How to Make Croutons With Frozen Stale Bread

Top a fresh salad with handmade croutons.

If you have old bread stored in your freezer, transform it into crunchy handmade croutons. Using stale bread to make tasty croutons is a creative way to stretch your food dollars. Customize the flavor of the croutons by adding dried herbs and seasonings before baking. Use the croutons to top everything from creamy soups to salads.

Things You'll Need

• Loaf of stale, crusty bread
• Knife
• Wax or parchment paper
• Pastry brush
• Olive oil or melted butter
• Seasonings, such as salt and garlic powder, to taste

Instructions

1. Thaw a frozen bread loaf in its packaging for two to three hours at room temperature.

2. Cut the loaf of bread into 10 even slices. Spread the slices out on a piece of wax or parchment paper to protect your counter top. Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees F.

3. Coat both sides of each bread slice with olive oil or melted butter using a pastry brush.

4. Sprinkle both sides of each bread slice with seasonings such as salt, garlic powder, red pepper flakes or dried oregano or basil to taste.

5. Cut the seasoned bread into 1/2-inch cubes and spread them evenly over a baking sheet. Bake the croutons for 15 minutes, or until they are crunchy.

References

• Baking 911: Baked Goods and Candy
• Cooks: Homemade Croutons
• Food Network: Homemade Croutons