Cheesy Herb Croutons Recipe
These homemade cheesy herb croutons add a delightful crunch to salads, soups, or even as a snack on their own. They’re easy to make, and you likely already have all the ingredients in your kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 4–6 slices of stale bread, cut into small cubes
- 2 large eggs
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- A handful of chopped parsley
- ½ cup (59 ml) milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ½ cup shredded cheese (e.g., a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
Instructions:
- Prep the Bread:
- Cut the stale bread into small cubes. For extra crunch, you can let the bread dry out a bit more by leaving it out or lightly toasting it.
- Whisk the Eggs:
- In a large bowl, beat the two eggs. Add the minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Whisk in the milk until fully combined.
- Coat the Bread:
- Add the bread cubes to the egg mixture and toss well to ensure the bread is evenly coated. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the bread to absorb the flavors.
- Toast the Croutons:
- Heat a large pan over medium heat and add the butter and vegetable oil. Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add the coated bread cubes, spreading them out in a single layer.
- Sauté the bread cubes for about 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Add the Cheese:
- Once the croutons are golden, sprinkle the shredded cheese over them in the pan. Cover the pan for a minute to allow the cheese to melt evenly over the croutons.
- Serve:
- Remove the croutons from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease.
- Serve immediately, or allow them to cool for later use. Enjoy them as a topping for salads, soups, or even pasta!
Tips:
- Stale bread works best, but you can use fresh bread if needed. Just note that it may not get as crispy.
- For extra flavor, add herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme.
- Store leftover croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze for up to three months.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: Approximately 150
Let me know if you’d like to tweak the recipe further!