Best 4 Corn Bread Croutons Recipes

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Cornbread croutons are a delightful way to add a unique flavor and texture to your favorite dishes. Whether you're using them in a salad, soup, or casserole, cornbread croutons offer a crispy crunch and a savory sweetness that can elevate any meal. With their versatility and ease of preparation, they're sure to become a staple in your kitchen. In this article, we will share a selection of carefully curated recipes designed to help you create the perfect cornbread croutons. Whether you prefer a classic approach or are looking for something more adventurous, you'll find a recipe here to suit your taste. So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let's embark on a culinary adventure as we explore the world of cornbread croutons!

Let's cook with our recipes!

CREOLE CAESAR SALAD WITH CORN BREAD CROUTONS



Creole Caesar Salad With Corn Bread Croutons image

My love for okra began as a child and continues to border on just this side of insanity. I love okra. As a young boy, I would smuggle a brown bag full of fried okra into the movies as my better-than-popcorn snack. On Sunday nights, I was famous for making fried okra and creamed corn sandwiches with fresh slices of tomato and loads of Duke's mayonnaise. Years later, while studying in Italy, I realized that Italians also took leftover vegetables and made sandwiches. All you need are cold vegetables, bread, and mayo. The Caesar salad treatment makes this lighter than a sandwich, although if you want to give it more heft, you can add shrimp, chicken, or duck.

Provided by Alexander Smalls

Categories     Summer     Salad     Corn     Okra     Dinner

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 21

For the salad:
2 cups Fried Okra
2 heads romaine lettuce, leaves separated
1 cup cooked fresh corn kernels, chilled
2½ cups cubed corn bread, toasted
½ cup sliced grape tomatoes
½ cup sliced seedless cucumber
¼ cup sliced red onion
Creole Caesar Dressing (recipe follows)
For the Creole Caesar dressing:
⅔ cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves, peeled
2 tablespoons chopped onion
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
½ roasted red bell pepper
1 tablespoon finely chopped celery
1 teaspoon light brown sugar
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper

Steps:

  • For the salad:
  • Place half the fried okra in a large bowl and add the romaine, corn, corn bread, tomatoes, cucumber, and onion. Add the dressing and toss until well coated.
  • Divide the salad among six serving plates and top evenly with the remaining okra. Serve immediately.
  • For the Creole Caesar dressing:
  • In a small saucepan, combine the oil, garlic, and onion. Cook over low heat until the garlic and onion are golden and tender, about 15 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the garlic and onion to a food processor; reserve the oil.
  • Add the vinegar, bell pepper, celery, sugar, cayenne, mayonnaise, Parmesan, and a pinch each of salt and black pepper to the food processor. Pulse until smooth. With the machine running, add the oil in a thin stream and process until emulsified. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

OYSTER SPINACH BISQUE WITH CORN BREAD CROUTONS



Oyster Spinach Bisque with Corn Bread Croutons image

Categories     Soup/Stew     Dairy     Leafy Green     Shellfish     Christmas     Winter     Gourmet

Yield Makes about 6 cups, serving 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

36 shucked oysters in their liquor
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 large shallots, chopped fine
1/2 cup medium-dry Sherry
3 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup packed spinach leaves, washed well, drained, and shredded fine
Garnish: 24 small spinach leaves, washed well and spun day, and 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
Corn Bread Croutons

Steps:

  • Drain oysters in a fine sieve set over a glass measure, adding enough water to liquor to measure 1 cup, and reserve liquid. Rinse oysters under cold water and drain. Transfer oysters to a bowl and chill, covered.
  • In a large saucepan melt butter over moderate heat until foam subsides and cook shallots, stirring, until softened. Add Sherry and cook until almost all liquid is evaporated. Stir in reserved oyster liquid and 1 1/2 cups milk and bring barely to a simmer (do not let boil). Stir in 12 oysters and poach until edges begin to curl, about 2 minutes. (Liquid may separate but will come together once blended.) In a blender purée mixture in batches until smooth and strain into a kettle, skimming froth. Stir in remaining 1 1/2 cups milk and cream and bring barely to a simmer (do not let boil). Stir in remaining 24 oysters, spinach, and salt and pepper to taste and poach oysters until edges begin to curl, about 2 minutes.
  • Ladle bisque into 8 heated soup plates and garnish with spinach leaves and bell pepper. Serve bisque with croutons.

WHITE BEAN AND HAM HOCK SOUP WITH ARUGULA AND CORN BREAD CROUTONS



White Bean and Ham Hock Soup with Arugula and Corn Bread Croutons image

Categories     Soup/Stew     Bean     Leafy Green     Pork     Tomato     Vegetable     High Fiber     Ham     Arugula     Legume     Fall     Gourmet

Yield Makes 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

For soup
1 lb dried small white beans such as navy or Great Northern
1 lb smoked ham hocks
1/4 cup bacon drippings (from 1/2lb bacon) or olive oil
2 cups chopped onion
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 lb tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and diced
4 fresh thyme sprigs
8 cups chicken broth
For corn bread croutons
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 garlic clove, minced
3 cups 3/4-inch cubes corn bread
1 lb arugula, coarse stems removed
Tabasco to taste

Steps:

  • Make soup:
  • Soak beans in cold water to cover overnight (8 hours). Drain and rinse well.
  • Simmer ham hocks in 6 cups water in a 3-quart saucepan, partially covered, skimming foam as necessary, 1 hour. Reserve 4 cups cooking liquid and drain ham hocks.
  • Heat bacon drippings in an 8-quart heavy pot over moderate heat until hot but not smoking, then cook onion and garlic, stirring, until softened. Add tomatoes and thyme and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add soaked beans, broth, ham hocks, and reserved cooking liquid and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender, about 1 hour.
  • Make croutons while soup simmers:
  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • Melt butter with garlic and toss together with corn bread cubes in a shallow baking pan. Toast in middle of oven until lightly browned and crisp on the outside, about 15 minutes.
  • Prepare soup for serving:
  • Remove ham hocks and shred meat. Return meat to soup and stir in arugula. Simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until greens are tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Tabasco.
  • Serve soup topped with croutons.

CORN BREAD CROUTONS



Corn Bread Croutons image

Categories     Bread     Sauté     Quick & Easy     Cornmeal     Winter     Gourmet

Yield Makes about 1 cup

Number Of Ingredients 2

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 Thomas' corn Toast-R-Cakes or 1 corn muffin, cut into 1/3-inch cubes

Steps:

  • In a skillet (preferably non-stick) heat oil over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking and toast corn bread until golden brown and crisp. Season croutons with salt and pepper. Croutons may be made 1 day ahead and kept in a sealable plastic bag at room temperature.

Tips:

  • Select the Right Cornbread: Opt for a good quality, slightly sweet cornbread with a coarse texture. This will result in crispy and flavorful croutons.
  • Cube the Cornbread Evenly: Cut the cornbread into uniform cubes to ensure even baking and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
  • Use Unsalted Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the croutons, preventing them from becoming too salty.
  • Add Some Herbs and Spices: Enhance the flavor of the croutons by adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano, and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
  • Bake at the Right Temperature: Bake the croutons at a high temperature (400-425°F) to achieve a crispy texture while avoiding burning them.
  • Monitor the Baking Process: Keep an eye on the croutons while baking, stirring them occasionally to ensure even browning and prevent burning.
  • Cool and Store Properly: Let the croutons cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the freezer for longer storage.

Conclusion:

Homemade cornbread croutons are a delicious and versatile addition to various dishes, from salads and soups to casseroles and stuffing. They are easy to make using simple ingredients and can be customized with different herbs, spices, and flavors to suit your preferences. Whether you're looking for a crunchy topping or a flavorful addition to your favorite recipes, these cornbread croutons are sure to elevate your culinary creations. So, gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and enjoy the delightful taste and texture of homemade cornbread croutons in your next culinary adventure!

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