| Makes | 3 cups |
| Preparation Time | 15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 15 minutes |
| Oven Temp | 130°C |
| Oven Setting | Fan Forced |
Basic Croutons
Croutons is a culinary term that comes from the French word that is a diminutive for crust, from the Latin root also meaning crust. Croutons refers to small, crisped pieces of bread that were sautéed or baked to remove moisture. Croutons are used as a garnish and sometimes to add seasoning to dishes as well.There are several dishes that are typically served with croutons. Soup is one of these. Salad is another. Croutons may also form an ingredient of a bread stuffing. Less usual are using croutons to garnish a dish of sautéed mushrooms and roast chicken served on a bed of croutons.
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oven or a pan.
- MIx the melted butter and oil if using, in a bowl.
- Add the variation ingredients.
- Cube the bread and add it to the bowl, stir gently to coat.
- Place bread on baking sheet in single layer.
- Bake, turning once during baking, until bread is golden on all sides, 10-15 minutes.
- Croutons can also be made in a frying pan if preferred, but be sure to stir throughout the cooking process. They will take less time in a pan.
- Let croutons cool.
- Store in airtight container.
Variations
- Garlic Croutons - add 2 cloves minced garlic to the butter/oil mixture.
- Herb Croutons - add 1 tsp dried oregano and 1 tsp dried thyme to the butter/oil mixture.
- Parmesan Croutons - add 2 Tbsp parmesan, ¼ tsp dried oregano, ¼ tsp celery salt and ¼ tsp garlic salt to the butter/oil mixture.
- Sourdough Croutons - use sourdough bread, instead of ciabata.
