I love croutons. But they were one of the first things I gave up buying pre-made when I started going plastic free. It was an easy decision bc croutons are so easy to make!!
Here’s my go to, easy, vegan, zero waste recipe!
Ingredients
Bread (preferably a baguette or other crunchy loaf, preferably day old or bread ends or scrapes)
Olive oil
Spices (whatever you have at hand)
Salt & Pepper
Equipment
Bread knife
Cutting board
Baking pan
Cut bread into bite sized pieces. My bread was a few days old and too stiff to cut up safely, so I just tore mine to pieces. Place on the baking tray and add spices and salt and pepper. I used onion powder (old plastic jar that I’m using up, next I’ll buy glass), garlic powder, thyme (bulk and put in a reused jar), pink salt and fresh pepper. You can use whatever you have but a combo kinda like this is what I usually use. Douse generously with olive oil. Toss well to coat. Place tray in preheated oven. Bake until golden, tossing occasionally, about 20 min depending on oven temp.
A few notes:
- I usually bake these when I’m already using the oven, which is why I don’t have a set temp.
- I have made the spice mix with so many different variations! I really like to add cayenne or chili flakes to make them a little spicy. I also like mine really salty!
- These keep for about a week in an air tight container stored in a cool dry place.
- Use these on salads, soups, stews, or just as a crunchy snack!
Using up old bread, that hopefully came in paper which can be recycled or composted, or from the bulk section and using spices and oil that can be bought in glass or bulk are the biggest reason that this is a zero waste recipe. It is also a great way to save bread that wold have otherwise gone in the trash. And think about all the waste your saving by making these yourself as opposed to buying them in conventional packaging at the store!!
What are some items you used to buy but now make yourself?
