I Can’t Stop Eating These Croutons | Cook’s Illustrated (2024)

FAQs

Are croutons unhealthy? ›

Why is it unhealthy? Croutons can add some delicious crunch to your salad, but they can also add calories. You might be surprised to learn that just a cup of croutons can add an estimated 120 calories to your salad, and that number goes up to 180 if they are the seasoned variety.

If you're baking your croutons, make sure they are well-spaced-out on a shallow tray to ensure they crisp evenly and they don't steam, causing them to become soggy. They also need to be in a single layer and not touching. If you're frying the croutons, toss the pan regularly to make sure they crisp evenly.

How long do croutons last? The expected shelf-life for homemade croutons is about two weeks. Moisture encourages mold, so make sure your croutons are completely dehydrated during the bake and let cool completely at room temperature before storing them away in an airtight container.

Best: Black Bean-and-Avocado Salad

The beans are a good source of disease-fighting antioxidants, and they have protein and fiber, as well as energy-boosting iron. Avocado adds creaminess and fiber. Plus, its fats help your body take in nutrients, including heart-healthy lycopene.

Obviously, there's no law saying croutons can't be eaten like a snack, but certain things can give you the sense it's discouraged. One of those things: the suggested serving size on the back of the package, which is typically two tablespoons.

Homemade croutons will keep fresh for weeks when properly stored, so they're great for making ahead. To Store: Once the baked croutons have cooled completely to room temperature, transfer them to an airtight container or large zip-top bag. Store them on the counter for up to 2 weeks.

Commercially packaged croutons, due to their preservatives and packaging, can last significantly longer. They can often be stored at room temperature for several months without any noticeable degradation in texture or flavor.

Croutons: Yes, you can freeze them! Cube stale bread and toast it for a few minutes. Then, place the croutons into a resealable freezer bag and stow in the freezer. You can also freeze the uncooked bread cubes and toast them at a later time.

Shelf Life of Croutons

Packaged croutons: Can last for an additional 6 to 8 months past the labeled expiration date if unopened and stored in a cool, dry place. Once opened, the shelf life reduces and croutons should be used within 1 month to ensure freshness.

Keep crispy stuff and cheesy stuff off

Since a salad is typically a high-moisture dish, it's best to keep anything crispy or cheesy off until serving. Crispy items such as croutons or fried wontons will become soggy and cheese will become soft.

Are croutons junk food? ›

Croutons aren't the worst offenders when it comes to diet-disasters, but they add calories from processed grains without providing any nutritional benefit. 3 And many times the croutons are fried so they add unnecessary fat to your otherwise healthy meal.

Toasted nuts and seeds

These nutrient-dense morsels deliver more than just plenty of crunch—they help make a salad more filling. “Salads that are just vegetables or greens sometimes don't satisfy on their own,” Hamshaw says. Most nuts and seeds have protein, healthy fats, and fiber—three things that increased satiety.

Crouton Alternative #2: Toasted Nuts or Toasted Sunflower Seeds. Almonds, walnuts, pine nuts and cashews are naturally gluten-free, as are sunflower seeds. They also help make your salad more filling. Toasting your nuts and seeds gives them extra crunch and a little extra flavor.

A. Regarding nutritional value, croutons and bread are practically identical. Therefore, croutons, especially those made from whole-grain bread, might provide limited health benefits. Moreover, most croutons have more sodium than your store-bought bread.

Part of the reason why croutons have been portrayed as "unhealthy" in the media is due to the high amount of sodium found in certain name brands at the supermarket. Not to mention, their crunchy, salty quality makes them satisfying and easy to munch on.

Generally speaking, the healthiest salad dressing will be a vinaigrette like balsamic or oil and vinegar, while Caesar, ranch or anything with the word “creamy” will be the unhealthiest. The exception? We like products made with healthy swaps—think Greek yogurt in place of mayo or heavy cream.