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Croutons are the unsung heroes of the culinary world, effortlessly elevating salads, soups, and casseroles with their delightful crunch and rich flavor. Among the myriad of crouton recipes, the Crunchy Garlic Butter Croutons stand out for their aromatic infusion of garlic and the lusciousness of butter, making them a favorite among home cooks and food enthusiasts alike. This recipe is not only simple and quick to prepare, but it also allows you to transform stale bread into a gourmet delight that enhances any dish it accompanies.

Crunchy Garlic Butter Croutons

Discover the joy of homemade Crunchy Garlic Butter Croutons with this quick and easy recipe. Transform stale bread into delicious, crispy morsels infused with garlic and butter that enhance salads, soups, and casseroles. Say goodbye to store-bought options and embrace the freshness and versatility of your own croutons. Customize flavors with herbs and spices to suit your taste, and enjoy the satisfying crunch they bring to every meal. Happy cooking!

Ingredients
  

4 cups of bread (French baguette or sourdough, cut into 1-inch cubes)

1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)

4 cloves of garlic (minced)

2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs (or 1 tablespoon fresh herbs)

1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)

Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    Prepare the Bread: In a large mixing bowl, add the cubed bread. Ensure your bread is slightly stale, as this will yield crunchier croutons. If using fresh bread, you can toast it lightly to help dry it out.

      Make the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, dried herbs, salt, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese (if using). Mix until well combined.

        Coat the Bread: Pour the garlic butter mixture over the bread cubes. Use a spatula or your hands to toss the bread until all the cubes are evenly coated. Make sure each piece is well dressed with the garlicky goodness.

          Spread on Baking Sheet: Transfer the coated bread cubes to the prepared baking sheet, spreading them out in a single layer for even cooking.

            Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the croutons are golden brown and crispy. Stir halfway through to ensure uniform browning.

              Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the croutons from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Toss with additional chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm or store in an airtight container for later use.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 30 mins | 4-6 servings