Before I grocery shopping, I always take a look in my freezer and my refrigerator for two reasons. So I can check my “inventory” and to also get rid of anything that is past it’s prime. This weekend, during my routine check, I found something that has been staring back and me, but for one reason or another I have always chosen to ignore.
I put all of my cubes into a mixing bowl and coated them with butter. I use this Parkay Spray because it makes it alot easier to get the croutons coated, plus it is cholesterol free. Once they are coated with a layer of butter I add my seasonings. This time I used a dash of paprika and a good dousing of garlic. In my opinion, garlic makes everything better! 
Feel free to use any seasonings you see fit. Oregano and basil along side some garlic would make some great Italian flavored croutons. Or what maybe just some Sea Salt?
Once they are coated and seasoned, lay them out on a baking sheet and place them in a 250° oven. About every 5-10 minutes toss them around a bit. It took them about 45 minutes to go to this:
Frugal Deliciousness! No Cost Croutons.
Want bread crumbs instead? Throw the croutons in the food processor and grind up, or place in a Ziploc bag and break up by rolling a rolling pin over it.
The next time you smash your bread with a dozen eggs or all you have left is the heel that no one will eat, Think Croutons!
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{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
awesome! I've made my own bread crumbs, but haven't yet made my own croutons! thanks.
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I have a loaf of frozen, day old french bread in the freezer. I keep thinking it needs to become bread pudding or something, but maybe I'll go with croutons instead.
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I've made croutons but I fried them up in a pan instead of baking them… I'm going to give this a try next time though =)
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I should make it!
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Great tip! I really need to do this. I can't tell you how many slices of bread have gone into my compost because they were past their prime. Now I know to freeze them and make croutons.
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*cough* And I was considering buying *cough* croutons the other day to go on my salad when I have a whole bag of heels in the freezer. You put me to shame.
On another note, last year for our Christmas get-together, we were using StoveTop stuffing. I'd given it a trial run since we were all used to "from scratch" and found the seasoning to be a bit much. I took my "freezer bread", cubed it up into little cubes, dried it out in the oven, and added some to each packet, adding extra liquid as I'd figured out. It worked great and you'd wouldn't have known it.
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I've always made bread crumbs with the heels and squished pieces. I'm going to have to try making my own croutons though.
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This is a great idea! Thanks for sharing it. I'll have to start saving the bread heels.
Jane
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Great, great tip. Going to be saving heels from now on for croutons! (Although hubby is pretty good at eating sandwiches from heels).
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Thanks for the tip; I'll have to start saving the extras!
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That's a yummy tackle!!
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I also save all my leftover heels and random bread pieces, and use them to make bread crumbs, bread for stuffing, egg casseroles or bread puddings. I think saving that bread is such a great thrifty idea – I'll have to try croutons next!
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I LOVE this idea. Thanks for sharing. Maybe I'll eat more salads now.
Stopping by from Jen's party. 
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Thats a great idea. I love croutons, but they can be expensive to buy all the time.
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I think these are great. Varying the seasoning is also a creative way to use them. Thanks for sharing. I hope to see you at Crock Pot Wednesday on diningwithdebbie.blogspot.com. Thanks again for posting.
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Great tip! Thanks for linking to TMTT.
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They sound so delicious and yummy!
~Blessings, ~Melissa
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oh wow, this is a great idea for old bread. i'm going to have to try it some time!
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