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Croutons are more than just a garnish; they are a delightful addition that elevates a range of dishes, from crisp salads to comforting soups. These small, crunchy bites add texture, flavor, and a satisfying crunch, making them a favorite in many kitchens. Among the myriad of crouton varieties, the Crunchy Garlic Butter Croutons stand out for their rich flavor profile and simplicity in preparation. With just a handful of ingredients, you can transform stale bread into a gourmet topping that enhances your meals.

Crunchy Garlic Butter Croutons

Elevate your meals with homemade Crunchy Garlic Butter Croutons! These flavorful bites not only enhance salads and soups but also make a delicious snack on their own. Made from day-old bread, garlic, butter, and dried herbs, they are easy to prepare and reduce food waste. Perfectly crispy and customizable, these croutons will add depth to your favorite dishes. Discover how to create this simple yet gourmet topping that will impress your family and friends.
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Ingredients
  

4 cups of day-old bread (French, Italian, or sourdough), cut into 1-inch cubes

1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 2 teaspoons fresh, chopped)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup.

    Prepare the Bread: Place the day-old bread cubes in a large bowl. If they’re not already stale, you can dry them out in the oven for about 10 minutes.

      Make the Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat and stir in the dried parsley, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese if using.

        Combine: Pour the garlic butter mixture over the bread cubes in the bowl. Toss gently until all the bread is evenly coated. You want a good amount of butter on each piece for that rich flavor.

          Spread on Baking Sheet: Transfer the coated bread cubes to the prepared baking sheet. Spread them out in a single layer to ensure even baking.

            Bake: Bake in your preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the croutons are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them as oven times can vary.

              Cool and Store: Once baked, remove the croutons from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                  15 minutes | 25 minutes | Makes about 4 cups of croutons