Description
Crispy Heart Croutons are a delightful addition to any meal, adding a festive touch and a burst of flavor. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any day!
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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. Save crusts for breadcrumbs.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter in 15–20 second bursts until smooth. 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 coated.
- Arrange coated hearts in a single layer on the baking sheet, ensuring they are not crowded.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning. Watch 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.
Notes
Store cooled croutons in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Experiment with different seasoning blends for varied flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg