Who doesn't love crunchy, flavorful bread cubes in their salads and bowls?!
A few days I posted a chickpea salad recipe, you may have noticed the croutons in the photo. I love making my own croutons because they're easy and they make your salad even more interesting. Very often, store-bought croutons include whey or cheese and a ton of preservatives, so why not just make your own?
Croutons
Ingredients
1 loaf French or Italian bread - I like one I find in the bakery section of my grocery store. The ingredients are water, wheat, yeast, salt, and sesame seeds
1-2 TB olive oil
Seasonings to taste - salt, pepper, crushed red pepper, basil, oregano, parsley
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
Tear the bread into bite sized pieces and place in a bowl big enough to shake them around
Drizzle the oil over the bread and shake them up
Add spices to taste, toss again
Pour evenly onto the baking sheets
Bake for 10 minutes or so until crunchy
I love keeping these on hand for salads and bowls but they're also great as a garnish for a blended soup (think tomato)
What's a simple thing you make that really adds to the meals you eat? Let me know in the comments (as always, plant-based foods only)
I have never made my own croutons! You know what I did though? It was silly, but I had to try: "Gingerbread Salad". I made a Waldorf Salad and sprinkled it with pieces of a home-made gingerbread muffin. It was *interesting* ;-) Tamara
Making croutons always seemed to be more difficult that popping open a box from the market. However, this seems nice and easy. The key here, I think, is to get the seasoning just right :-)
How simple is that! I like making them because we can season to taste!
So simple! Yet so tasty!
have a great day!
laurie
Looks like a a great easy recipe.I am always looking for quick, lol. Thanks for sharing.