I'm curious how others make their homemade croutons. What seasoning do you use etc?

Ummmmm, I purchase them from the grocery store. I use any dried bread I might have for making bread crumbs for stuffing. I've never made croutons because I never thought I'd be able to get the "flavour" they are when you purchase them. I love croutons, don't you Sara. Whenever we have them, the kids eat them right out of the box.

I love them too. I used stovetop stuffing for the longest time and finally let go of that, but am still buying bagged stuffing. Croutons I am still buying. Some of them are just so delicious and I am like you where I am not sure I could make them as well as they taste from the store. They really make some great croutons now.

The recipe I use is so simple if you make these you will never buy them again.
You can use a home made bread but I like to buy a baggette from the store. use what I want of it for dinner and make croutons of the rest.
about half a baggette
butter or oleo (1 stick melted)
garlic powder
oregano
sweet basil
pepper
thyme
pasley
salt
parmasian cheese

Melt butter and pour a bit at a time over cubed bread chunks. add spices to flavor keep doing this last I add the cheese
put on baking sheet and bake at 350* (sorry CJ I don't know what that would be for you) bake until brown stiring occationally
The whole process takes about 25 min.
I love these for a soup. Just keep playing with it girls and you'll get it to the flavor you like best.

I've always wanted to try making croutons, but like everyone else, I didn't think I could come close to some of the store bought ones I've found that I love.

Can you give us an idea on quantity for the spices? I'm sure it makes a difference....just need an estimate to go off of. Also, I'd like to use my homemade bread but would you suggest letting the slices get a bit stale first? Otherwise I'm afraid the cubes would just crumble.

Thanks...can't wait to try them!!!

On the spices, I just guess. sorry i know that is know help. As I stir in more butter I ad a shake or two of each. Becarful with the garlic though, it can overtake the whole thing. I have used homemade bread. Yes, i let it get to be a little stale first. Hope this helps.
Marcia

Thanks, Marcia! That does help! A couple shakes from a shaker is lots different than Tablespoons of spices! That helps me out a lot. I'll definitely be giving this a try. I have a feeling there won't be any left to put on a salad though - I'll probably eat them all fresh from the oven! :hurray:

I usually eat a bunch when they are nice and warm! MMMMMMMM