Why Make This Recipe

Crispy Heart Croutons are a fun and delightful way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. These charming little croutons add a festive touch to any soup or salad, making your meal not just tasty, but visually appealing too. With a crisp texture and a burst of flavor, they are simple to make and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Plus, they can easily elevate your everyday dishes into something special!

How to Make Crispy Heart Croutons

Ingredients:

4–5 slices (about 7 oz) day-old French baguette, sourdough, or sturdy white bread
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional: oregano, thyme, basil)
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pinch freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
Lay out bread slices and use a heart-shaped cutter (about 1–1.5 inches wide) to cut out hearts. You should get about 20–24 hearts from 4–5 slices. Save crusts for breadcrumbs.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter in 15–20 second bursts until the liquid is smooth but not sizzling. Stir in olive oil.
Mix in garlic powder, dried Italian herbs (if using), salt, black pepper, and Parmesan (if using) to the butter-oil mixture.
Place bread hearts in a mixing bowl. Drizzle the butter-oil mixture over them and gently toss until all sides are coated. Use a pastry brush for touch-ups if needed.
Arrange coated hearts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not crowded.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, flipping each heart halfway through for even browning. Watch closely for golden edges and crisp centers.
Remove from oven and transfer croutons to a cooling rack. Let cool for at least 5 minutes to crisp up.
Serve warm or at room temperature over soups, salads, or as a snack. Store cooled croutons in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

How to Serve Crispy Heart Croutons

These lovely croutons can be served in various ways. Scatter them over a delicious bowl of soup for added crunch, or sprinkle over a fresh garden salad to enhance its taste. They also make a great snack by themselves. For an extra special touch, consider using them as a topping for creamy pasta dishes or adventurous dips.

How to Store Crispy Heart Croutons

To store your crispy heart croutons, place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature. To keep them crunchy, it’s best not to refrigerate them, as moisture can make them lose their crispiness.

Tips to Make Crispy Heart Croutons

Use day-old bread for the best texture. It holds up better and gives you that satisfying crunch.
Experiment with different seasoning blends to find your favorite flavors.
If you don’t have a heart-shaped cutter, any fun shaped cutter will work to add variety.

Variation

You can easily customize these croutons. Try mixing in different spices or cheeses like cheddar, or even add a bit of heat with red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. You can also drizzle a little honey after baking for a sweet touch!

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?
Yes, you can use fresh bread, but be aware that it may not get as crispy. It’s best to let it sit out for a few hours to dry out slightly.

2. Can I make these croutons gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the bread with a gluten-free variety, and follow the same steps.

3. How do I make these croutons vegan?
To make these croutons vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based butter or olive oil, and omit the Parmesan cheese. They will still taste delicious!