Crouton

A crouton is a small piece of bread that has been toasted or fried until crisp. Typically cube-shaped or irregular, croutons are seasoned and used to add texture and flavor to dishes. They are commonly made from day-old or stale bread to minimize waste and can be prepared from virtually any bread, including whole-grain, white, or sourdough. Garlic, herbs, and salt are frequent seasonings.

To prepare croutons, bread is cut into cubes, tossed with fat such as oil or melted butter, and seasoned with salt and spices. The pieces are then baked in an oven or sautéed in a skillet until golden and dry. Larger cubes stay crunchier, while thinner slices become crisper. They can be stored briefly at room temperature after cooling.

Culinary uses center on texture and flavor enhancement. Croutons are a traditional garnish for soups, particularly creamy or onion-based varieties, and are widely used to topple salads, notably Caesar salad. They may be flavored with garlic, cheese, paprika, or herbs, and can be fried or baked with parmesan or other cheeses for a richer finish.

Storage and nutrition: Store croutons in an airtight container in a cool, dry place; they typically keep for several days to a week, depending on moisture. Homemade croutons tend to lose crunch over time. Nutrition varies with bread type and added fats, but croutons are generally high in calories from carbohydrates and fat and can be high in sodium if salted heavily.