Croutons – Top This

There’s a topping that makes just about any salad—or soup when it starts to cool off here in Atlanta—really delicious and that’s homemade croutons. They are so easy to make and enjoyed by everyone as soon as they come out of the oven. Start with a good artisan bread like a French baguette but I used a Tuscan roasted-garlic loaf last night that was delicious.

Croutons are the perfect topping for salads and soups.

Croutons

Ingredients

Bread cut into 1″ to 1 ½” squares

Olive oil

Kosher salt, a pinch or two

Options: Minced garlic and/or shredded Parmesan cheese.

Cut bread into one-inch bread slices and then cut further into 1″ to 1 ½” squares. Place the desired amount of cubes into a bowl and drizzle with olive oil and kosher salt. Depending on what type of croutons you desire, you can sprinkle with other ingredients like minced garlic and/or shredded Parmesan cheese. Set the oven to broil. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet and place in the oven on a medium rack and broil for about 10 minutes or until golden brown, turning after 5 minutes. Watch the croutons closely as not to burn. You might use the timer on 5 minute intervals just to remind you…I always do.