Crunchy Ranch Croutons Recipe Pioneer

CRUNCHY RANCH CROUTONS

Steps:

• Cut crust from bread and discard the crust.
• Brush both sides of each slice of bread with olive oil, melted butter or margarine.
• Slice bread into 1/2-inch strips; turn and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch cubes.
• Optional:.
• Place bread cubes in a plastic zipper bag; sprinkle with dry salad dressing mix to act as dry seasoning. Securely seal bag and shake, coating bread cubes with dry salad dressing mix.
• Spread cubes flat on baking sheet. Preheat oven to 325°F Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven and cool on baking sheet.
• Note: For bigger croutons, use "Texas Toast" style bread and slice into larger 3/4-inch cubes.

HOW TO MAKE CROUTONS

Steps:

• For oven method croutons:Preheat the oven to 375º F.In a large bowl, combine the bread, olive oil, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss well to distribute the ingredients.Spread the bread cubes out on a sheet pan, giving them plenty of space in between. Bake the bread cubes for about 10 minutes, or until slightly golden brown and crisp. Keep in mind that the staler and older the bread, the quicker it will brown, so color is a good indication of when it's done.Remove the croutons from the oven, and enjoy!For skillet method croutons:Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the torn bread pieces to the pan, and sprinkle with the dried thyme. Let the bread cubes sit in the pan for a few minutes until golden brown on at least one side, then you can give it a stir. Keep cooking for a total of about 10 minutes, until the croutons are golden and crisp. Enjoy!Storage: Croutons will keep in an airtight container for a couple days at room temperature. Make sure the croutons are completely cool before storing.Note: Recommended bread for croutons are any of the crusty loaf varieties, like sourdough, ciabatta, boule, etc.

FAMILY FAVORITE SALAD WITH HOMEMADE RANCH DRESSING AND CROUTONS

Steps:

• In a chilled salad bowl, add the greens and lightly coat the inside of the bowl with Ranch Dressing. Add the Croutons and toss lightly. Garnish with the tomatoes, avocado and bacon, serve immediately.
• In a medium bowl, combine the ingredients and blend well with fork or stick blender. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
• Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
• In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients, except the bread, until well combined. Adjust the seasoning, if needed. Add in the bread and mix well with your hands, tossing to coat all sides of cubes. Pour out onto a baking sheet and spread evenly. Bake in the oven for 20 to 30 minutes, turning after 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool. Store in an airtight container.

HOMEMADE CROUTONS IN THE AIR FRYER

Steps:

• Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Place bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Whisk parsley, garlic powder, and seasoned salt into the melted butter and pour over bread cubes. Toss bread cubes with a rubber spatula until evenly coated. Let sit for 2 minutes for butter to absorb.
• Place bread in the basket of the air fryer and cook for 4 minutes. Toss with a spatula and cook for 2 minutes more. Transfer croutons to a paper towel-lined plate until ready to use.

CRUNCHY ROMAINE SALAD WITH EGGS AND CROUTONS

Steps:

• Mix romaine lettuce with eggs, croutons and mozzarella cheese.
• Drizzle with ranch dressing.