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Why Bother Seasoning Your Own Croutons?
Control, pure and simple. When you mix your own seasonings, you dictate exactly what goes onto your bread cubes. You control the salt levels, avoiding the often excessive sodium found in commercial brands. You skip the weird anti-caking agents, artificial flavors, and preservatives. Plus, you get to use fresher, more vibrant herbs and spices, leading to a vastly superior taste. Think of it as upgrading from instant coffee to freshly ground beans – the difference is noticeable. It’s also a fantastic way to use up leftover herbs or spices languishing in your pantry. And let’s not forget the fun factor – experimenting with different flavor profiles is part of the joy of cooking!The Foundation: Bread and Oil
Before we dive into the seasonings, a quick word on the base. Almost any bread works, but slightly stale, sturdy bread is ideal. Think sourdough, French baguette, ciabatta, or even a good whole wheat loaf. Avoid super soft, enriched breads like sandwich loaves, as they can become too crumbly. Cut your bread into uniform cubes, roughly half-inch to one-inch works well. Consistency in size ensures even baking. For the oil, extra virgin olive oil is a classic choice for its flavor and health benefits. Avocado oil is another excellent, healthy option with a higher smoke point, good if you like to bake your croutons at a slightly higher temperature. A neutral oil like grapeseed can also work if you want the seasoning flavors to be the absolute star. You’ll generally need about 1-2 tablespoons of oil per 2-3 cups of bread cubes – just enough to lightly coat, not saturate.Classic Garlic and Herb Crouton Seasoning
This is the quintessential crouton flavor, and for good reason. It’s versatile, familiar, and always satisfying. It pairs beautifully with almost any salad or soup.Ingredients:
- 1-2 tsp Garlic Powder (or Granulated Garlic)
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1 tsp Dried Basil
- 1/2 tsp Dried Thyme
- 1/2 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 1-2 tbsp Olive Oil
- Approx. 3 cups Bread Cubes
Method:
In a large bowl, whisk together the garlic powder, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Drizzle in the olive oil and whisk again to combine. Add the bread cubes to the bowl. Use your hands or a large spoon to toss the cubes gently but thoroughly, ensuring they are evenly coated with the oil and seasoning mixture. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at around 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through. Pro Tip: If you love a potent garlic hit, you can use fresh minced garlic. However, fresh garlic burns easily. Toss the bread cubes with oil and herbs first, bake for about 5-7 minutes, then add the minced garlic and toss again before returning to the oven for the remaining time, watching carefully.Zesty Italian Crouton Seasoning
Bring a taste of Italy to your bowl! This seasoning blend adds a bit more complexity and warmth than the classic garlic and herb, making it perfect for Caesar salads, Panzanella, or scattered over a hearty minestrone soup.Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning Blend (look for one with oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, marjoram)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 1-2 tbsp Olive Oil
- Approx. 3 cups Bread Cubes
Method:
Combine all the dried seasonings (Italian blend, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes if using, salt, pepper) in your large bowl. Whisk in the olive oil. Add the bread cubes and toss well to coat evenly. Bake as described for the Classic Garlic and Herb version, until golden and crisp.Waste Not, Want Not! Making homemade croutons is an excellent way to use up bread that’s starting to go stale. Slightly dry bread actually absorbs the oil and seasoning better and crisps up beautifully in the oven. Don’t throw out that day-old baguette – turn it into delicious croutons!
Smoky Paprika Delight Seasoning
If you enjoy deeper, smokier flavors, this seasoning is for you. The smoked paprika lends a wonderful aroma and taste that complements roasted vegetable salads, creamy tomato soup, or even chili.Ingredients:
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Sweet Paprika (adds color and sweetness)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 1-2 tbsp Olive Oil or Avocado Oil
- Approx. 3 cups Bread Cubes
Method:
Whisk the paprikas, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper together in your bowl. Stir in the oil. Add the bread cubes and toss thoroughly. The paprika gives the croutons a lovely reddish hue. Bake until crisp, watching carefully as paprika can scorch if the heat is too high or they bake too long.‘Cheesy’ Vegan Delight Crouton Seasoning
Want that savory, umami, cheesy flavor without the dairy? Nutritional yeast is your secret weapon! It’s a deactivated yeast with a naturally cheesy, nutty taste, packed with B vitamins. These are fantastic on vegan Caesar salads or sprinkled over roasted broccoli.Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp Nutritional Yeast
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Dried Parsley
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 1-2 tbsp Olive Oil
- Approx. 3 cups Bread Cubes
Method:
Combine the nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper in the bowl. Whisk in the olive oil. Add the bread cubes and toss gently to coat. Nutritional yeast can sometimes clump slightly, so ensure good distribution. Bake as previously directed. The nutritional yeast creates a lovely golden crust. Non-Vegan Option: You could substitute 1-2 tablespoons of finely grated Parmesan cheese for the nutritional yeast, adding it during the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning.Everything Bagel Inspired Crouton Seasoning
Tap into the massively popular ‘everything bagel’ flavor profile! This seasoning adds not just flavor but also fantastic texture with the various seeds. It’s incredibly simple if you have a pre-made everything bagel blend.Ingredients:
- 1.5 – 2 tbsp Everything Bagel Seasoning (typically includes poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, coarse salt)
- 1-2 tbsp Olive Oil
- Approx. 3 cups Bread Cubes
Method:
This is perhaps the easiest one! Simply place your bread cubes in the bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to lightly coat. Sprinkle over the everything bagel seasoning and toss again until the seeds and spices are well distributed. Bake until golden and the seeds are lightly toasted (watch they don’t burn). These are amazing on just about any salad, especially those with avocado or smoked salmon.Tips for Crouton Seasoning Success
A few extra pointers can elevate your homemade crouton game:- Even Coating is Key: Take the time to toss the bread cubes thoroughly. You don’t want some pieces naked and others overloaded with seasoning and oil. Using your hands (clean, of course!) is often the best way to feel and ensure even distribution.
- Don’t Drown Them: Use just enough oil to help the seasonings adhere and to promote crisping. Too much oil will result in greasy, heavy croutons.
- Single Layer Baking: Spread the seasoned cubes in a single, even layer on your baking sheet. Overcrowding the pan will cause the croutons to steam rather than crisp up properly. Use two pans if necessary.
- Low and Slow vs. Hot and Fast: A moderate oven (around 375°F/190°C) usually yields the best results – crispy outside, slightly chewy inside. Lower temperatures (325°F/160°C) take longer but can result in more uniformly dry and crunchy croutons. Higher temps crisp faster but increase the risk of burning, especially with seasonings like garlic or paprika.
- Taste and Adjust: Before baking, you can taste a tiny corner of a seasoned (but uncooked) bread cube to check the salt level. It’s easier to add more salt than to take it away! Remember the flavor might concentrate slightly as they bake.
- Storing: Once completely cool, store your homemade croutons in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay crispy for several days, up to a week, though freshness is best within the first few days.
