How to Make Plain Croutons

Plain croutons have a mild, bready flavor.

Croutons are cubes or chunks of twice-baked bread, used to add texture to soups and salads. Croutons are commonly seasoned before baking. However, the flavor of the seasoning can alter the taste of the finished product. You can make plain croutons with your favorite type of bread to avoid interfering with any food's basic essence. Croutons keep for up to two years in a dark cupboard. You can make them in any size batch you desire. You can make plain croutons in one to two hours, on average.

Things You'll Need

• Sliced bread
• Sharp knife
• Olive oil
• Bowl
• Baking pan
• Wooden spoon
• Airtight container

Instructions

1. Preheat an oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Cut any sliced bread into 1-inch cubes with a sharp knife. You can use fresh or stale bread without affecting the flavor of the croutons.

3. Pour 1/2 cup of olive oil for every 2 cups of bread cubes into a bowl. Add the bread cubes and shake the bowl to coat completely with oil.

4. Remove the bread cubes from the oil and place them in an even layer in a baking pan. If you have too many, use multiple pans.

5. Bake the bread cubes for 30 minutes, then remove and stir them with a wooden spoon. Place them back into the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes. Stir once more.

6. Repeat the process of baking and stirring until the croutons are hardened and dry. Allow the croutons to cool and store in an airtight container.

Tips & Warnings

• Adjust the bread cube's size to your preference.

References

• "Deadwood Soups: 25 Great Soups Plus Seasonings, Stock, Thickenings, Garnishes, Croutons, Dumplings and Noodles"; Chris Wilbur; 2008
• "Super Natural Every Day: Well-loved Recipes from My Natural Foods Kitchen"; Heidi Swanson; 2011
• "Cooking Basics For Dummies"; Bryan Miller, Marie Rama and Eve Adamson; 2011