to a carrot soup, for example.
You don't even have to use bread slices. Any shape or size will work. Have some leftover rolls or buns? Use those.
Recipe: Homemade Croutons
2 slices bread, cubed (or a similar amount of rolls or buns,) about 3 cups
2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
salt to taste (optional)
I use a serrated knife to cut the bread into cubes. Place the bread cubes into a 9 by 13-inch baking pan. I prefer this to a cookie sheet, because the cubes stay inside when you mix them, but you can use a cookie sheet as well.
Add the olive oil. Mix well. Sprinkle on the garlic and onion powders. Mix well. Spread out evenly in the pan.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 to 15 minutes, until browned and hard. Stir halfway through.
Stick around while they are baking, because they can overcook very quickly.
Be sure to cool them completely before storing in an airtight container.
Now you know how to make homemade croutons. It's very straightforward and simple, and if you try it for yourself, you'll see how delicious they are. You will likely never buy pre-made again.
Find more tips for how to make homemade croutons at http://almostveganinparadise.wordpress.com/2010/10/19/homemade-croutons
No comments:
Post a Comment