Tiny Croutons Recipes

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.

TINY CROUTONS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut bread into 1/4-inch cubes. Toss with butter on a rimmed baking sheet. Toast in oven, tossing once, until pale golden, 9 to 10 minutes. Croutonscan be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days.

LONG-ROASTED EGGPLANT WITH GARLIC, LABNE, AND TINY CHILE CROUTONS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425°F.
• Using a small paring knife, make a few ½-inch slits into the cut side of each eggplant. (You can do this lengthwise, crosswise, or even diagonally. Knock yourself out with your decorative prowess!)
• Place the eggplant cut side up on a rimmed baking sheet and drizzle with ½ cup olive oil, distributing as evenly as possible. Season with salt and pepper and turn over so that the eggplant is cut side down.
• Place in the oven and roast, without moving or disturbing, until eggplant is completely tender, cooked through, and golden brown on the bottom (since the skin is already so dark, it can be hard to tell, but the skin will look shriveled and, when poked, the whole thing should feel tender, on the verge of collapse; you can also use a spatula to lift up the eggplant to check the underside for color), 40 to 45 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat the remaining ¼ cup olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and chile and cook, shaking the skillet occasionally, until the garlic and chile are frizzled and fragrant (but not yet browned), 1 or 2 minutes. Add the bread and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the bread is evenly toasted and golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
• Combine the labne, preserved lemon, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a small bowl; season with salt, pepper, and more lemon juice, if you like. Smear it onto the bottom of a large serving platter or in a shallow bowl.
• Once the eggplant is good and ready to go, use a fish spatula (or regular spatula) to lift up each eggplant half in one fell swoop, preserving its lovely golden underside. Place the eggplant, cut side up, on top of the seasoned labne. Scatter with the crispy croutons and herbs before serving.
• Do Ahead
• Eggplant can be roasted a few hours ahead, then kept loosely covered at room temperature (no need to reheat- it's excellent at room temperature). The labne can be seasoned a week ahead, covered tightly, and refrigerated. The croutons can be made 2 days ahead, kept covered tightly at room temperature.

TINY-DICE CAPONATA ON PARMESAN CROUTONS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. In a large skillet, over high heat, heat 3 tablespoons oil. Add the eggplant and cook, stirring, until well browned and soft, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to medium bowl. Wipe out the skillet, return to the heat and heat 1 tablespoon oil. Add the bell peppers and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and transfer to the bowl. Wipe out the skillet, return to the heat and add 1 tablespoon oil. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until browned and soft, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper and transfer to the bowl. Wipe out the skillet, return to the heat and add 1 tablespoon oil. Add the garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 45 seconds. Transfer to the bowl. Stir in the raisins and capers. Set the mixture aside.
• In a large bowl, toss the bread slices with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet, sprinkle with the cheese and bake until golden brown, about 3 minutes.
• Place a dollop of the eggplant mixture on each crouton, garnish with basil and serve.