Whole Grain Croutons

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These easy croutons use whole grain bread and replace butter with olive oil, for a much healthier recipe than traditional croutons.

 Buy a loaf of bread for making these or use up leftover stale bread. These croutons add delicious crunch to soups and salads. Choose from 3 flavors: Garlic Parmesan, Fiesta, and Pesto.


Ingredients
  • FOR ALL 3 CROUTON VARIETIES:
  • 1-3 tablespoons olive oil
  • half of a 1-lb loaf whole grain bread, cut in 1" cubes; may also use stale, leftover bread (approx. 5 cups of bread cubes total)
  • 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • FOR GARLIC PARMESAN CROUTONS
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped, fresh Italian parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • FOR FIESTA CROUTONS:
  • 2 tablespoons dry taco seasoning, store-bought or homemade
  • FOR PESTO CROUTONS:
  • 1/3 cup basil pesto, store-bought or homemade
Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

FOR GARLIC PARMESAN CROUTONS:
To large bowl, add 3 tablespoons olive oil, garlic, parsley, and black pepper; stir to combine. Microwave at full power for 20 seconds. Add bread cubes and toss until evenly coated with seasoned oil. Add cheese and toss again.

FOR FIESTA CROUTONS:
To large bowl, add 3 tablespoons olive oil and taco seasoning; stir to combine. Microwave at full power for 20 seconds. Add bread cubes and toss until evenly coated with seasoned oil. Add cheese and toss again.

FOR PESTO CROUTONS:
To large bowl, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and pesto; stir to combine. Microwave at full power for 20 seconds. Add bread cubes and toss until evenly coated with seasoned oil. Add cheese and toss again.

TO BAKE CROUTONS (All 3 varieties):
Pour seasoned bread cubes onto large baking sheet and spread in single layer. Bake for 20-30 minutes, until toasted and golden; stir half way through; will get crispier as they cool.

TO SERVE, STORE, and RESTORE TEXTURE:
Serve over salad or soup. Store in airtight container for 1-2 days. Freeze after that.
If croutons lose crispness after storing or freezing, return to 325 degree oven for 10 minutes to restore crunchy texture.

If you can't choose one flavor to make, try all 3! It's fun to serve a selection on a soup or salad bar.

Make it a Yummy day!

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