Croutons
AI-generated illustration
Croutons are small, toasted or fried cubes of bread, typically seasoned with herbs, garlic, or butter, and used as a crunchy topping for salads, soups, and stews. They originated in France as a way to use stale bread, transforming it into a flavorful garnish. Today, they are a staple in Western cuisine, especially in dishes like Caesar salad.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Croutons are primarily high in carbohydrates and fats, especially if made with butter or oil, with minimal protein. A typical 1/2-cup serving provides around 100-150 calories, along with small amounts of iron and B vitamins from the bread.
💡 What's interesting
Croutons are a classic example of culinary resourcefulness, turning leftover bread into a prized texture-enhancing ingredient. Nutritionally, they add crunch but can be calorie-dense, so they're often used sparingly to balance flavor and health in meals.