These awesome homemade croutons are healthy, crunchy, and flavored with garlic and Italian seasoning. The perfect addition to a salad!
Ingredients
3garlic clovesminced
4tspextra virgin olive oil
1TbspItalian seasoning
½tsponion powder
1lbCiabatta breadcut into ¾- inch cubes
⅛cupreduced fat Parmesan cheese
½tspsalt
⅛tspblack pepper
Instructions
Preheat oven to 325ºF. Spray a small skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Over medium heat, sauté garlic for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Stir in the Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Remove from heat and set aside.
Place bread cubes in a large bowl. Drizzle the olive oil 1 teaspoon at a time. Mix gently with a spatula between drizzles.
Sprinkle in garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder and cheese. Mix until evenly coated.
Lightly spray two baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray. Transfer croutons to baking sheets. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Bake for 12-16 minutes or until lightly browned.
Toss croutons over half way through. Optional: Broil for the last 2 minutes. Watch carefully so they don’t burn.
Let cool. Store in airtight container. Yields 8 heaping cups.