How to Make Croutons from Day Old Bread?

CROUTONS FROM DAY OLD BREAD – HOW TO MAKE?

I love bread: Reading bread recipes, baking it, eating it, selling it and everything in between. So, it seems that I always have leftover bread laying about on the kitchen counter. So in this post, I present a solution – Croutons from Day Old Bread – How to make them? Read on to find out Bread Bakers!

Step 1: Portion the Day Old Bread

First, cut day old bread into bite size pieces about 1″ x 1″ (20 cm x 20 cm).

Step 2: Mix the Spice Blend to Season Day Old Bread

Second, mix up a spice blend to your liking. I prefer an Italian Spice Blend, which provides delicious flavor and spices up a salad or soup. Here is my spice blend recipe:

• ITALIAN HERB SPICE BLEND:
• INGREDIENTS:
  • 1 Tbs Parsley
  • 1 Tbs Basil
  • 1 Tbs Garlic
  • 2 tsp Oregano
  • 1 tsp Marjoram
  • 1 tsp Crushed Thyme
  • 1 tsp Chopped Rosemary
  • 1/2 tsp Sage
  • 1/2 tsp Crushed or Ground Red Pepper (optional if you do not want spice)
• INSTRUCTIONS:
  • Mix all the dried herbs and spices together in a bowl.
  • Transfer to a container with a tight fitting lid.
  • Store in a cool, dry area. 
  • Use to season your favorite dishes.

Step 3: Generously Oil the Day Old Bread

Third, place the cut up day old bread into a large bowl. Spray/Drizzle generously with a flavorful extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). If you don’t have EVOO, use any oil you have on hand (canola, avocado, corn, etc.).

Step 4: Sprinkle the Day Old Bread with Spices

Fourth, sprinkle the spices over the well oiled bread pieces. Sprinkle liberally with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir together until all pieces are well coated in oil and spices.

Step 5: Spread Spiced Day Old Bread onto a Sheet Pan

Fifth, spread the seasoned day old bread pieces in a single layer on a large sheet pan.

Step 6: Bake the Day Old Bread Until Golden

Lastly, preheat oven to 350F degrees (175C degrees). Then, bake croutons 10 minutes. Next, using a spatula, stir the croutons. Finally, bake for 10 more minutes or until evenly browned and no longer soft. Always watch carefully, as the croutons can burn easily.

Helpful Hints for Making Croutons from Day Old Bread

What Bread Should I use? Any bread works well with this recipe, that’s why it is a perfect solution to use up day old bread. My personal favorite is this Potato Bread or Italian Herb Bread.

How Long Should I Bake them For? Depending on the bread consistency and the size of the croutons, you may need to adjust baking time accordingly – longer for dense breads/large croutons and shorter for less dense bread/smaller croutons. Only bake until they are golden brown and dried out.

How Do I Store Croutons? Store croutons in a tightly sealed container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be stored in a freezer bag. Remove and thaw what you need at room temperature before serving.

How Do I Serve Croutons? Serve croutons on top of salads or on top of soups. They can also be used as delicious homemade snacks for when you are on-the-go.

Sharing is Caring

Did you enjoy this recipe? Please share with your friends, this will help my blog audience grow so I can bring you more great recipes. Post a photo of your croutons and tag @christinasbreadbakes on FB, Instagram, Pinterest, or Twitter. I love to see your creations, friends. Happy baking, Bread Bakers!

Croutons

Christina

This is a recipe to turn day old bread into croutons.

5 from 3 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine American, French

Servings 4 people

Equipment

• Knife
• Bowl
• Spatula
• Baking Sheet

Ingredients

  

• 6 Cups Day Old Bread cut into 1" (2 cm" pieces
• .25 Cup Olive Oil extra virgin
• 2 T Mixed Herbs & Spices
• Salt & Pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350F / 175C degrees.
• Cut the bread into 1" (2 cm) pieces.
• Put the bread pieces into a large bowl.
• Drizzle (or spray) the bread pieces with olive oil (or another type of oil).
• Stir the pieces until well coated in oil.
• Sprinkle with the herbs, spices, salt, and pepper.
• Stir the pieces again until well coated in herbs & spices.
• Spread pieces in a single layer on a flat baking sheet.
• Bake for 10 minutes.
• Using a spatula turn the pieces over.
• Bake for another 10 minutes or until golden brown and crunchy.
• Remove to a cooling rack. Cool. Serve.

Keyword crouton, day old bread