Ingredients:
4 cups of cubed day-old bread (any kind of bread works, but a crusty bread like sourdough or baguette is ideal)
2 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter for extra richness)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or a mix of Parmesan and cheddar for more cheesy flavor)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp garlic powder (or 1 clove of minced garlic for a fresh kick)
1/4 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1-2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the bread: Cut the bread into bite-sized cubes, about 1 inch in size. If you don’t have day-old bread, you can toast fresh bread in the oven for 5-10 minutes to dry it out a little.
Mix the seasoning: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil (or melted butter), Parmesan cheese, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is well distributed in the mixture.
Toss the bread cubes: Add the cubed bread to the bowl with the seasoning mixture and toss until all the bread cubes are coated with the olive oil and cheese mixture.
Bake: Spread the bread cubes out evenly on a baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, tossing the croutons halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Optional garnish: If using fresh parsley, sprinkle it over the hot croutons right after they come out of the oven for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Cool and enjoy: Let the croutons cool for a few minutes before using them on salads, soups, or just snacking!
Tips:
