Skillet Croutons: The Perfect Crunch for Any Dish
There's something irresistibly satisfying about a crisp, golden crouton. Whether sprinkled on top of a fresh salad, added to a bowl of soup, or simply enjoyed as a snack, croutons add the perfect crunch and flavor to almost any meal. But instead of buying store-bought croutons filled with preservatives and extra salt, why not make your own at home? These Skillet Croutons are simple to make, flavorful, and customizable, offering a delicious way to elevate your dishes in just minutes.
At Kathryn Cooks, we love to take everyday ingredients and transform them into something special, and this crouton recipe is no exception. With just a few basic pantry staples and a skillet, you can create golden, crispy croutons that will take your meals to the next level. Best of all, this recipe can be made in under 15 minutes!
Why Youâll Love Skillet Croutons
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Quick and Easy: Making croutons in a skillet is fast and requires minimal effort. There's no need for baking in the ovenâsimply toss some cubed bread in a hot skillet, and you're good to go.
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Customizable Flavor: You can easily adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. From classic garlic and herb to spicy chili and parmesan, the possibilities are endless. This recipe serves as a perfect base for any flavor profile you desire.
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Use Up Leftover Bread: Skillet croutons are a great way to use up stale or leftover bread. Rather than letting bread go to waste, you can give it new life by turning it into delicious croutons that will enhance your meals.
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Healthy and Homemade: These croutons are made with simple ingredientsâno preservatives or artificial additives. You control the amount of oil and salt, so you can make them as healthy as you want.
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Versatile: These croutons are perfect for more than just soups and salads. You can sprinkle them on pasta dishes, serve them with dips, or snack on them straight from the bowl. Theyâre a great addition to so many meals!
How to Use Skillet Croutons
Once youâve made your skillet croutons, the possibilities for how to use them are endless. Here are just a few ideas:
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On Salads: Add a crispy crunch to your favorite greens. Skillet croutons are the perfect topping for Caesar salad, Mediterranean salads, or simple mixed greens.
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With Soup: Thereâs nothing quite like a few croutons floating atop a steaming bowl of soup. Try them with tomato soup, butternut squash soup, or a hearty vegetable soup for added texture and flavor.
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In Pasta Dishes: Add some crunch to your pasta by tossing your skillet croutons over dishes like pasta primavera or baked ziti.
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For Dips: Serve your croutons with hummus, guacamole, or your favorite dip as a fun appetizer or snack.
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For Snacking: Donât forget about the simple pleasure of croutons as a snack! Theyâre crunchy, savory, and absolutely irresistible.
Skillet Croutons
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Servings
3 Cups
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Making homemade skillet croutons is a simple and satisfying way to elevate your meals with minimal effort. Whether youâre adding them to soups, salads, or enjoying them as a snack, these crispy, golden croutons are sure to become a regular in your kitchen. Plus, theyâre a fantastic way to use up leftover bread and customize flavors to your liking.
So next time youâre craving something crunchy, skip the store-bought version and whip up a batch of these easy skillet croutons. Youâll love the texture, flavor, and the satisfaction of having made them from scratch.
Happy cooking, and let us know how you use your skillet croutons in the comments below!
Author:Kathryn Martens
Ingredients
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4 tbsp salted butter
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1-2 tbsp olive oil
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3 cups sourdough see notes
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1 tsp garlic salt
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1 tsp dried parsley see notes
Directions
Slice or tear bread into 1 inch cubes.
Heat butter and olive oil in large skillet until butter is melted.
Add the torn bread pieces to the skillet and sprinkle with garlic salt and parsley. Gently toss to combine. and coat bread in butter and olive oil. Keep cooking for a total of about 10 minutes, until the croutons are golden and crisp, stirring occasionally.
Croutons will keep in an airtight container for a couple days at room temperature. Make sure the croutons are completely cool before storing
Recipe Note
Tips for the Best Skillet Croutons
Use Stale Bread: Slightly stale bread works best for croutons because it crisps up nicely in the skillet. Fresh bread can be too soft and might not get as crispy.
Flavor Variations: Get creative with your seasonings! You can experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley. Or, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika, a dash of cumin, or even a bit of lemon zest for a refreshing twist.
Add Cheese: For a cheesy version, sprinkle grated parmesan, cheddar, or any cheese you love over the croutons as they cook. The cheese will melt and add a rich, savory flavor.
Donât Overcrowd the Skillet: To ensure even cooking, avoid overcrowding the skillet. If necessary, cook the croutons in batches, allowing plenty of room for each cube to crisp up.
Storage: If you have any leftover croutons, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Theyâll stay crispy and fresh for several days.