Crispy, crunchy, savory Garlic Parmesan Croutons are just 4 ingredients and 20 minutes. They are a delicious topping for soups and salads and a perfect way to use up leftover rustic bread.
Ingredients
2TablespoonsGrated Parmesan Cheese
¼TeaspoonGarlic Powder
2CupsCubed BreadRustic Bread like Sour Dough, Italian, or French Bread
2TablespoonsOlive Oil
Optional Garnish:
Finely Chopped Parsley
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F/177°C and line a rimmed baking pan with parchment paper and set it aside.
Mix the parmesan cheese and the garlic powder in a small bowl and set aside.
Place the cubed bread in a large bowl. Using a teaspoon or small plastic bottle, drizzle the cubed bread with half of the olive oil. Turn the cubes with a large spoon and drizzle them with the remaining olive oil.
2 Cups Cubed Bread, 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
Sprinkle the cubes with the garlic cheese mixture. Using a large spoon turn and toss the bread cubes until they are evenly coated.
Spread and separate the cubes onto the prepared pan in a single layer.
Bake the croutons for 12 to 15 minutes or until they are golden brown. Stir them midway through baking to help brown them on all sides. Remove from the oven and use them immediately or cool and store them in a sealed container for up to 5 days. If desired, sprinkle them with a very small amount of finely chopped parsley.
Finely Chopped Parsley
Notes
My Top Tips♡ Keep a close eye on the croutons after they have baked for 8 minutes and have been turned to make sure they don't burn.♡ Start a zippered plastic "crouton bag" of leftover heels and bits of bread that you cut or tear into bite-sized pieces and store in the refrigerator or freezer. When you have enough you can make a batch of croutons.Make-Ahead and StorageYou can make croutons in advance of using them and store them in a sealed container for up to 5 days at room temperature. Ways to Use Garlic Parmesan Croutons
Salads - These croutons will elevate any salad, especially a Caesar and Green Goddess Salad.
Soups - Some soups are just better with a few added like potato, tomato, and vegetable.
Stews & Chili - You might not even realize that croutons go really well in stews made with chicken and a good hearty chili, but they do!
Casseroles - I love topping my casseroles with whole or crushed croutons and they are also delicious on mac and cheese.
Crushed - Simply use a food processor, rolling pin, or kitchen mallet to crush croutons into seasoned breadcrumbs as a coating or topping for baked chicken or fish.