How to Make Perfect Croutons from Burnt Toast: A Simple Recipe with Healthy Benefits
We’ve all been there: you’re making toast, get distracted for a second, and suddenly you have burnt bread on your hands. Instead of throwing it away, why not turn it into something delicious? Learn how to turn that slightly burnt toast into crispy, cheesy croutons for soups, salads, or just snacking!
I made this recipe with two pieces of toast but you can make it with however many pieces you need to give a second chance to, just increase the other ingredients accordingly.
Ingredients for Croutons:
2 pieces of slightly burnt sourdough toast
2 tbsp organic cold-pressed olive oil
1/4 cup finely shredded aged parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cut the Toast: Begin by chopping your toast into 1-2 inch cubes. If you refrigerate your toast before cutting, it will help limit the crumbs, making the process cleaner and easier.
Coat with Olive Oil: Place your toast cubes into a bowl and drizzle them with organic cold-pressed olive oil. Coat each cube evenly for that perfect crisp texture.
Shred the Cheese: Finely shred your desired cheese, ideally aged parmesan (more on why this is a great option below).
Season: Place the croutons in your air fryer in a single layer. Sprinkle your croutons with salt and pepper to taste. Then, add a generous amount of parmesan cheese.
Air Fry: Cook them at 400°F for about 4 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking!
Serve: These croutons are perfect as a topping for soups, salads, or as a snack on their own. Enjoy!
Why This Recipe is a Healthy Choice
Not only is this recipe a great way to rescue your burnt toast, but it’s also packed with healthy, nutritious ingredients:
Aged Parmesan: Aged cheeses like parmesan are a fantastic choice for people with lactose sensitivities. This is because the longer the cheese is aged (2+ years is ideal), the lower its lactose content becomes, making it easier to digest. Plus, parmesan is rich in protein, calcium, and probiotics, which support gut health.
Sourdough Bread: Sourdough is not only delicious but also packed with benefits! The fermentation process involved in making sourdough breaks down gluten and makes the bread easier to digest. It also contains healthy probiotics, which support a healthy gut. Additionally, sourdough has a lower glycemic index compared to other bread, helping to keep your blood sugar levels stable.
Olive Oil: Organic cold-pressed olive oil is a source of healthy monounsaturated fats and polyphenols, which have antioxidant properties that support heart health. The polyphenols in olive oil also have anti-inflammatory benefits, making it a great addition to any dish.
A Quick Disclaimer
While this recipe works wonderfully with slightly overcooked toast, we advise against using fully charred toast. Charred toast not only has an unpleasant burnt taste, but it may also contain harmful compounds like acrylamide, which can be carcinogenic when consumed in large amounts. For the best results, make sure your toast is just slightly crispy, not fully burnt!
Now you have a clever way to turn your slightly overcooked toast into a delicious, nutritious snack. Try this simple air fryer recipe next time you find yourself with some burnt toast—you'll be amazed at how easy it is to make croutons that are crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor!
