Homemade Za’atar Croutons Recipe
Golden brown croutons really are one the key ingredients to a good salad! My homemade Za’atar Croutons are easy to make and offer herby goodness to your meals. Za’atar spice is a staple of the Middle East. These crispy bites combine the flavors of thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac for a unique twist on traditional croutons. Whether you’re tossing them into a fresh salad or using them as a soup topper, you will say bye bye to store bought and say hello to homemade za’atar croutons!
Why This Recipe Works
Homemade croutons are soooo much better than store-bought croutons. Use any type of bread such as leftover stale bread, white, ciabatta, a baguette or even gluten free. Enjoy these on salads such as fattoush salad, caesar or a panzanella salad or a warm soup such as my Tomato and Cauliflower Soup or my Vegan Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup. Crush them up and use it as a crunchy topping to green beans.
The main ingredient in these homemade croutons is the za’atar. Za’atar spice can also be enjoyed in Middle Eastern Spatchcocked Chicken, Za’atar Salmon, or Baked Za’atar Fries with Feta.
Ingredients for Croutons with Za’atar Spice
French baguette. Any bread will work for croutons but from my experience sturdier breads are the best.
Extra virgin olive oil. 3 tablespoons of olive oli should be good but you may need more if you are using more bread.
Za’atar spice. I use my homemade za’atar spice but any za’atar spice will work.
Kosher Salt. This is optional. I like to spirinkle a touch right after they come out of the oven.
How To Make Za’atar Croutons
1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut the bread into 1 inch cubes and spread them out on the baking sheet in a single even layer.
3. Toss the bread cubes with olive oil and the za’atar spices. Blend well making sure each cube is coated.
4. Place the baking tray in the oven and bake until golden and crispy about 15-20 minutes. Finish them off with a pinch of salt and black pepper if desired. A quick tip is to turn the tray around half way during baking to be sure all the bread is browning evenly.
5. Use on salads such as fattoush salad, caesar or a panzanella salad or soups such as my Tomato and Cauliflower Soup or my Vegan Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup. You can even crush them up and use it as a crunchy topping to green beans.
Storage for homemade croutons
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Helpful tips for Za’atar Croutons
- All ovens can run different in temperatures so cooking time can vary. My oven tends to run hot so 375 degrees is a good temperature without burning them.
- Check on the croutons after 10-15 minutes to ensure they aren’t burning.
- You can use fresh herbs if you were using this in stuffing for example but dried herbs work great.
- This same method can be for other flavor of croutons such as simple garlic salt or change up the breads to pita bread.
- Making croutons eliminates food waste by using leftover bread.
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Za’atar Croutons
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 ounces baguette cubed
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons za'atar spice or one serving of my homemade za'atar spice
- kosher salt as needed
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the bread into 1 inch cubes and spread them out on the baking sheet in a single layer.
- Toss the bread cubes with olive oil and the za'atar spices. Blend well making sure each cube is coated with oil and seasoning.
- Place the baking tray in the oven and bake until golden and crispy about 15-20 minutes. Finish them off with a pinch of salt and black pepper if desired. A quick tip is to turn the tray around half way during baking to be sure all the bread is browning evenly.
- When done, remove from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes. Use on your favorite salads or soups. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Notes
- All ovens can run different in temperatures so cooking time can vary. My oven tends to run hot so 375 degrees is a good temperature without burning them.
- Check on the croutons after 10-15 minutes to ensure they aren’t burning.
- You can use fresh herbs if you were using this in stuffing for example but dried herbs work great.
- This same method can be for other flavor of croutons such as simple garlic salt or change up the breads to pita bread.
Nutrition
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