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Homemade Croutons

You can make these croutons two easy ways—in the oven or on the stovetop. And both ways will be delicious!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Breads, Pantry Staples
Cuisine: Americana
Servings: 8 servings

Equipment

  • Rimmed baking sheet

Ingredients

  • 4 cups Cubed day-old bread
  • 1/4 cup Fat or oil of choice that has a smoke point of 350°F or higher, such as lard, butter, ghee, olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon Fine ground sea salt
  • 1/2 - 1 teaspoon Various seasonings, optional For example, dried herbs, spices, garlic powder, etc.

Instructions

For the Oven Method

  • Place bread cubes in a bowl and toss in oil or melted fat (that has been allowed to cool) with salt and seasoning (if using).
  • Spread bread cubes on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet, and place the sheet on the middle rack of a pre-heated 350°F oven.
  • After 7-8 minutes, open the oven and remove the baking sheet to a heat-proof surface.
  • Toss bread cubes using a spatula, and redistribute them evenly on the baking sheet.
  • Return bread cubes on the baking sheet into oven, and continue to bake for the remaining time for a total of 15 minutes.
  • Check bread cubes at 15 minutes. If they are a golden brown, remove them from the oven. If they are not quite a golden brown yet, allow them to bake for another minute or two until the desired color is obtained.
  • Allow croutons to cool before storing them in an airtight container in the pantry or the refrigerator. Croutons will stay fresh in the pantry or the refrigerator for approximately 2 weeks or up to 2-3 months in the freezer.

For the Stovetop

  • Place fat or oil into a large frying pan and set to medium heat. Once the oil begins to warm, test the temperature with one bread cube. If the bread cube starts to sizzle, add all the bread cubes into a frying pan. Be careful not to crowd the bread cubes. If you are using a medium-sized frying pan, you will need to do this in two batches.
  • Toss bread cubes in the frying pan so that all the cubes are coated in the melted fat or oil. Continue to toss bread cubes until they are a golden brown. While the bread cubes are still in the frying pan, sprinkle with salt and seasoning (if using).
  • Once the bread cubes have reached the desired color, remove them from the frying pan onto a cooling rack or paper towel-lined plate to allow to drain.
  • Allow croutons to cool before storing in an airtight container in the pantry or the refrigerator. Croutons will stay fresh in the pantry or the refrigerator for approximately 2 weeks or up to 2-3 months in the freezer.

Video

Notes

Find this recipe and video at https://marysnest.com/easy-homemade-croutons/
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