Monday, January 4, 2016

80(ish)--- Homemade Whole Grain Croutons



Croutons can be a lovely addition to a salad or soup- they add a nice dimension and flavor.  However, packaged croutons can be LOADED with sodium and fat.  Making your own is easy and you can control those less-than-healthy elements.

Why use whole grain bread? Well it adds more fiber, and more flavor than it's lighter counterpart.

Homemade Whole Grain Croutons
Makes 4 cups

4 cups 1 1/2" cubes cut from a crusty whole grain bread
1/3 cup basil-infused olive oil (I used Pomora's olive oil)
1 tsp Italian seasoning (low or no sodium preferred)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Dash salt (to taste)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  

In a medium mixing bowl combine oil and seasonings.  Add bread cubes and toss gently to coat.  Lay out cubes onto the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 18-20 minutes, stirring halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.  Remove from oven and allow to cool before storing in an airtight container.

Nutrition Info per 1/4 cup: 69 calories, 5 g fat, 1 g protein, 5 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber, 58 mg sodium (if using no sodium seasoning)

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