I have to confess, croutons were one of those things I never thought I’d miss until I started cutting carbs. Who knew those crunchy little cubes could hold so much nostalgia? (I mean, isn’t it just toasted bread?
) But then, one chilly evening, while munching on a sad salad, it hit me—my salad needed that crunch, that satisfying bite that only croutons can deliver. Enter: keto croutons, the low-carb hero I didn’t know I needed.
It’s like rediscovering an old friend but with a new twist—crispy, savory, and oh-so-delightful. Whether you’re deep into the keto lifestyle or just looking to spice up your salad game, these homemade croutons are a game-changer (oops, can I say that? ).
Plus, they’re so simple to make, you might just find yourself snacking on them straight out of the oven. Or maybe that’s just me? Let’s get to it!
Steps
- Begin by combining egg whites, almond flour, psyllium husk, baking powder, and water in a bowl, stirring with a fork until mixed.
- Grease a 5 x 5 inch container and pour in the bread mixture. Microwave on high for 3 minutes until the edges pull away from the container.
- Allow the bread to cool and then cut it into cubes.
- In a separate bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Toss the bread cubes with this seasoned oil mixture.
- Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) for electric or 340F (170C) for fan ovens. Arrange the coated bread cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning once, until they are crisp.
Ingredients
- Egg white
- Almond flour (use ground almonds, equivalent to US almond flour)
- Psyllium husk powder (ensure it’s fine powder, not whole husks)
- Baking powder
- Water
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (or melted butter)
- 1 garlic clove, minced (or ½ teaspoon garlic powder)
- ? – ½ teaspoon flaked sea salt, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs
Nutritional Values
Calories: 752 kcal | Total Carbohydrates: 17.6g | Net Carbohydrates: 9.6g | Protein: 23.2g | Fat: 69.2g | Saturated Fat: 7.6g | Fiber: 8.4g | Sugar: 3.2g
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of bread for the croutons?
- Yes, you can use different types of bread to make croutons. This recipe uses a variation of 90 Second Keto Bread, but other options like older bread slices work well too when combined with the same amount of olive oil.
- What can I do if my microwave has a different wattage?
- If your microwave operates at less than 900 watts, increase the cooking time by 10 seconds or more. Conversely, if it operates at 1000 watts or higher, reduce the cooking time by 10-20 seconds.
- Can I store the croutons, and how long will they keep?
- Store your keto croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Freezing is possible, but they may lose their crunch, so reheating them in an oven or air fryer is recommended to regain crispiness.
- Is there a nut-free alternative to almond flour in this recipe?
- Yes, a combination of sesame and sunflower seed flour can be used as a nut-free alternative to almond flour in this crouton recipe.
- Are there other methods to make the croutons crispy?
- Besides baking, you can use an air fryer set to 180C / 350F for 15 minutes or pan-fry over low heat. Both methods will result in crispy croutons.
Tips
- Adjust Microwave Time Based on Power: If your microwave operates at a different power level than 900 watts, adjust the cooking time accordingly. Increase by 10 seconds for lower power microwaves, or decrease by 10-20 seconds for those with 1000 watts or more.
- Experiment with Different Spices: Enhance the flavor of your croutons by trying various spices like onion powder, oregano, cumin, paprika, or za’atar. You can also add a bit of grated parmesan cheese for extra taste.
- Alternative Cooking Methods: Consider using an air fryer, grill, or pan-frying for crisping the croutons. While the oven provides the most consistent crunch, these methods can offer quicker or different results.
- Storage Tips: Store your croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you choose to freeze them, re-crisp by baking in the oven or using an air fryer before serving.
Equipment
- 5 x 5 Inch Microwave-Safe Container – A specific-sized container required for microwaving the bread dough.
- Parchment Paper – For lining the baking sheet to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Psyllium Husk Powder – A less common ingredient that some may need to purchase.
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