Chef John's Homemade Croutons
Chef John's Homemade Croutons
Ingredients
- ½ cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 (8 ounce) loaf French bread baguette, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- ¾ cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, divided
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
Instructions
- 1
Stir olive oil and garlic together in a small bowl until combined. Let sit at room temperature until flavors are infused, about 3 hours.
180 min - 2
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat.
- 3
Place bread cubes in a large bowl. Pour garlic oil through a strainer onto bread; toss until bread is evenly coated with oil. Add 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper; toss to coat. Spread bread cubes out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- 4
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Turn croutons and bake for 15 minutes more. Push croutons together with a spatula to form a compact rectangle on the baking sheet. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese over the top. Continue baking until cheese is melted and croutons are crunchy, 10 to 15 minutes more.
45 min
Nutrition
Per serving (based on 4 servings)
