Croutons
Any bread can be used in this recipe, though a hearty bread, such as levain or sourdough, makes croutons that hold up better in salads.
INGREDIENTS | SERVES 8
- 1 loaf bread, crust removed, cut into cubes
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Put bread cubes in a large bowl with garlic.
Pour butter over bread cubes and toss them to distribute the butter and garlic evenly.
Sprinkle salt and pepper on bread cubes; toss to distribute seasoning.
Bake seasoned bread cubes on an ungreased cookie sheet 15–25 minutes, until toasted. If cubes brown unevenly, stir on the sheet halfway through cooking time. Cool and store in an airtight container.
Salad Toppers
Croutons aren't your only choice for a crunchy addition to salad. Top salads with toasted nuts, sunflower seeds, or bacon bits for flavor and crunch. Candied nuts add depth, and various cheeses and fruits give salads dimension.
