ElfyHomemade Croutons are small cubes of bread that have been cut and then toasted or fried until they are crispy. They are often used as a topping for salads, soups, and stews.
They can be made from any type of bread, such as white, whole wheat, or sourdough bread, and can be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices to add flavor.
Croutons can be store-bought or homemade, and can be made by simply cutting bread into small cubes, tossing them with oil, salt, and seasonings, and then baking them in the oven until crispy.
They are a great way to add texture and flavor to dishes, and can also be used as a snack on their own.
| Prep time | Cook Time | Rest Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 min | 15 min | - | 20 min |
A Little History of Homemade Croutons
Croutons have a long history, dating back to ancient civilizations.
The ancient Egyptians and Romans are known to have made a form of croutons by seasoning and frying stale bread.
In the Middle Ages, European monks would use stale bread to make a form of croutons as well. Croutons as we know them today, small cubes of bread that have been toasted or fried, first appeared in cookbooks in the 18th and 19th century. The first recorded recipe for croutons was in 1824 in a French cookbook, where it was suggested to add them to soups and stews as a way to thicken the broth.
Croutons became popular in America in the early 20th century, with the advent of commercial bread and the rise of the Caesar salad.
Today, croutons can be found in a wide variety of flavors and seasonings, and are a common ingredient in salads, soups and stews. Croutons are also a great way to use stale bread, and many cooks and households make homemade croutons to avoid waste.
Ingredients
Instructions
Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
In a large bowl, toss bread cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using).
Spread the bread cubes out on a baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Remove from oven and let cool before using as a topping for salads, soups, or stews.
Enjoy, Good Appetite!
