Nutritious Gluten-Free Croutons for Flavorful Salads and Soups

Today, let’s look at a recipe for gluten-free croutons. Now, I know what you’re thinking: can croutons be healthy? After all, Plantiful Kitchen is committed to health and wellness, so any recipe we provide should be packed with nutrition. When we are talking about store-bought croutons made from enriched bread, then no, they do not contribute to your health. That’s why we thought it prudent to provide you with this grain-free crouton recipe that not only have a satisfying flavor, but are also high in fiber and protein. They are the perfect way to enrich your soups and salads, providing a delicious, crunchy texture.

So how do you make homemade croutons? The recipe is actually quite simple. To keep them healthy, your first step is to order grain-free bread online; something with plenty of fiber and protein to keep your gut regular, and your meals filling. We recommend our sesame bread. After that, all you have to do is cube your bread, season it with your spices of choice, then bake or air fry them. It’s as easy as that!

A long time ago, croutons were a convenient way to extend the life of a loaf, taking stale bread and making something that was more enjoyable. Even though these days we do not have to worry about prolonging our bread’s use, it’s still delicious to generously sprinkle these little cubes of heaven over a velvety broccoli cheddar soup, or a crisp, seasonal salad. We really hope you enjoy these homemade, grain-free little gems.

Ingredients:

- 1 loaf of high-fiber, gluten-free, low-carb bread (Sesame bread recommended)

- Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) or avocado oil

- Spices of your choice (garlic powder, salt, pepper and Italian herbs or coconut sugar and cinnamon)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 275°F on the convection setting. Alternatively, if you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F.
2. Begin by cutting the loaf of Sesame bread into 1/2-inch cubes, creating bite-sized croutons.
3. In a bowl, toss the bread cubes with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) or avocado oil, ensuring all the croutons are lightly coated.
4. Sprinkle your desired spices over the bread cubes. Some recommended combinations include: garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. If you want a sweet twist, try coconut sugar and cinnamon (these can also be enjoyed as a snack or cereal).
5. Spread the seasoned croutons evenly onto a baking sheet, ensuring there is a little space between each piece for better airflow. If using an air fryer, place the croutons in the air fryer basket.
6. Bake the croutons in the preheated oven for 90-120 minutes, or until they become delightfully crunchy. If using an air fryer, cook them for approximately 30 minutes at 350°F. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
7. Once the croutons have reached the desired level of crunchiness, remove them from the oven or air fryer. Allow them to cool completely.
8. Store your homemade croutons in an airtight container for up to 7 days, ensuring they remain crisp and flavorful.

Now, with these homemade high-fiber and high-protein croutons, you can elevate both your salads and soups, turning ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences. Enjoy the benefits of added nutrition, a delightful crunch, and a longer-lasting feeling of satisfaction.