Sourdough Croutons Using Sourdough Bread

Making sourdough croutons is a wonderful way to repurpose stale sourdough bread, or sourdough bread that didn't come out quite right, into a delicious and versatile snack or salad topper. Here's a simple guide on how to make them:

Ingredients:

  • Stale sourdough bread (preferably a few days old)
  • Olive oil or melted butter
  • Salt
  • Optional: Herbs and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, or dried parsley for added flavor

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures that the croutons will bake evenly and become crispy without burning.

  2. Prepare the Bread: Take your stale sourdough bread and cut it into bite-sized cubes or 1" cubes depending on what your size preference is. Do this by using a sharp serrated bread knife. You can remove the crusts if you prefer, but I personally like leaving them on, it adds texture and flavor to the croutons.

  3. Season the Bread: Place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle olive oil or melted butter over the bread, ensuring each piece is lightly coated. Sprinkle salt evenly over the bread cubes. If desired, add any additional herbs and spices for flavor (my favorite combo is 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp parsley, course sea salt, cracked peppercorn and about 1/4 tps of oregano). Toss the bread cubes gently to ensure even distribution of the seasonings.

  4. Spread on Baking Sheet in Single Layer: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a reusable silicon mat for easy cleanup. Arrange the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure they are not crowded. Crowding the cubes can prevent proper crisping, so use multiple baking sheets if necessary.

  5. Bake the Croutons: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the croutons are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent burning.

  6. Cool and Serve: Once the croutons are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. They will continue to crisp up as they cool. Once cooled, transfer the croutons to an airtight container for storage.

  7. Enjoy: Use the sourdough croutons immediately as a crunchy topping for salads or soups or let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container for later use. They can be stored at room temperature for several days, but they are best enjoyed fresh.

  8. Optional: Experiment with different seasonings and flavorings to customize your croutons to your taste preferences. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

By following these simple steps, you can transform stale or imperfect sourdough bread into delicious homemade croutons that add flavor and crunch to your favorite dishes. Enjoy!