Croutons!
Every once in a while, Andy will ask me to make something specific for lunch. He's easy to please and generally leaves the menu to me but today he asked for croutons and salad. Notice, croutons came first in that request.
It's a funny how a few croutons can make a simple dish of salad or soup seem a little bit special. They are so easy to make and a great way to use up those bits of bread that are past their best. I think the heel ends make the best croutons.
So start heating the oven, it needs to be really hot 450F/225C, and I'll tell you how to have crunchy croutons ready before you can finish tossing the salad.
I like to cut 3/4 inch thick slices of bread, but if you have sliced bread that will do. Liberally butter the bread slices. I like to sprinkle over some garlic powder, but you can add a little grated cheese or just stick with salted butter.
Cut the bread into cubes and place them on a baking sheet lined with baking paper. Make sure the bread cubes are in a single layer so they crisp up nicely.
Bake the croutons for about 10 minutes, giving them a good shake or stir after five minutes to assure they brown evenly on all sides. Let the croutons cool a bit before adding them to salads, floating them on soup, or just munching them as a tasty treat. One more thing, make lots more than you think you will need...I promise you will be munching away on croutons before lunch makes it to the table!
It's a funny how a few croutons can make a simple dish of salad or soup seem a little bit special. They are so easy to make and a great way to use up those bits of bread that are past their best. I think the heel ends make the best croutons.
So start heating the oven, it needs to be really hot 450F/225C, and I'll tell you how to have crunchy croutons ready before you can finish tossing the salad.
I like to cut 3/4 inch thick slices of bread, but if you have sliced bread that will do. Liberally butter the bread slices. I like to sprinkle over some garlic powder, but you can add a little grated cheese or just stick with salted butter.
Cut the bread into cubes and place them on a baking sheet lined with baking paper. Make sure the bread cubes are in a single layer so they crisp up nicely.
Bake the croutons for about 10 minutes, giving them a good shake or stir after five minutes to assure they brown evenly on all sides. Let the croutons cool a bit before adding them to salads, floating them on soup, or just munching them as a tasty treat. One more thing, make lots more than you think you will need...I promise you will be munching away on croutons before lunch makes it to the table!
This is something I must make, my son loves croutons with soup, but I have been buying them (naughty me) will they keep in a storage jar do you think?
ReplyDeleteI think they should keep but we always eat as many as I can make. : D These are so much tastier than the ones you buy. I put the odd heel and crooked slice of bread in the freezer to use for croutons and bread crumbs. Nothing goes to waste.
DeleteOk thanks Deb, I try not to waste any bread I put bread crumbs in the freezer, I also do bread and butter pudding slice.
DeleteThe best advice is 'make more than you need' - I always eat them as I go along because they are so lovely!
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how many carrots and croutons I can eat while making a salad. ; D
DeleteYep I needed this one!! I eat salads everyday and was literally just thinking I need to get or make some croutons!!! HA...you read my mind!!! Happy weekend to you!!! Nicole xo
ReplyDeleteI am glad I could be of service! Happy weekend! : Dx
DeleteI make my own croutons too, but with garlic like you do, must be even better.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to have a choice, garlic or garlic-free. : D
DeleteMmm ! Croutons are delicious.
ReplyDelete