A crisp, buttery crunch elevates any dish, and these homemade garlic parsley croutons deliver just that. Unlike store-bought varieties, these golden bites offer a fresh, homemade taste with the perfect balance of seasoning. Made with King’s Hawaiian Rolls, they bring a subtle sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the bold garlic and fresh parsley. Whether sprinkled over a salad, served alongside a warm bowl of soup, or enjoyed as a crunchy snack, these croutons are a must-try. With just a handful of ingredients and a short bake time, they’re incredibly easy to prepare and add a gourmet touch to any meal.
Ingredients Overview
King’s Hawaiian Rolls are an excellent choice for croutons due to their unique combination of softness and density. Unlike standard sandwich bread, they maintain their structure while baking, resulting in a crisp yet slightly chewy texture. Their mild sweetness enhances the savory elements of garlic and parsley, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
Garlic powder infuses each bite with a rich, aromatic warmth, while fresh parsley adds a pop of brightness. Kosher salt sharpens the flavors, ensuring a balanced taste in every crouton. A mix of butter and olive oil provides the ideal blend of richness and crispiness. The butter contributes a deep, indulgent flavor, while the olive oil helps to achieve an even golden-brown finish without making the croutons greasy.
For a customized twist, consider adding grated Parmesan for a cheesy bite, crushed red pepper for heat, or a sprinkle of dried Italian herbs for extra depth.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Prepping the Bread
Begin by slicing the King’s Hawaiian Rolls into ¾-inch cubes, ensuring each piece is roughly the same size. Uniform cubes allow for even toasting, preventing some from burning while others remain soft. Use a sharp serrated knife to maintain clean cuts without compressing the bread.
Seasoning and Coating the Croutons
Once cut, transfer the bread cubes to a large mixing bowl. Evenly sprinkle the garlic powder, kosher salt, cracked black pepper, and chopped parsley over the cubes, ensuring each piece is well-seasoned. This step is crucial for ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the melted butter and olive oil until fully blended. Drizzle the mixture gradually over the seasoned bread cubes, tossing them gently with your hands or a large spoon. This helps to distribute the oil and butter evenly, ensuring a uniform crispiness across all croutons.
Baking to Perfection
Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a large baking sheet with non-stick aluminum foil. Spread the coated bread cubes in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. Overcrowding can result in uneven baking, causing some croutons to turn too soft while others become overly crisp.
Bake for 10 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through to promote even browning. The croutons should turn a light golden brown with a crisp exterior. If they appear too soft, allow them to bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, checking frequently to prevent burning.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
How to choose the best bread for croutons if Hawaiian rolls aren’t available:
Brioche, challah, or a sturdy white bread make excellent alternatives. Avoid overly soft sandwich bread, as it lacks the structure needed for crisp croutons.
Adjusting the seasoning to match different cuisines and dish pairings:
For an Italian twist, add dried oregano and basil. For a smoky variation, use smoked paprika.
Ways to make the croutons extra crispy without over-drying them:
Bake at a slightly lower temperature (350°F) for a longer time to achieve a crisp texture without making them too hard.
How to prevent croutons from becoming too oily or soggy:
Drizzle the butter and olive oil gradually, ensuring even coating without oversaturation.
Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?
Yes, any sturdy bread with a slight chew will work well.
What’s the best way to make these croutons gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free bread with a similar density to Hawaiian rolls.
Can I add other herbs or spices to customize the flavor?
Absolutely! Thyme, rosemary, or even a dash of cayenne can enhance the croutons.
How do I prevent my croutons from turning stale too quickly?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature and avoid exposing them to moisture.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Homemade garlic parsley croutons are a versatile addition to countless dishes. They add texture and depth to classic soups like creamy tomato, French onion, or butternut squash soup. In salads, they offer a delightful crunch, whether tossed into a Caesar salad or a fresh Mediterranean mix with cucumbers and feta.
Beyond soups and salads, these croutons serve as an unexpected yet delicious topping for casseroles, adding a crispy contrast to creamy dishes like baked macaroni and cheese. For a creative snack, toss them with a drizzle of honey and a pinch of sea salt for a sweet-savory bite.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To maintain their crispness, store completely cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to three days. If needed for longer storage, freeze them in a resealable bag, ensuring all air is removed to prevent staleness.
For reheating, place croutons on a baking sheet and warm them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This revives their crisp texture without overcooking them. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them chewy rather than crunchy.
Homemade croutons are a game-changer, bringing freshness and superior flavor that store-bought versions can’t match. Their ease of preparation, customizable seasonings, and versatility make them a staple for any home cook. Experiment with different flavor profiles and serving ideas to make these buttery, garlicky bites your own.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons melted butter
6 King’s Hawaiian Rolls
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with non-stick aluminum foil and set it aside.
Cut the Hawaiian rolls into uniform ¾-inch cubes, ensuring consistency for even toasting. Transfer the bread cubes to a spacious mixing bowl.
Sprinkle the garlic powder, kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and chopped parsley evenly over the bread cubes. This ensures every piece is infused with bold, aromatic flavors.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the melted butter and olive oil until fully combined. Slowly drizzle the mixture over the seasoned bread cubes, tossing them gently to ensure each cube is evenly coated with the rich, buttery blend.
Arrange the coated bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spread out and not touching. This allows for proper airflow, ensuring a crisp and golden finish.
Bake for 10 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning. Once the croutons turn golden and crisp, remove them from the oven.
Serve warm as a crunchy topping for soups or salads. To store, allow the croutons to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They will remain fresh and crisp for up to three days.
Garlic Parsley Croutons Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 6 King’s Hawaiian Rolls
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Fresh cracked pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with non-stick aluminum foil and set it aside.
- Cut the Hawaiian rolls into uniform ¾-inch cubes, ensuring consistency for even toasting. Transfer the bread cubes to a spacious mixing bowl.
- Sprinkle the garlic powder, kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and chopped parsley evenly over the bread cubes. This ensures every piece is infused with bold, aromatic flavors.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the melted butter and olive oil until fully combined. Slowly drizzle the mixture over the seasoned bread cubes, tossing them gently to ensure each cube is evenly coated with the rich, buttery blend.
- Arrange the coated bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spread out and not touching. This allows for proper airflow, ensuring a crisp and golden finish.
- Bake for 10 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning. Once the croutons turn golden and crisp, remove them from the oven.
- Serve warm as a crunchy topping for soups or salads. To store, allow the croutons to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They will remain fresh and crisp for up to three days.
