Crunchy Keto Croutons: The Ultimate Low-Carb Toppers You Need to Try!

Hot summers call for refreshing cold garden salads and chilled soups. Universally loved, croutons add mega flavor and personality to any summertime dish. However, most store-bought varieties are high in carbohydrates and often contain added sugars and preservatives. The following is a comprehensive guide to making keto croutons, ensuring you can enjoy that satisfying crunch without compromising your low-carb lifestyle.

Why Keto Croutons?

For those on a low-carb journey, traditional croutons are a no-go due to their high carbohydrate content from wheat bread. Keto croutons offer a fantastic alternative, providing the same delightful crunch and flavor while keeping your carb count in check. These croutons are perfect for adding texture and taste to salads, soups, and other dishes.

What are Keto Croutons Made Of?

The base of keto croutons is keto-friendly bread. Slightly hard or stale bread works best. You can use a store-bought version or make your own keto bread. Common ingredients for keto bread include almond flour, coconut flour, nuts, seeds, and low-carb vegetables. It’s important to ensure the bread is free of wheat flour, added sugars, and other high-carb ingredients.

Methods for Making Keto Croutons

There are several ways to make keto croutons, each offering a slightly different texture and flavor. Here are some popular methods:

Oven-Baked Keto Croutons

The oven is a perfect choice for making keto croutons.

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Cube the Bread: Cut your chosen keto bread into same-size slices and subsequently squares. Smaller bread cubes often work best.
Seasoning: In a large bowl, drizzle the bread cubes with olive oil and add your desired seasonings, such as garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, or any herbs of your choice like marjoram. Nutritional yeast can also be added for extra flavor
Mix Thoroughly: Use a big spatula to mix all of the croutons thoroughly, ensuring the oil and herbs are spread evenly.
Bake: Spread the seasoned bread cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they are spread evenly and are not on top of each other. Bake for about 15 minutes, tossing them at least once, until they are fully crisp and golden brown, ensuring no moisture remains.
Cool: Remove from the oven and let cool completely.

Air Fryer Keto Croutons

Making keto croutons in an air fryer is quick and easy.

Preparation: Pick your favorite keto bread. Make sure your bread is cooled. Chop fresh herbs and get olive oil ready.
Cut the Bread: Cut it into same-size slices and subsequently squares. Smaller bread cubes often work best.
Seasoning: Place all of the croutons into a large bowl. Add oil and all the ingredients, herbs of your choice, and a bit of salt and pepper.
Mix Thoroughly: With a big spatula, mix all of the croutons thoroughly. Remember to make sure the oil and herbs are spread evenly.
Air Fry: Depending on your Air Fryer, fill it up with your croutons. Make sure you only add one layer.
Cook: Switch the Air Fryer on. You do not need to add additional oil since you have already coated your croutons with oil. For the Tefal Actifry Genius, switching it to 10 minutes fully completes the croutons.
Cool: After 10 minutes, the crunchy croutons are golden brown and ready to be served. Let them cool or serve them still hot or warm.

Microwave Keto Croutons

For a speedy option, you can use the microwave. This method uses a version of 90-second keto bread.

Combine Ingredients: Combine egg whites, almond flour, psyllium husk, baking powder, and water in a bowl and mix with a fork.
Microwave Bread: Grease a 5 x 5 inch container and fill in the bread dough. Microwave for 3 minutes on high.
Cool and Chop: Allow cooling before chopping into 30 cubes.
Add Topping: Mix olive oil, Italian seasoning, and spices together.
Bake: Bake in the oven on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper until crisp, turning once. Alternatively, crisp up the croutons in an Air Fryer at 350°F (180°C) for 15 minutes.

Pan-Fried Keto Croutons

Pan-frying is another quick method, though it may require more attention to ensure even browning.

Prepare Bread: Cut keto bread into cubes.
Season: Toss the bread cubes with olive oil and your choice of seasonings.
Pan-Fry: Pan-fry over low heat until browned evenly.

Seasoning Ideas for Keto Croutons

One of the best parts of making keto croutons is getting creative with seasonings! Here are a few ideas:

Garlic and Herb: Swap Italian seasoning for garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
Italian Seasoning: A classic blend of dried herbs like basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme.
Everything Bagel Seasoning: Adds a savory, salty, and seedy flavor.
Taco Seasoning: For a spicy kick, use taco seasoning.
Sausage Seasoning: Adds a savory and slightly spicy flavor.
Onion Powder, Oregano, Cumin, Paprika, or Za'atar: These spices can be used individually or in combination for unique flavor profiles.
Parmesan Cheese: A little grated parmesan cheese adds a salty and savory touch.

Choosing the Right Bread

As already mentioned, you can use almost any keto bread at home. Made with almond flour, coconut flour, 90-second bread, whichever you prefer. For example, you can try farmer’s bread, shaped into more of a square loaf so it is easier to cut square shapes.

Here are some Low Carb and Keto Bread Recipes you might like:

Keto Farmers Bread with Fiber: Looks, feels, tastes, and smells like a Real Artisan Bread.
Keto Brioche Bread Loaf: A white, fluffy, soft, and High Protein Bread Loaf.
Keto Pretzels Fathead Dough Recipe: Gives you soft and chewy addition for your breakfast or brunch with zero net carbs.
Easy Keto Everything Bagels Recipe with Almond and Coconut Flour: A perfect addition to your Keto Bread Breakfast choice.
Keto Protein Buns: Fluffy, buttery, rich in taste, spongy, and airy Low Carb Buns.
Keto Fiber Tortillas Recipe: Made with super special new Fiber Fathead Dough, that is extra pliable for any Keto Dishes.
Hamburger Keto Buns Recipe: Made from nuts and seeds to give you only the best ingredients one can offer.

Serving Suggestions

Keto croutons are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas for how to use them:

Salads: Sprinkle them on top of your favorite salads for added crunch and flavor. They can turn a boring side salad into a satisfying main dish.
Soups: Use them as a topping for rich and creamy keto soups.
Stuffing: They’re the star of the show in stuffing.
Snacks: They are tasty enough to eat by the handful!

Troubleshooting

Why are my homemade croutons soggy?
- Ensure that your bread cubes are evenly spaced in a single layer when baking.
- Make sure that they have completely cooled before adding them to an airtight container.
Can psyllium husk powder be substituted?
- Psyllium husk powder is not something you can easily substitute. It is recommended to have this ingredient on hand.

Storage Tips

Room Temperature: Store the cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze them for up to 2 months. When you're ready to eat them, simply pop them in the oven for a few minutes.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient values are estimates only, and variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Erythritol carbs are not included in carb counts as it has been shown not to impact blood sugar. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.

Conclusion

Keto croutons are a fantastic way to enjoy the satisfying crunch of traditional croutons without derailing your low-carb diet. Whether you bake them in the oven, air fry them, or use a quick microwave method, these versatile toppers are sure to enhance your favorite salads, soups, and more. Get creative with your seasonings and enjoy!

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