Easy Kitchen Hack to bake those deliciously addictive Croutons at home in under 15 minutes
One of the best ways to use bread is to make Croutons at home. Although I do make Croutons now regularly at home, i never made it as a snack, and in bulk way back in 2011 when I started baking seriously. And even kiddo used to take some croutons as a munch-on for her snack break at school.
Now, it surely shows me a way to use up those final slices of a bread loaf, which seem to be left unused every time we buy a loaf , all the while making a perfectly crunchy snack for those 4 pm types, when hunger (read temptation to indulge) strikes the tummy !
Also, pep up any soup – ESPECIALLY the Restaurant style Tomato Soup that the kids love – and it’s a great hit…
After the baked Onion Pakora, this is my 2nd best baked snack that I make often at home. Without much ado, lets get to the recipe now – Homemade Baked Croutons !
Tips and Tricks to make the BEST BAKED Croutons (in under 15 minutes):
- French loaf (a day old) works best, although I have made croutons with every conceivable bread available here – Sourdough, Sandwich, Brown bread, Oatbread, SEeded, Multigrain.
- The thickness of the croutons decide the bake time. Be sure not to overcrowd the baking pan
- If using Airfryer, it make take only 90% of the time indicated in the recipe
- Be sure to keep an eye on them, as they burn really quick.
- Use any seasonings you like including butter for the seasoning. Make sure to toss the oil / butter with the seasoning well.
- I have always avoided adding any extra salt, as the soup / salad these crotuons will have enough salt, plus the bread will also have salt.
Other healthy, homemade Baked snacks include :
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Baked Onion Pakora | Baked Vengaya Pakoda | Baked Pakoda
Baked Onion Pakora is a healthy and baked version of the popular deep fried Onion pakoras. A perfect tea-time snack.Â
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Baked Nippattu | Baked Spicy and savoury Cracker
Baked Nippattu is a healthy take on the popular deep fried Nippat – a savoury, crunchy snack from Karnataka cuisine. Often enjoyed as is or with a cuppa!
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 Prep time : 5 mins. Bake time : 10 minsÂ
Ingredients to make Herbed Baked Croutons:
- 8 Bread slices (I used White sandwich bread although French bread is recommended)
- 1 TBSP Olive Oil
- 1 TBSP Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 tsp Red Chilli Flakes
- 1/2 tsp White Pepper Powder (opt. but recommended)
- 1/4 tsp Salt – to taste (take care as the bread would also contain some)
How to make Herbed Baked Croutons:
- Using a serrated knife, cut the bread into small chunks. Do not trim the edges.
- In a large bowl,add the bread chunks, oil, seasoning, salt, pepper powder.
- Give it a nice mix. Rest for 3 mins
- Meanwhile Preheat the oven / Airfryer at 175C for 4 mins.
- Line a flat baking tray with foil (helps clean up) and spread the chunks evenly on the lined plate taking care not to overlap them.
- Bake for 10-11 mins till they crisp up.
- I checked at 11 minutes, and they were done.
- Cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container and serve with any soup or top on any salad for that crunch
How to make Croutons at home | Herbed Baked Croutons| Easy Kitchen Hacks
Easy Kitchen Hack to make those deliciously addictive Croutons at home
Equipment
- Oven (OTG) Sub with Airfryer with slightly varied bake time
- Knife and Cutting Board
- mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 8 Bread slices I used White sandwich bread although French bread is recommended
- 1 TBSP Olive Oil
- 1 TBSP Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 tsp Red Chilli Flakes
- 1/2 tsp White Pepper Powder opt. but recommended
- 1/4 tsp Salt – to taste take care as the bread would also contain some
Instructions
- Using a serrated knife, cut the bread into small chunks. Do not trim the edges.
- In a large bowl,add the bread chunks, oil, seasoning, salt, pepper powder.
- Give it a nice mix. Rest for 3 mins
- Meanwhile Preheat the oven / Airfryer at 175C for 4 mins.
- Line a flat baking tray with foil (helps clean up) and spread the chunks evenly on the lined plate taking care not to overlap them.
- Bake for 10-11 mins till they crisp up.
- I checked at 11 minutes, and they were done.
- Cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container and serve with any soup or top on any salad for that crunch
Notes
Tips and Tricks to make the BEST BAKED Croutons (in under 15 minutes):
- French loaf (a day old) works best, although I have made croutons with every conceivable bread available here – Sourdough, Sandwich, Brown bread, Oatbread, SEeded, Multigrain.Â
- The thickness of the croutons decide the bake time. Be sure not to overcrowd the baking pan
- If using Airfryer, it make take only 90% of the time indicated in the recipe
- Be sure to keep an eye on them, as they burn really quick.
- Use any seasonings you like including butter for the seasoning. Make sure to toss the oil / butter with the seasoning well.
- I have always avoided adding any extra salt, as the soup / salad these crotuons will have enough salt, plus the bread will also have salt.Â
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Wat a fabulous croutons, excellent and definitely useful for many of us.
Looks very crispy Kalyani. I too make them and store it in a bin as younger ones likes it very much. Thanks for linking it to the event.
awesome dear….luv it!
SYF&HWS – Cook With SPICES" Series – CARDAMOM (Dec 5th to Jan 5th)
Croutons look perfect Kalyani and glad your kiddo enjoyed it. Happy Holidays.
Vardhini
Event: Sinful Delights
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Look so good Kalyani!!!!
Perfect snack with a cup of coffee…
Looks very delicious and nice clicks.
-Lavanya
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Very nice..that was to be my post too..:)
Perfect croutons..
wow thats nice n healthy
Yummy ones.
good one kalyani ! sending warm cheers along !
Best way to use-up Bread!!!! Looks yummy!!!
looks very crisp…pictures looks too good!!
thanks for sending it to bake fest
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Crisp and yummy croutons. Good way to use up leftover bread.
Easy Breezy tip!
Cool. Thanks
Homemade croutons are the best. I never fry them as they become too oily. I sometimes enjoy baked croutons as a snack.
yes – as a snack or topping for soup / snack, baked croutons are great
Croutons truly add a delightful crunch to soups and salads, and the seasoning you’ve used takes them to the next level. I prefer making them in small batches to keep them fresh, especially since they’re so quick and easy to prepare.
Thank you,Neha.
This as fun to make and so much better han me wondering if I should fry and then regret it. Loved the crunch too.
yay!!
Looks crispy and the best to top soupd and salads. I love making everything at home and this recipe is a great one to make croutons at home ad saving money.