Home Made Croutons

There honestly is nothing easier than homemade croutons.

"Who doesn’t love adding croutons into a salad or into soup or if you are like our family we often just pick at them as a snack. Once you start making them, store-bought croutons will be a thing of the past."

Any kind of bread can be used, although some are certainly better than others. Something that is thick and has not been previously sliced works best. No matter what bread you use its easier if it’s a little on the stale side but only because it takes less time to christen up and fresh bread tends to be too soft and squishy when you are cutting it!

Sourdough is fabulous and makes chewier croutons, and of course, you can’t beat a good old baguette if you want some rustic style croutons. If you have gluten-free bread, they too make tasty croutons that you may have been missing out on, or hearty grain bread adds that extra flavour with the seeds. Honestly, I have not found a loaf or even rolls that don’t work with this recipe.

Now if you know me when I'm in the kitchen, I’m not an “exact” measurements kind of cook and Simon my husband also tells me that I’m a messing cook, but as he loves my cooking so doesn’t complain about the state of the kitchen when he is eating!!!!

When I cut up my croutons, I like to have them on the larger side – “you can’t beat a good old crunchy crouton.”

Once cut up and placed in a bowl pour over Olive Oil – enough to lightly coat all the croutons. Add some flavour, it can be as simple as salt and pepper or get creative and toss in some fresh chopped or torn herbs (by cutting or tearing your opening up the oils and bringing out the flavour!) Fresh garlic or spoil yourself and add some grated parmesan cheese – or be a devil and add all of the above together to get a mix mash of flavour!! Want some spice? One of our favourites is smoked paprika and red chilli flakes. Honestly, the list is endless see what you have in the cupboard and be adventurous! As for measurements its honestly your choice and judgement.

Once you have tossed together with the bread, olive oil and seasoning place on a baking sheet and place into an oven at 300 degrees F for roughly 10-20 mins toss them halfway through cooking. I’m flexible with the cooking time as you may have small or larger sized croutons and time will vary so use your judgement and watch carefully as they can burn so quickly….and well that’s not good for anyone!!

Once removed from the oven let them cool and store in a jar or container for up to 3 months…….but I doubt they will last that long.

Enjoy x