Croutons Toasted French Bread Slices Recipes

FRENCH BREAD CROUTONS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degree. Make sure oven rack is in the middle or top position in oven so that croutons do not burn.
• Cut bread into 1/2" cubes. In a clean, dry plastic grocery bag place the bread cubes, oil, garlic powder, onion powder and Italian seasoning, if using.
• Tie bag in loose knot; shake bag to distribute ingredients well. Arrange the bread cubes singly on an aluminum baking sheet.
• Bake the cubes for approximately 12 minutes or until golden brown. Turn the baking sheet and stir the bread cubes after 6 minutes so that they bake evenly.
• Once the croutons are browned, stir them one more time, turn off the oven but leave the baking sheet with croutons in the oven.
• Keep croutons in oven until they are at room temperature then transfer to airtight container.
• Other herb choices: lemon pepper, dillweed, Cavender's Greek seasoning, etc.

CROUTONS (TOASTED FRENCH BREAD SLICES)

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
• Rub the crust of the bread all over and generously with the garlic clove. Cut the bread crosswise into 28 slices of equal width. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet. Brush each slice with butter.
• Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake six minutes or until the slices are nicely toasted.

PLAIN TOASTED CROUTONS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove the crusts from the bread and slice into 1/2-inch strips and then the strips into 1/2-inch cubes, to make 4 cups. Spread the cubes in a single layer on a cookie sheet and set in the oven for about 10 minutes, turning once or twice, until lightly toasted on all sides. Spread the cubes on a tray to cool before using or freezing.

TORN CROUTONS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 400 degrees. For more teeth-friendly croutons, remove the crusts from the bread, then cut the loaf into inch-thick slices. Cut each slice into inch-wide strips. Working over a large bowl, tear each strip into inch-size pieces. Alternatively, you can tear croutons directly off the loaf, as long as you get somewhat evenly sized pieces.
• Toss croutons with olive oil to coat them evenly, then spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Use a second sheet as needed to prevent crowding, which will entrap steam and keep the croutons from browning.
• Toast croutons for about 18 to 22 minutes, checking them after 8 minutes. Rotate the pans, switch their oven positions, and use a metal spatula to turn and rotate the croutons so that they brown evenly. Once they begin to brown, check them every few minutes, continuing to turn and rotate. Some croutons might be done when others still need a few more minutes of baking, so remove them from the tray and let the rest finish cooking. Bake the croutons until they're golden brown and crunchy on the outside, with just a tiny bit of chew on the inside.
• Taste a crouton and adjust the seasoning with a light sprinkling of salt if needed. Let croutons cool in a single layer on the baking sheet. Use immediately or keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To refresh stale croutons, bake for 3 to 4 minutes at 400 degrees.

CROUTONS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Remove crusts from stale bread slices. Brush bread on both sides with melted butter. Cut bread slices up into small cubes. Sprinkle with garlic salt (if desired). Arrange cubes on an ungreased cookie sheet.
• Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 15 minutes or until browned. Let cool. Store croutons in a covered container or plastic bag. Serve in soups or salads.