Any crouton experts out there?

[m-jean03]

If you're making them from scratch -what's better -- baked or fried? :-)

Any good recipes? I've got a bunch of stale bread to use up. ..

YES THIS IS A COPYCAT POST but also a REAL question. :-)

[GOPisEvil]

1. Just cube up the stale bread,

put it on a baking sheet, season it with whatever spices you like, then put it under the broiler until they are the degree of toastiness you desire.

[m-jean03]

3. Thanks!

Should I butter them/ drizzle them with oil first?

[GOPisEvil]

Oh yes! That would help!

Forgot about that step!

[hedda_foil]

2. Fried for sure.

Much more flavor, especially if you use butter or an oil/butter mix. The mouth feel is much better.

[m-jean03]

4. maybe I should try a little of both.

Hmm :-)

[prana]

5. SEA SALT!

I use that and a touch of rosemary and then whatever else you think would be good...but Oh Man are they tasty! :)

[mike_c]

6. best taste-- fried....

Toss bread cubes with a small amount of melted fat (I save rendered duck fat for this purpose alone) and a couple of crushed (but whole) garlic cloves, some fresh ground black pepper, a pinch of salt, and a spring or two of rosemary or sage. Fry until crisp turning as necessary to avoid burning. Drain thoroughly on a paper towel, and serve immediately. A good extra-virgin olive oil works well too. Be careful-- you don't want greasy croutons-- just a little fat to bring out the savory flavor.

[m-jean03]

7. Sounds wonderful.

Maybe you could come over and make mine for me? ;-)

[bif]

8. Toss them with olive oil and put them in the oven

Turn the oven to 325 degrees. And check them about every 15 minutes. If you fry them you have to watch them the whol time or they'll burn. I season mine with garlic powder, salt and oregano. Good luck!

[SoCalDem]

9. Cut into cubes... drizzle w spices & ollive oil..bake at 250

for a while..(on a cookie sheet) ...let cool and then seal... store in fridge..

You can also use Italian salad dressing as the drizzle..

Yum !!!

[m-jean03]

10. Thanks, guys.

So many ideas. I am getting hungry!