Never buy croutons from the store again. A bag costs over a $1.00 and there is, maybe 3 slices of bread in the bag. Make your own. It doesn't take that much time and they will taste better too.
Basic Croutons
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic – finely minced
approx. 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning or 1 teaspoon
each basil and oregano
4 cups bread cut into cubes
Preheat the oven to 400F.
Place the butter, olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning in a microwave safe dish. Microwave on high for approximately 30 seconds, just long enough to melt the butter. Stir.
In a large bowl, toss the cubed bread with the melted butter and seasoning.
Spread the seasoned bread cubes on a baking sheet, in a single layer. Bake for 8 – 10 minutes until the bread is toasted. Your house will smell wonderful.
Store in an airtight container. This lasts for around 2 weeks in
a dark cupboard.
Tips: Use the ends of the bread that everyone skips over.
Don't like garlic? Don't use it. You can add salt and
pepper to this, or any type of dried spice you like.
You can use homemade croutons to top off a casserole. Place a couple of croutons on a vegetable that you are serving. Place on top of plain soup to make it special.
For a great housewarming gift, give a pretty salad bowl, tongs, a few bottles of dressing, or the instructions for Basic Salad Dressing , and a bag of Homemade Croutons wrapped with a pretty bow.
