These homemade bread cubes are perfect for croutons, stuffing, or snacking. Made from leftover bread, they are easy to prepare and can be seasoned to your liking.
This recipe is straightforward and allows for customization with various herbs and spices to enhance flavor.
Creating the Perfect Bread Cubes
Transforming stale or fresh bread into delightful cubes is a simple yet rewarding process. These homemade bread cubes serve multiple purposes, from croutons in salads to crunchy toppings on soups.
With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can create a batch of golden-brown cubes that add texture and flavor to your meals.
The key is to ensure even seasoning and proper baking to achieve that perfect crispiness.
Whether you have leftover bread or want to make a fresh batch, this recipe is a fantastic solution.
Ingredients for Flavorful Bread Cubes
The beauty of homemade bread cubes lies in their versatility. You can use any type of bread, from sourdough to whole grain, allowing for a variety of flavors.
Essential ingredients include olive oil or melted butter, garlic powder, dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
These components work together to enhance the taste of the bread, making it a delightful addition to any dish.
Preparation Steps
To start, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for achieving that golden-brown finish.
Next, cut the bread into even cubes, approximately 1-inch in size, ensuring uniform cooking.
In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes with your chosen oil or butter, followed by the garlic powder, herbs, salt, and pepper.
Mix until the cubes are evenly coated, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Baking to Perfection
Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. This step is crucial for even cooking and crispiness.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure all sides become perfectly crisp.
Keep an eye on them as they bake, as oven temperatures can vary.
Once they reach a lovely golden color, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely.
Storing Your Bread Cubes
After cooling, store your homemade bread cubes in an airtight container.
They can last up to a week, making them a convenient snack or ingredient for various dishes.
Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and herbs to create unique flavors that suit your palate.
Serving Suggestions
These bread cubes can be used in numerous ways.
Sprinkle them over salads for added crunch, use them in soups for texture, or enjoy them as a snack on their own.
With their delightful flavor and satisfying crunch, they are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Easy Homemade Bread Cubes Recipe
This recipe transforms stale or fresh bread into delicious cubes that can be used in salads, soups, or as a crunchy topping. The preparation takes about 30 minutes and yields approximately 4 cups of bread cubes.
Ingredients
- 4 cups bread, cubed (any type of bread)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (like oregano, thyme, or rosemary)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Bread: Cut the bread into even cubes, about 1-inch in size.
- Season the Cubes: In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil or melted butter, garlic powder, dried herbs, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Bake: Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, stirring halfway through for even cooking.
- Cool and Store: Remove from the oven and let cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 cups
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 20g