Chef John's Homemade Croutons
Description
Chef John's homemade garlic-Parmesan croutons made with stale baguettes are simple to make and the perfect crunchy topping for salads and soups.
Ingredients
•
1/2 cup olive oil
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4 cloves garlic, finely minced
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1 (8 ounce) loaf French bread baguette, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
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3/4 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, divided
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1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1/2 teaspoon paprika
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1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 pinch cayenne pepper
Directions
1
Stir olive oil and garlic together in a small bowl until combined. Let sit at room temperature until flavors are infused, about 3 hours.
2
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat.
3
Place bread cubes in a large bowl. Pour garlic oil through a strainer onto bread; toss until bread is evenly coated with oil. Add 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper; toss to coat. Spread bread cubes out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
4
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Turn croutons and bake for 15 minutes more. Push croutons together with a spatula to form a compact rectangle on the baking sheet. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese over the top. Continue baking until cheese is melted and croutons are crunchy, 10 to 15 minutes more.