Learn how to make croutons from scratch and save on this crunchy topping for soups, salads, and more. Reduce waste and use stale bread for this DIY recipe.
Croutons are tasty and crunchy - what more could you want from a delicious salad or soup topping? Or perhaps you need this tasty ingredient to elevate your stuffing?
When you learn how to make croutons from bread that is going stale, you reduce waste in your kitchen. And you save money! Croutons are pricy luxury items made from simple ingredients - so simple; you can do it yourself with whatever you have in your kitchen.
Are you ready to learn how to make croutons? Let's get started...
You can use bread leftovers or buy a flavorful loaf for your crouton recipe. Gluten-free bread, sourdough, seed loaves, or good old white bread will all work.
Slice and cube the bread. You can involve the kids and get them to tear the bread into pieces, too. Try and keep the pieces uniform in size, so they bake evenly. Add to a large bowl to combine with the rest of the ingredients.
Olive oil works best for croutons, but feel free to experiment with your favorite fat. Coconut oil, butter, or sesame oil will add a unique flavor to your dish. Drizzle oil over the croutons and toss them, so they're coated for extra crunch, but not drenched.
Here is where you can be creative with your crouton recipe. Peruse your spices, herb garden, or fridge for additions that can add extra punch to your croutons. Of course, you can also leave them simple in flavor so that your main dish remains the hero, accompanied by some crouton crunch.
Here are our favorite seasoning ideas:
Croutons can be oven baked or toasted in a shallow pan on the stovetop. It comes down to your personal preference and the amount of time you want to spend in the kitchen.
For both methods, keep a close eye on your croutons to ensure they don't burn. You want them toasty, lightly brown, and crispy - but not too dry.
Croutons are the tastiest when they're served fresh and warm, but if you've made a large batch, you can also store them. Place your croutons in an airtight container for a few days, or freeze them for a few weeks. Lightly fry your frozen croutons when you're ready to add them to your meal.
Living on a budget does not exclude you from having luxury kitchen items. Impress your family members with your kitchen skills by preserving chilis, creating tasty and cheap lunch options for the kids, whipping up a DIY hot sauce, and serving budget cocktails to your besties.
How do you eat like a king on a budget? Share your frugal feast ideas with us! For more savings, deals, and coupons, sign up for our Coupon Book Finder to access the best deals in your neighborhood.
