Leslie Massey
Croutons are a versatile food that can be used to add texture to soups and salads, or even just as a snack on their own. They are simple to make at home, requiring just a few basic ingredients: bread, oil or butter, and seasonings of your choice. Homemade croutons are considered to be tastier than store-bought ones, and can be customised to your liking. They can be made in the oven or in an air fryer, and can even be grilled for a smoky flavour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Bread, olive oil, butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, parsley, oregano, red pepper, green pepper, basil, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese |
| Bread type | Any bread, preferably stale, crusty, or gluten-free |
| Bread preparation | Cut into uniform cubes or torn into small chunks |
| Oil preparation | Mixed with seasonings and drizzled over bread |
| Cooking method | Oven, air fryer, or grill |
| Oven temperature | 375°F to 400°F, or 135°C for a longer bake time |
| Cooking time | 10-20 minutes, or until golden brown |
| Cooling | Set aside to cool, then store in an airtight container |
| Use | Toppings for salads, soups, or dips |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right bread
Homemade croutons are incredibly versatile, and you can use any type of bread you have on hand, including gluten-free options. The key is to choose a bread that has a good flavour and a crusty texture.
For the best croutons, opt for a crusty loaf of bread with a great flavour. This could be a whole grain sourdough, French bread, rye bread, or even homemade cornbread. The type of bread you choose will depend on the unique flavours you want to complement your meal. If you're looking for a quick option, you can even use sandwich bread.
Ideally, you'll want to use bread that you can slice yourself into relatively thick slices, about 3/4-inch wide. This will allow you to make even cubes, ensuring that your croutons cook evenly. If you're using fresh bread, it's easier to gently tear it into pieces rather than slicing it.
Stale bread is perfect for making croutons, so don't worry if your bread is a day or two old. In fact, stale bread is a great way to make your croutons extra crispy. You can also cut off the crusts before making your croutons, and use the crusts to make breadcrumbs.
Whether you're grilling or baking your croutons, the key is to get them nice and crispy, so leftover bread is a great option. You can even use leftover bread rolls, similar to hot dog buns, for a quick and easy batch of croutons.
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Using stale bread
Croutons are a great way to use up stale bread. They can be made with any type of bread, including gluten-free, sandwich bread, or homemade cornbread. Ideally, the bread should be a day or two old, but any bread will do. For the best croutons, seek out a crusty loaf with great flavour, such as whole grain sourdough or French bread.
To make croutons, start by cutting the bread into cubes. The size of the cubes is up to you, but they should be uniform in size so that they cook evenly. If you prefer, you can remove the crusts first and use them to make breadcrumbs.
Next, drizzle the bread cubes with olive oil or melted butter. You can also add seasonings at this stage. Toss the bread cubes until they are evenly coated.
Spread the bread cubes out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at a low temperature for a longer period of time, such as 135 C for about 1 hour, or until the croutons are golden and dry. Alternatively, you can bake at a higher temperature, such as 375-400 F, for a shorter period of time, such as 15-20 minutes. If grilling, cook for a few minutes per side until char marks form.
Once the croutons are golden and crisp, remove them from the oven and let them cool. They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the freezer.
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Seasoning options
Homemade croutons are highly customisable, and you can season them according to your preferences. You can use any seasonings you like, and they can be made as plain or seasoned, soft or crispy as you wish.
A popular seasoning option is garlic, either in the form of garlic powder or fresh garlic cloves. You can also make garlic oil by heating garlic cloves in olive oil, which can then be drizzled over the cubed bread. Other seasonings include salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese.
You can also experiment with different herbs and spices, such as parsley, oregano, dill, chives, red pepper, green pepper, or basil. For a spicier option, you can try Cajun seasoning or blackening seasoning.
If you're feeling creative, you can even use a blend of spices and herbs, such as a Sicilian blend with onion, oregano, red pepper, green pepper, and basil. You can also try using different types of oil, such as pesto oil or Tuscan oil, to add more flavour to your croutons.
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Oven vs air fryer
Homemade croutons are easy to make and can be prepared in an oven or an air fryer. The oven method is traditional and preferred by many, but the air fryer method is gaining popularity as it is quicker and requires less maintenance.
Oven Method
To make croutons in an oven, preheat the oven to a temperature between 135°C and 375°F (350°F is the most commonly recommended temperature). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside. Cut the bread into cubes of your preferred size, ideally using day-old bread for extra crunch. Place the bread cubes in a large bowl and drizzle olive oil over them, tossing gently until they are evenly coated. You can also make garlic oil by heating smashed garlic cloves in olive oil for about a minute and then drizzling it over the bread cubes. Sprinkle your choice of seasonings such as salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or Parmesan cheese over the bread cubes and toss again to combine. Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and bake until golden brown and crispy, which usually takes between 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the cubes and your desired level of crispiness. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely before serving or storing.
Air Fryer Method
To make croutons in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) if your model requires preheating. Cut the bread into bite-sized cubes and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle olive oil or melted butter over the bread cubes and add seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss the bread cubes until they are evenly coated with the oil or butter and seasonings. Place the seasoned bread cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for a total of 6 to 7 minutes, shaking the basket or stirring the croutons halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep a close eye on them during the last minute, as they can quickly go from golden brown to over-browned. Once done, remove the croutons from the air fryer and spread them on a plate or baking sheet to cool completely.
Comparison
Both the oven and air fryer methods yield delicious, crispy croutons that are perfect for adding to soups, salads, or even enjoying as a snack on their own. The main difference lies in the preparation and cooking time. The oven method involves a longer preheating time and a slightly longer cooking time, ranging from 10 to 20 minutes, while the air fryer method is faster, with a total cooking time of 6 to 7 minutes. Additionally, the oven method may require more attention to ensure the croutons don't burn, whereas the air fryer method is considered more low-maintenance. Ultimately, the choice between the two methods depends on personal preference, the time available, and the desired level of crispiness.
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Storing croutons
Firstly, always let your croutons cool down before storing them. If you put warm croutons into a storage bag, the trapped steam will condense into moisture, and you'll be left with soggy croutons. Spread them out and let them cool completely before storing.
Next, choose an appropriate container. Airtight containers or heavy-duty storage bags are best. If storing homemade croutons, transfer them to the container or bag. For store-bought croutons, you can keep them in their original packaging, as long as it is sealed tightly.
When storing, try to remove as much air as possible from the container or bag. Air is the enemy of croutons, as it makes them turn soft and chewy. If using a bag, squeeze out the air before sealing. If using a container, ensure the lid is on tightly.
Room temperature storage is best for homemade croutons, and they will last for about a week. Store them in your pantry or on your kitchen counter. For store-bought croutons, check the package for guidance on how long they will last after opening.
Finally, if you have a large batch of croutons, consider freezing them. They will last up to 6 months in the freezer and can be reheated in the oven when needed. Simply spread the frozen croutons on a baking sheet and heat at 250 °F (121 °C) for about 5 minutes, or until crisp.
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