Leftovers 411 – Croutons

Let’s face it, from time to time we all find ourselves with leftovers.  If there happens to be a lot left over, after a couple of meals we’re tired of whatever it was and ready to move on.  If there is only a little left, we have no idea what to do with it, but we feel guilty about  the idea of throwing away food.  So we wrap things up and put them aside or in the refrigerator where they sit until they become a science experiment, and we don’t feel so bad about throwing them away anymore.  Well, we decided it might be a helpful idea to give you some other alternatives for those leftovers in posts we’ll do from time to time and call Leftovers 411.  Today the subject is leftover bread.  One of our favorite ways to make great use of bread that is past its prime and on its way to stale is to make some really delicious croutons.  Actually, the best croutons come from stale bread.  So if you happen to have a loaf of bread or some dinner rolls that you’re ready to toss out….stop!  We have a much tastier solution.  In a few minutes you can have the best crunchy yummy croutons you may ever have eaten.  You can use them to eat your favorite dip, of course they are great sprinkled on salad or soup, or you can use them to make Panzanella Salad (We’ll give you that recipe in a post soon)  Enjoy!

Homemade Croutons

Approximately 8 cups bread, cubed into 1″ chunks
1 stick melted butter
1/4 cup olive oil
3 cloves crushed garlic
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cube your leftover bread into about 1″ cubes.

You will need approximately 3/4 cup of an oil and butter mixture.  These proportions are suggestions.  You can use all butter or all olive oil if you prefer, or any combination in between.  This just happens to be my preference but play with it until it tastes right to you.  I find that the softer breads, like sandwich bread for instance, does better with at least some butter.  But a more dense French or sourdough bread can work with all olive oil. It will be fun to experiment and find what you prefer.

Place the oil/butter mixture in a pan and add garlic, salt and pepper.  Cook until hot and, if using butter, it begins to brown.  Pour this mixture over the bread.

Stir for a couple of minutes to let the bread absorb the flavors.

Pour onto a baking sheet.

Bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 10-15 minutes or until bread is browned and voila!

….you have toasty, crispy, garlicky, yummy bites of bread that are quite simply the most delicious croutons….it is that easy:)