Bacon Croutons Recipes

BACON CROUTONS

Steps:

• Position an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine the bread, bacon, oil, and pepper. Toss to coat. Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet. Bake, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crisp and the croutons are golden, about 20 minutes.

SWEET POTATO-PARSNIP SOUP WITH BACON CROUTONS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400˚ F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine 5 tablespoons olive oil, the onion, leeks, 2 teaspoons thyme, a big pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper in a large pot or Dutch oven. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion is tender, about 10 minutes. Add the sweet potatoes, parsnips, chicken broth, 3 cups water, 1 teaspoon salt and the cayenne. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes and parsnips are tender, 12 to 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a small skillet over medium heat, stirring, until browned and crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer the bacon and drippings to a large bowl.
• Add the bread, cheese and remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the bacon and drippings. Season with salt and pepper and toss, then spread out on the prepared baking sheet. Bake, tossing once or twice, until toasted and the cheese is melted, 10 to 12 minutes.
• Meanwhile, puree the soup with an immersion blender until smooth (or puree in batches in a regular blender). Season with salt and more cayenne to taste. Thin with water as needed. Divide the soup among bowls. Top with a swirl of creme fraiche, the croutons and the remaining 2 teaspoons thyme.

BACON CROUTONS

Steps:

• Brown some bacon - I do a pound so I can add to salad in addition to the croutons or use it with eggs etc -- don't think a pound of bacon will go to waste anywhere?.
• Cut your bread - I use homemade bread that is a bit past it's prime. I cut the croutons fairly large - like the ones you buy at the grocery? You could use brioche or other bakery bread. Not sure how this would be on purchased sliced bread --
• Heat your oven to 350.
• Put the bread cubes into a big bowl. Drizzle 1 tbl of bacon grease over the croutons, gently stir. Repeat 4 times - this ought to distribute the grease fairly well. Sprinkle in the salt and then stir again.
• Bake croutons in oven 350 degrees for 10 min - stir - bake 5 more minutes.
• Keep for a day or two - serving with soup or salad -- in a sealed container.

CHARLESTON BREAKFAST CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside.
• Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
• Melt butter in the microwave, or in a small pan on the stove over low heat. Spray a 9x12 inch baking dish with vegetable spray. Place croutons in the bottom of the dish, and drizzle with melted butter. Sprinkle with grated Cheddar cheese.
• Crack the eggs into a bowl, whisking to break up the yolks. Add milk, peppers, mustard, salt, and pepper, and beat until well-combined. Pour over the croutons and cheese, and sprinkle with crumbled bacon.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to stand 10 minutes before serving.

CROUTONS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Remove crusts from stale bread slices. Brush bread on both sides with melted butter. Cut bread slices up into small cubes. Sprinkle with garlic salt (if desired). Arrange cubes on an ungreased cookie sheet.
• Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 15 minutes or until browned. Let cool. Store croutons in a covered container or plastic bag. Serve in soups or salads.