What Is Croutons?
Croutons are pieces of toasted bread. It can be prepared plain or spicy. These crispy bread cubes can be made in the oven or in the pan. It is used in soups or salads. It is also served as a side dish. It also adds crunch to sautéed mushroom and chicken dishes.
Pieces of crouton bread can be prepared with different types of bread. White bread, sourdough bread, brioche or baguette can be used. Bread can be fresh or stale. However, fresh bread may take longer to cook. Usually oils such as olive oil, butter or mayonnaise are used. Spices such as garlic powder, dried basil or cheeses such as parmesan and cheddar can be used in crouton recipes.
What Kind of Bread Is Best for Croutons?
Any bread can be used to make croutons. It can preferably be made with fresh or stale bread. However, croutons are perfect for using stale breads.
Bread types such as white bread, sourdough bread, rye bread, brioche or baguette can be used to make croutons. Cornbread or sandwich bread can also be used.
How to Make Croutons in a Pan?
It is very easy to make croutons in the pan. First, slice a loaf of bread into ¾ inch cubes. Melt the butter in a large wok over medium heat. Add the croutons to the pan. Mix the bread with the butter. Saute the croutons until one side turns brown. Then turn the croutons over and fry on both sides. Remove from the oven when the bread gets browned. Leave to cool on a baking tray. Add it to your meals after a few hours. If you want to store it, place them in an airtight container and store in the freezer after the croutons have completely cooled. When you want to use it, heat it in the oven or pan for a few minutes.
How to Serve Croutons?
Croutons are great for soup and salad recipes. They add crunch to creamy soups. However, it can be used to make omelets or fish dishes. It is also preferred as a thickener in meatballs, potato or pasta recipes.
Here are our delicious recipes that you can serve with Croutons:
- Creamy Tomato Soup
- French Onion Soup
- Creamy Mushroom Soup
- Hokkaido Pumpkin Soup
- Classic Caesar Salad
- Scrambled Eggs
- Greek Salad
How to Store Homemade Croutons?
To store homemade croutons, they must be completely cooled. It can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in a freezer bag. It can also be stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
In order for the croutons to stay fresh, the storage bag or container must be completely deaerated. Also, dividing the croutons into portions helps keep them fresh longer. Homemade croutons can be stored for up to 2 weeks. They can be frozen for up to 4-6 weeks.
Can Croutons Be Refrigerated? Homemade croutons can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you have prepared croutons with fresh seasoning or cheese, they should be stored in the refrigerator. It can deteriorate at room temperature. However, storing them in the refrigerator reduces the crispness of the croutons. After removing the croutons from the refrigerator, place them in the oven at 300 °F for a few minutes before serving. Ready-made croutons should not be stored in the refrigerator. This reduces the shelf life of the product. It causes moistening of the croutons.
Can Croutons Be Frozen? Homemade croutons are great for freezing. They stay fresh for up to six weeks. However, if you have used spices such as curry powder and sage to make the croutons, keeping them in the freezer is not recommended. These spices can become bitter when frozen. Allow the homemade croutons to cool completely before placing them in a container for freezing. You can store it in the freezer bag. Press all the air out of the bag. Cut the croutons into pieces before freezing. So you can store it more easily.
