Favorite Croutons

Jim in Washington's Note:

After trial and error this composite of spices seem to suit most of my family members. Some want it spicy hot, some can't abide any spices. I wouldn't want any fewer spices than these few basic ones. The croutons should be watched closely while cooking as they will burn quickly.

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 10

Yield: 2.0 cups

• 3 tablespoons olive oil or 3 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves garlic
• 2 cups bread , cut to desired size. 1/4,½ inch or bigger
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon basil

Directions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 Degrees F.
2. Spread aluminum foil over a cookie sheet and set aside.
3. In a medium sized bowl, mix together the oil and spices.
4. Stir well to blend.
5. Add bread pieces and toss to coat well.
6. Spread bread pieces out in single layer on foil lined cookie sheet.
7. Drizzle any remaining oil over bread and place in oven.
8. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until lightly browned.
9. Turn once halfway through baking time to brown, evenly.
10. Watch closely to prevent burning.

Reviews

[Miss Annie]

Excellent recipe, Jim. This recipe has many possibilites, and soooo much better than a box of croutons that will break you teeth. I had 4 small hamburger buns in my freezer. I don't like frozen bread, but hated to throw them away, so I made this recipe with the best results! I made this recipe but the only change I made was to substitue Italian Herbs for the Basil (not in my pantry). Wow! Good Stuff! The garlic and oil worked their magic on the light, airy buns. Thanks, Jim for sharing your recipe. I will be using it again on those 2 bags of hot dog buns I have in my freezer.

[shimmerysummersun]

Made these for a luncheon for my godmother to go on a spinach salad and there were rave reviews! Her and her company enjoyed the slight garlic flavor of these croutons. I, of course, had to try one and I thought they were delicious as well! Thanks for posting!

[Marsha D.]

I love homemade croutons! I used 2 Kaiser hamburger buns and diced them up and added some greek all purpose seasoning along with the ingredients in this recipe. The croutons were YUMMY on my salad :) Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!