Microwave Croutons

Turn leftover bread into perfectly crispy, golden-brown Microwave Croutons in just minutes! This quick and easy recipe is a game-changer for homemade salad or soup toppings, combining the simplicity of your microwave with vibrant flavors like garlic, parsley, and a touch of black pepper. Whether you’re working with fresh or slightly stale bread, these customizable croutons come together in under 10 minutes, making them a convenient solution for weeknight dinners or last-minute entertaining. With minimal ingredients and no oven required, this recipe offers a practical, time-saving alternative for achieving irresistible crunch without sacrificing flavor.

Nutriscore Rating: 50/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:3 mins

Total Time:8 mins

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 2 slices bread (any type, preferably slightly stale)
• 1.5 tablespoons olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoons dried parsley
• 0.25 teaspoons salt
• 0.125 teaspoons black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Cut the bread slices into small, evenly-sized cubes (approximately 1/2 inch on each side).

Step 2

Place the bread cubes into a microwave-safe bowl.

Step 3

Drizzle the olive oil over the bread cubes and toss gently to coat them evenly.

Step 4

Sprinkle the garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper over the bread cubes. Toss again to combine and ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.

Step 5

Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel.

Step 6

Microwave the bread cubes on high power for 2 minutes.

Step 7

Carefully remove the plate from the microwave and give the croutons a stir to ensure even cooking.

Step 8

Microwave for an additional 1 minute, checking for crispness. If needed, microwave in 15-second intervals until the croutons are golden and crispy.

Step 9

Allow the croutons to cool on the plate for a few minutes (they will crisp further as they cool).

Step 10

Use the croutons immediately as a topping for your favorite salad or soup, or store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	84.6 grams (84.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	361

Total Fat 23.30g	30%
Saturated Fat 3.70g	19%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 892mg	39%
Total Carbohydrate 31.50g	11%
Dietary Fiber 1.80g	6%
Total Sugars 3.10g
Protein 6.40g	13%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 84mg	6%
Iron 3mg	15%
Potassium 82mg	2%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 58.0%

Protein: 7.1%

Carbs: 34.9%