Pesto Croutons

To prepare a delicious and crunchy snack, start by cutting the bread into cubes of your desired size. It is important to mention that keeping the crust can add a pleasant texture and an intense flavor, especially if you prefer a crunchy note. Therefore, use a quality bread, perhaps even an artisanal one.

In parallel, prepare the pesto. Add fresh basil leaves, pine nuts or hazelnuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic into a blender. These ingredients combine perfectly to create a vibrant and aromatic green sauce. Pulse the mixture until you achieve a smooth paste, gradually adding olive oil to reach the desired consistency. The taste should be balanced, so feel free to adjust the amount of garlic or Parmesan according to your preferences.

Once the pesto is ready, pour it over the bread cubes in a generous bowl. Use a spatula or a large spoon to mix well, ensuring that each piece of bread is evenly coated with the aromatic sauce. This step is essential as it will ensure an even distribution of flavors.

After mixing well, transfer the bread cubes to a baking tray lined with aluminum foil, leveling them so they have an even layer. Now, preheat the oven to 200°C (gas mark 6) and place the tray inside. Bake for about 10 minutes, then remove the tray from the oven and use a spatula to turn the bread cubes. This step is crucial for achieving an even browning.

After mixing, put the tray back in the oven and continue baking for another 15 minutes or until the bread cubes become golden and crunchy, according to your preferences. The aroma that will spread throughout the kitchen will be irresistible. Once they have reached the perfect texture, transfer them to a bowl and let them cool slightly before enjoying. These pesto bread cubes are perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or simple snack, being a true delight for any occasion. Enjoy them with a refreshing white wine or a craft beer for a perfect culinary experience!

 Ingredients: 15 g fresh basil 1 tablespoon pine nuts (you can also substitute with almonds) 20 g Parmigiano Reggiano 60 ml extra virgin olive oil 2 cloves of garlic salt and freshly ground pepper 500 g homemade bread (one day after it has been made)

 Tags:  garlic oil olives vegetarian recipes