Herbed Garlic Parmesan Croutons
These croutons are a much more delicious version made at home versus the ones in a box from the store. This is the perfect way to add flavor and crunch to any tossed salads!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil tips & tricks
- 5 large cloves garlic, pressed or finely minced
- 1 loaf French baguette see Recipe
- 3/4 cup Grana Padano or Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated and divided
- 1/4 tsp. ground thyme
- 1/4 tsp. dried basil
- 1/4 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 small pinch cayenne pepper
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste (I always use mixed peppercorns)
Directions
- In a small bowl, mix together olive oil and garlic; let it infuse for 4 to 5 hours at room temperature.
- Preheat oven to 300ºF.
- Cut a baguette in half, then half and then in cubes; place in a big bowl (*see footnote).
- Using a fine sieve, strain oil infusion over the bread cubes, pressing garlic with the back of a spoon.
- Toss very well with a spatula until the bread is completely coated.
- Mix ½ cup of cheese with thyme, oregano, basil, cayenne and black pepper; toss well.
- Place seasoned bread cubes on a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat or parchment paper in a single layer and transfer to the preheated oven; bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and toss them again; bake for another 15 minutes.
- Remove from the oven (they won’t be hard yet) and put them close together in the center of the baking sheet. Sprinkle on the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Return to the oven once again and bake until nice and crispy, about 13 to 15 minutes.
- Store them in a re-sealable plastic bag when they are completely cool.
Notes
Footnote: For better results, use a day-old baguette. To make your own, click on this link... French Baguettes