These home made sourdough croutons are the right method to make use of up leftover lievito madre bread. Tossed with garlic, herbs, and Parmigiano, then baked till golden and crunchy, they add simply the suitable taste and texture to soups and salads.

A home made crouton recipe is without doubt one of the best methods to make use of up leftover lievito madre bread, particularly when it’s a day or two previous. Merely reduce into cubes, toss with garlic, herbs, olive oil, and Parmigiano, then bake till golden and crisp.

Whether or not you’re utilizing a rustic Italian bread with lievito madre, discard bread or slices of sourdough lievito madre discard bread, these croutons are crisp, savory, and so significantly better than something store-bought.

Why I Love These Selfmade Sourdough Croutons

• Making crunchy croutons is a straightforward method to make use of up leftover lievito madre bread with no waste.
• Simple croutons from sourdough discard are fast to make, prepared in half-hour and simple to customise together with your favourite seasonings.

Ingredient Notes

• Lievito madre bread: This recipe works with both traditional lievito madre bread or discard sourdough bread. Day-old bread holds its form finest when baked.
• Olive oil: Use a good-quality further virgin olive oil for one of the best taste.
• Parmigiano Reggiano: Freshly grated provides a savory depth and helps the croutons crisp up within the oven.
• Garlic, parsley, and oregano: Traditional Italian seasoning. Be happy to regulate to style.

What’s genuine parmigiano?

Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is genuine or DOP (Denominazione di Origine Protetta which suggests Protected Designation of Origin), and Parmesan cheese is simply an imitation of Parmigiano Reggiano. Reggiano is all the time made in Italy, whereas Parmesan could be made anyplace, there aren’t any restrictions on utilizing the title Parmesan. And don’t neglect a cheaper but in addition a DOP alternative is Parmigiano Grana Padano.

Make Lievito Madre Discard Croutons

In a small bowl, combine collectively the garlic, herbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. This seasoning mix provides the croutons their scrumptious Italian taste.

Place the stale bread cubes in a big bowl and drizzle with half of the olive oil. Add the seasoning combine and toss all the pieces collectively till the cubes are effectively coated. Then pour in the remainder of the oil and provides it one other mild toss.

Unfold the cubes out on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake. You should definitely flip them midway by way of in order that they bake evenly on all sides.

Let the lievito madre discard croutons cool fully on the baking sheet earlier than storing. They’ll crisp up much more as they cool. I like to sneak just a few as they cool! 

Sourdough Crouton Suggestions

• Use day-old bread for one of the best texture. Recent bread can flip delicate or soggy.
• Toss evenly with oil and seasoning so each lievito madre discard crouton will get flavorful and crisp.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan. Depart house between the cubes in order that they bake, not steam.
• New to sourdough? Discover ways to make your individual lievito madre starter, it’s good for home made bread and croutons.

Recipe Variations

• Use common sourdough: Should you don’t have lievito madre bread readily available, my simple sourdough bread works simply as effectively or you should utilize your favourite bread.
• Change the cheese: Swap Parmigiano with Pecorino Romano or perhaps a little bit of aged Asiago for a sharper taste.
• Strive totally different herbs: Rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning can be utilized as a substitute of oregano and parsley.
• Add a bit warmth: A pinch of pink pepper flakes or cracked black pepper provides a delicate kick.

Storage

As soon as fully cooled, retailer the croutons in an hermetic container at room temperature for as much as 1 week. Be sure that they’re absolutely dry and funky earlier than storing to maintain them crisp.

Leftover tip: Additional croutons could be pulsed into home made breadcrumbs and saved within the pantry or freezer.

Freezing: You may freeze them after baking and rewarm within the oven, nevertheless it’s not my favourite methodology because the croutons could lose a few of their crunch when thawed. For finest texture, take pleasure in them contemporary or repurpose them as breadcrumbs.

FAQs

Extra Lievito Madre Recipes

I like utilizing my lievito madre to make totally different recipes and these Lievito madre discard croutons are definitely scrumptious. Buon appetito!

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