Crispy Garlic Parmesan Croutons
Turn a good salad into a great one with crispy garlic parmesan croutons. This garnish will work for salads, but they are also great as a snack.
- Preparation:
- Cooking:
- Total:
- Serves: 8 persons
Ingredients
- 4cloves garlic (minced very fine)
- ½cup olive oil
- 1(8-ounce) loaf French baguette or similar style bread (for best results, use day-old bread)
- ¾cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- ½teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- ½teaspoon paprika
- ½teaspoon salt
- ½teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
- Pinch of cayenne
Instructions
Step 1
Gather the ingredients.Step 2
Combine the garlic and olive oil in a small mixing bowl. Let sit out at room temperature for at least 4 hours to infuse.Step 3
Preheat oven to 300 F. Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes and add to a large mixing bowl. Add 1/2 cup of the cheese, dried herbs, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne.Step 4
Strain the garlic oil over the bread cubes, pressing the garlic with the back of a spoon to get every drop of garlicky goodness. Toss with a spatula until the bread is evenly coated.Step 5
Pour the mixture onto a baking sheet and place in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove, and stir the croutons, as the ones on the outside will cook faster than those in the center. Return to oven, and cook for 15 more minutes.Step 6
Remove from oven, and sprinkle the last 1/4 of cheese over the croutons. Return to oven, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, or until browned and crunchy. Allow them to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.