Greens With Homemade Croutons Recipes

GREENS WITH POLENTA CROUTONS

Steps:

• For the polenta: Coat a 9- by 13-inch baking dish with a thin coat of olive oil.
• Combine 4 cups water and 2 teaspoons salt in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Slowly add the polenta, whisking constantly. Reduce the heat to low, bringing the polenta to a simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, until thick, 5 to 8 minutes. Turn off the heat and stir in the butter, cheese and rosemary. Pour the polenta into the prepared dish and cool completely until firm.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick silicone liner.
• Unmold the polenta, cut into 1-inch squares and place on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until crisp and golden, about 1 hour.
• For the salad: Meanwhile, whisk together the vinegar and Dijon in a small bowl along with some salt and pepper. Add the oil in a thin stream, whisking constantly. Toss the greens with the dressing in a large salad bowl. Add the tomatoes, cranberries, and Roquefort and toss again. Arrange the salad on a large serving platter or individual plates. Top with half the croutons and serve immediately. Reserve the remaining croutons for another use in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.

GREENS WITH HOMEMADE CROUTONS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325°. Place bread cubes in a bowl. Drizzle with butter; toss lightly. Sprinkle with seasonings; toss to combine. Arrange in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake 14-18 minutes or until golden brown, turning occasionally. , Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk dressing ingredients. In a large bowl, combine salad ingredients. Just before serving, drizzle with dressing; toss to coat. Top with croutons.

GARLIC CROUTONS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• In a large saute pan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in garlic; cook and stir for 1 minute. Add bread cubes, and toss to coat. Spread on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 15 minutes, or until crisp and dry. Check frequently to prevent burning. Cool.

CROUTONS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Remove crusts from stale bread slices. Brush bread on both sides with melted butter. Cut bread slices up into small cubes. Sprinkle with garlic salt (if desired). Arrange cubes on an ungreased cookie sheet.
• Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 15 minutes or until browned. Let cool. Store croutons in a covered container or plastic bag. Serve in soups or salads.

CHARRED GREENS WITH CITRUS VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Set up your grill for even medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, distribute the coals evenly. If using a gas grill, heat both sides evenly.
• In a small saucepan set on the grill, melt the butter with the clove of smashed garlic. Remove the garlic.
• Place the torn baguette in a mixing bowl and pour the melted garlic butter over the top. Toss to coat the bread and season with salt and pepper. Put the croutons in a cast-iron pan and place on the grill. Cover the grill and bake until golden brown and crisp, 5 to 7 minutes.
• In the meantime, in a mason jar, add the lemon juice, olive oil, grated garlic, anchovies, Dijon and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper and vigorously shake to combine.
• Remove the croutons from the grill and set aside. Brush the kale leaves and the cut side of the endive and escarole with some of the lemon vinaigrette. Place on the grill, cut-side down, and char for about 2 minutes.
• Remove from the grill, slice into bite-sized pieces and put in a large serving bowl. Add the croutons and chives and dress with the remainder of the vinaigrette. Add Parmesan and toss to combine. Serve.

GREEN SALAD WITH CROUTONS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• Place bread cubes in a bowl; sprinkle the tablespoon of oil over them. Toss gently. Arrange cubes on cookie sheet, and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until nicely browned.
• In a large serving bowl, mix the mustard, garlic, salt, pepper and vinegar. Stir in the 4 tablespoons of oil.
• To serve, add the endive to the dressing. Toss thoroughly, and divide among 6 plates. Top with croutons.

HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE CROUTONS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375° F.
• Place the bread cubes in a large bowl and set aside. Heat the olive oil and garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat until the garlic begins to turn golden and becomes fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Be careful the garlic doesn't burn or it will taste bitter. Strain or pick the garlic cloves out of the oil and discard or save for another use.
• Drizzle the oil over the bread cubes and toss to coat. Scatter onto a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until the bread cubes are golden, flipping the cubes occasionally. Remove from the oven and add back to the bowl. Toss with the parsley and salt and pepper and set aside to cool. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.