Are you tired of throwing away stale bread? Don't let those leftover English muffins go to waste! This recipe transforms day-old muffins into crispy, flavorful croutons perfect for salads, soups, or enjoyed on their own as a delightful snack. It's a simple, healthy, and surprisingly delicious way to reduce food waste and enjoy a homemade treat. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for easy recipes, quick dinner ideas, or simply a delicious way to use up leftover bread. It’s a fantastic addition to your collection of homemade cooking adventures and one of the best recipes for using stale bread.
Ingredients:
- 4 stale English muffins, split
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Muffins:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Tear or cut the stale English muffins into bite-sized pieces. If the muffins are particularly hard, you can lightly pulse them in a food processor to speed up the process, but this isn't strictly necessary.
Step 2: Season the Croutons:
In a large bowl, toss the muffin pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Make sure all the pieces are evenly coated.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection:
Spread the seasoned muffin pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 4: Cool and Enjoy:
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the croutons cool completely before storing or serving. These are best enjoyed fresh from the oven but will store well in an airtight container for several days.
Cooking Tips for the Best Discard English Muffin Croutons:
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet: Ensure the muffin pieces are in a single layer for even cooking and browning.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of your croutons. Italian seasoning, paprika, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper would be delicious additions.
- For extra crispy croutons: Increase the baking time slightly, or broil them for the last minute or two. Keep a very close eye on them when broiling to prevent burning.
Variations:
- Cheese Croutons: Add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the muffin pieces before baking for a cheesy twist.
- Sweet Croutons: Use cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of maple syrup for a sweeter version that pairs well with desserts or yogurt.
- Herby Croutons: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley for a fragrant and flavorful addition.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. It’s calculated based on using four English muffins. The serving size will depend on how many pieces you make.
- Calories: Approximately 100-150 calories per serving
- Fat: 5-8 grams
- Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
- Protein: 2-3 grams
This easy recipe is a great way to transform stale English muffins into a tasty treat. It's a perfect example of how to minimize food waste while creating delicious and healthy meals. Enjoy!