I think homemade croutons can make a salad 100% better. This caesar crouton recipe will help you take your salad to the next level. I have the problem of just sitting and eating the croutons before I even toss them in the salad. These croutons are great on a variety of salads but add that special touch to your caesar salad. You can also adjust some of the flavors with paprika, red pepper flakes, italian herbs, onion powder or parsley to enhance other salads.
Homemade Pan Fried Caesar Croutons
4 cups day old french bread, cubed into 1/2 inch squares (this is about 1/2 large loaf)
cooking spray
2 Tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp garlic salt
1/2 Tbsp grated parmesan
1/2 tsp basil or oregano
Cube bread and spray with cookie spray. Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil on med-high heat. Don’t heat to the point of smoking. Olive oil loses its flavor, health benefits and takes on a burnt flavor once it’s smoking. Start over! Once warm, add croutons, tossing in oil. Turn down the heat to low. Ad the garlic salt, parmesan and herb of choice. I like the sweet flavor of basil, but that’s totally up to you. Toss it all together. Add extra olive oil if croutons look dry. Cook it on low, tossing occasionally, until golden brown. Remove from heat and allow to sit until ready for use. I like to make these ahead of time so they have time to sit for a bit.
*Note: This last time I had purchased my bread the day of in the morning. I cut it up right when I arrived home from the store and let it sit out in open air all day. It worked just fine.
