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Croutons 7 Ways Without Salad – Croutons are that tiny piece of re-baked bread that you usually find in salads. Seasoned croutons add a nice flavor and texture to leafy greens. These crunchy little morsels are typically seasoned with garlic or a pinch of salt. Sometimes the seasoning includes oregano, Italian seasoning, or onion. A combination of seasonings is also common. Croutons are usually eaten in a salad, but there are other ways to eat them as well.
Here are seven yummy ways to eat croutons that doesn’t include salad.
1. By Themselves
Yes, you really can eat croutons as a snack. Just open the bag and pop them in your mouth. If you really want to go wild, you can make your own croutons to snack on. To make homemade croutons, all you need is some day-old bread, olive oil or butter, and seasoning. Bake them in the oven, and you’re all set. If you want, you can even dip croutons in your favorite dressing.
2. Soup
If you love a warm bowl of soup, you’ll love it even more topped with croutons. Here are some soups that go especially well with croutons:
- Tomato
- French Onion
- Beer Cheese
- Gazpacho
- Cream of Potato and Cheddar
- Creamy Cauliflower
- Broccoli and Cheese
You’ll be pleasantly surprised when you top any of these soups (or your favorite soup) with crunchy croutons.
3. Chili
It’s debatable whether chili is a soup. According to the International Chili Society, chili is neither a soup nor a stew. Whether you think chili is a soup or not, one thing is certain. A steaming bowl of chili is delicious when you top it with crunchy croutons. Cornbread croutons or croutons seasoned with paprika, chili powder, and cumin are especially tasty with chili.
4. Stuffing
Croutons are a necessity when you’re making your own stuffing. While stuffing is quite popular around the holidays, this food makes a great addition to almost any meal.
5. Casseroles
The technical definition of a casserole is any food that is baked and served in the same dish. There are many different kinds of this one-dish wonder. But no matter what kind of casserole it is, it probably contains these three primary parts:
- Base – the main texture and flavor, which is usually a meat or cheese
- Extender – the ingredient that helps to thicken the dish, such as potatoes, rice, or pasta
- Binder – the liquid that holds the ingredients together, such as broth, soup, eggs, or milk
Many people use dry bread crumbs as the extender, but you can also use something else. You guessed it – croutons!
6. Scrambled Eggs
Scrambled eggs and toast (with a side of sausage or bacon) is a simple and yummy breakfast to start the day. If you’re looking for a way to use leftover croutons, stir them into your scrambled eggs. Whether you want to have toast with your crouton-topped scrambled eggs still is up to you!
7. Meatloaf
Most people use bread crumbs when they make their meatloaf. The breadcrumbs give the meatloaf a unique consistency and texture. The next time you make meatloaf, use your favorite croutons instead of plain ‘ol breadcrumbs. Not only will you get the right texture, but you’ll get a savory flavor as well.
