Cheesy Herb Croutons
Step 1: Prepare theMédias Bread
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Cut stale bread into bite-sized cubes. If very hard, let it dry longer or toast lightly.
Step 2: Make the Egg Mixture
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Beat eggs in a bowl.
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Add salt, pepper, chopped chives, parsley, and milk; stir well.
Step 3: Coat the Bread
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Add bread cubes to egg mixture, coat thoroughly, and let sit a few minutes for flavor absorption.
Step 4: Cook the Croutons
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Heat vegetable oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
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Add coated bread cubes in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding.
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Cook 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally until golden and crispy.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese
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Sprinkle grated cheese over croutons in the skillet.
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Cover with a lid for a couple of minutes to melt the cheese evenly.
Step 6: Serve
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Transfer croutons to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
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Enjoy as a snack or topping for salads, soups, or pasta.
Cooking Tips
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Use Any Bread: Stale bread works best; fresh bread can be toasted before use.
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Herb Variations: Try basil, oregano, thyme, or your favorites.
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Cheese Choices: Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix adds great flavor.
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Avoid Sogginess: Don’t over-saturate bread with egg mixture; cook on medium heat.
Storage
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Short-term: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days (may soften over time).
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Long-term: Freeze in a sealed bag/container for up to 3 months; reheat in the oven for crispiness.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, 4 servings total)
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Calories: ~150 kcal
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Protein: 6g
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Fat: 9g
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Carbohydrates: 12g
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Sugar: 1g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sodium: 200mg
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh bread instead of stale?
Yes, but it might be less crispy. Toasting fresh bread first helps.
2. What kind of cheese works best?
Mozzarella and cheddar melt well. Mixing cheeses is delicious.
3. Can I add other ingredients?
Sure! Try cooked bacon, vegetables, or spices in the egg mixture.
4. How to prevent soggy croutons?
Coat bread well but not too wet; cook on medium heat for crispness.
5. Can I make these ahead of time?
Prepare bread and egg mix ahead, but cook just before serving for best crunch.