Ingredients and Weight:
- Bread (any type, preferably day-old bread): 1 slice per person, about 8 slices total
- Butter: 4 tablespoons
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Herbs of choice (such as oregano, basil, or rosemary): 1 tablespoon, chopped
- Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons
Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cube the bread into bite-sized pieces.
- In a small bowl, combine the butter, salt, and herbs. Microwave for 10 seconds to melt the butter.
- Pour the bread cubes onto a baking sheet and drizzle with the butter mixture. Toss to coat the bread cubes evenly.
- Spread the bread cubes out into a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the croutons are golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely before serving.
Nutritional Information:
(Based on estimated values)
- Calories: Approximately 200 calories per serving (assuming 8 croutons per serving)
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 4g
Dish Characteristics:
- Croutons are a great addition to any salad or soup, providing a crunchy and flavorful contrast to the main dish.
- The homemade version offers a fresh and unique flavor compared to store-bought croutons.
- This dish is easy to customize with different herbs and flavors, making it a great dish for experimentation.
User Comments:
- "These croutons are so crispy and flavorful! Great for my salad."
- "I love how easy it is to make my own croutons at home. They add a great crunch to my soup."
- "I added some garlic powder to mine and it gave them a delicious flavor."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Use day-old bread for best results as it will be more firm and less likely to fall apart during baking.
- Be careful not to overbake the croutons as they can easily become hard and bitter. Check them frequently during baking.
