Don't let the ends of your bread go to waste! Store a mixed bag of the last few pieces of your bread loaves in your freezer until you have enough to slice up for homemade croutons. It's a great way to use up every bit of homemade bread machine bread.
PREP TIME 5 minutesminutes
COOK TIME 10 minutesminutes
TOTAL TIME 15 minutesminutes
YIELD 4cups croutons
Ingredients
4cupsleftover bread slicesfrom 4 thick slices of bread ends, cut into bite-sized cubes
2tbspolive oil
1/2tspsalt
1/2tsppepper
1/2tspgarlic salt
1tspspice blend of choiceItalian herb, Greek mix, Ranch dressing mix, etc.
1/4tspcrushed red pepper flakes *Optional
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Slice the bread into 1-inch cubes and add them to a large mixing bowl.
Drizzle the olive oil over the bread and gently toss it to coat with your hands. Spread the cubes of bread in a single layer on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Sprinkle the salt, pepper, and seasonings over the bread.
Bake for 5 minutes and gently toss with a spatula. Bake for an additional 5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. The insides will still be chewy.
Recipe Notes
Using Leftover Frozen Bread:Store the ends of your loaves of bread in a sealed plastic bag in the freezer until you want to bake homemade croutons. Let the bread thaw, with the bag open to prevent condensation and wetness, in your fridge overnight and then proceeded as directed.