Not all croutons are created equal. Croutons come in all shapes and sizes. Some are spicy and others cheesy. What most have in common is that they are generally crispy and versatile. There are many brands on the markets, and choosing can be difficult. You just need to try a few and find a favorite.
Popular Crouton Brands
Some of the more popular brands that are easy to find at your local grocer include Fresh Gourmet, Mrs. Cubbison's, Pepperidge Farm, Cardini's, Chatham Village and Reese. Fresh Gourmet is the fastest-growing crouton brand on the market. They are made from fresh bread that is seasoned and toasted.
Crouton Flavors
Croutons come in an array of flavors. Some of the more popular ones are herb, garlic and butter, ranch, Caesar, onion and garlic, parmesan and sun-dried tomato. If you have a sweet tooth, you may even be able to find cinnamon flavored--if not, you can always make your own.
Nutritional Value of Croutons
Croutons can be high in sodium and sometimes fat. Remember to read the label prior to buying them if you are on a restricted diet. However, you can find croutons that are organic, low-sodium and even fat free. Most of the big brand names will carry croutons in all of these categories.
Size Matters
Size is also a factor when deciding on the best type of crouton. Typically, there are four sizes to choose from: traditional cut, restaurant cut, generous and premium. Again, it all depends on taste and for what you plan to use your croutons. If you are tossing them in a salad, you may want something more robust to make a statement. If you just want to add a little zip to your soup, you may want to go with something smaller that will compliment the dish, but not take anything away from it.
Croutons Can Be Very Versatile
Croutons can be very versatile. You can toss them in with your salad, add them to a soup, create a crunchy snack mix, make a stuffing for a chicken, add them to your meatloaf mix or even top off your pizza. Croutons can also be made out of just about any type of bread. If you are tired of the same old white bread type, try sourdough, pumpernickel or whole grain. And while croutons are easy to find in your local supermarket, they are also easy to make. So, if you are feeling creative, you can use that old stale bread and turn it into something truly enjoyable.
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