This project is a simple way of pimping a salad or soup – and at the same time it’s a way of using old bread, rather than throwing it away. Croutons are a delicious way to add texture and salt to different foods, and I’ve used it instead of bacon several times. It works like magic on a tomato soup or a Cesar salad, and it’s super easy to make! Croutons can be bought in almost any grocery store, but making them at homehas got several benefits. The amount of calories is much lower, you know the quality of the materials, it tastes great and is an easy way to impress dinner guests. ;)

Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

- Bread, around 10 pieces (The bread can be dry and old, that doesn’t matter)

- 6 table spoons of olive oil

- 1 table spoon of dried thyme

- Salt and pepper

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

The first step is to remove the crust from the bread. This bread I got from a cook, who couldn’t serve it anymore as it was slightly dry. The crust was delicious, but it’s easier to give the croutons an even look without it. However if you’re strongly against wasting food it’s possible to leave the crust on.

When the crust has been removed, cut the bread into little squares. Mine were around 2 x 2 x 2 cm. Then add the little bread cubes to a bowl.

Step 2: Oil and Spices

The next step is to add oil and spices. I chose to add thyme, but other spices can be used as well. (Sometimes garlic is great). I added the oil first, so that the spices had something to stick to. Then I added salt and pepper – just add what you feel like here. Then I mixed the croutons very well, to make sure that the spices and oil was evenly spread and on all the little bread cubes. It might be necessary to add a bit more oil, but be careful not to add too much.

Step 3: Bake the Croutons

All that’sleft now is to bake the croutons in the oven. Spread the croutons on a baking tray, and make sure they’re not covering each other.

Bake the croutons in the oven at 200°C for 8 – 10 min. They are ready when they’re golden brown and crunchy.

Step 4: Done!

Now your croutons are ready to eat! They can lest for a couple of weeks if kept in a closed container.

As mentioned in the intro they taste great, and (as you've seen now) are easy to make. :)
I hope you'll enjoy this instructable, stay creative out there! :D