I mentioned yesterday that I will never really get tired of eating salads. And honestly, that’s kind of saying a lot, because I tend to burn out on foods pretty easily. Not salads though. I love them loaded with lettuce, spinach, and more carrots than should really be allowed. I also really like a few good croutons on top, which I know, is not the healthiest part of a salad, but they’re just the perfect topping.
After making these garlic croutons, I can officially say that I will never buy store-bought croutons again. These homemade ones are SO perfect. Crispy on the outside, just a little soft on the inside, and wonderfully garlicky. Honestly, when I finished these and gave one to TJ to try, he suggested we just eat them as a snack. Meanwhile, I could barely respond, because I was in the process of still eating a piping hot one and burning my tongue, but I just couldn’t stop. No shame.
Printable Recipe
Makes about 3 cups
ingredients:
1 small French bread loaf (about 10 oz)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp Italian seasoning
instructions:
Cut the bread into small squares and place in a large bowl.
In a large pan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-low heat until melted.
Add in the garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for about a minute.
Pour the mixture over the bread, stirring to combine.
Spread a single layer of the bread in the same pan, cooking over medium heat for 7-10 minutes, until crispy. You may have to divide the bread into two batches, depending on the size of your pan. If the pan is too crowded, the bread will not get crispy.
Transfer to an airtight container. If you notice them starting to get soft, you can heat them over medium heat again for a couple of minutes until they are crispy.
Adapted from Anyone Can Cook
June 3, 2014
these look yummy! I love croutons…I eat them like potato chips. My husband thinks I’m crazy when I get a bowl full of just croutons for a snack. Ha. So good!
June 4, 2014
Thanks, Abby! I can eat them like chips too – they’re just so good! Glad to hear I’m not alone 🙂
June 3, 2014
Whoah!!! This is going in my fav’s! I didn’t even THINK to make my own croutons. Brilliant I tell ya! Can’t wait to try this!!
June 4, 2014
I think you’ll love them!! I’d love to hear how they turn out for you!
June 3, 2014
As I was reading this I was like – Omg if she likes croutons I have to tell her to make garlic ones. Great minds think alike!
June 4, 2014
Haha, right? Garlic pretty much makes anything better!
June 3, 2014
Homemade croutons are the best! I’ll have to try this recipe!
June 4, 2014
Right?! I always think the store-bought ones are good until I have homemade ones, and then I remember that they’re just so much better. I hope you like these!
June 3, 2014
Umm… yum… I am no planning a meal for next week just so I can use this recipe!
June 4, 2014
Awesome! I can’t wait to see what you make! 🙂
June 3, 2014
I never get sick of salads either! I just always vary what I put on them, so it feels like they are always changing 🙂 lots of carrots is a must though- for EVERY salad! I’ve never made croutons but this doesn’t look too complicated… maybe I’ll give it a shot!
June 4, 2014
You should definitely give them a try! I agree – with all the different topping possibilities, salads are never boring! Hope you’re having a good week, Erin!
June 4, 2014
Love these! I love making my own croutons and experimenting with different seasoning combinations. I love salads too but I need the crouton crunch to really obsess over them.
June 6, 2014
Totally agree – that crunch just takes the salad to a whole new level! I can’t wait to try new flavors too. So glad you stopped by, Ashley! 🙂
June 12, 2014
Love it. it looks good!
June 12, 2014
Thanks, David! You’ll have to let me know if you end up making them.