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Overhead photo of a bright green salad with croutons in a small bowl sitting on the same plate.
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5 from 5 votes

Whole Wheat Banana Bread Croutons

Whole Wheat Banana Bread Croutons are simple to make & it all starts with a favorite banana bread recipe.
Course How-To's
Cuisine Croutons
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 24 Ounces
Calories 81kcal
Author Ginny McMeans

Ingredients

  • 1 Baked Banana Bread Squares
  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

  • Make sure you use a square pan even if you use your own recipe. It makes the slicing much easier.
  • Remove from the pan and let cool. Slice in about ¾" to 1" strips.
  • Don't cut in squares yet. It is easier to toast this way.
  • Brush oil on a baking sheet.
  • Lay the strips of banana bread on the baking sheet with one of the cut sides down.
  • Brush more oil on the top of each strip.
  • Turn on your broiler and broil for 1 to 1 ½ minutes until just golden brown.
  • Don't walk away. Check at 45 seconds and then at a minute. In the last few seconds they start to get very brown very quickly.
  • Remove from the oven and flip each strip over so that the other cut side is up.
  • Brush with oil again and lightly brown under the broiler as you did the other side. Remember don't walk away. It just takes seconds.
  • Take out of the oven an let cool. Cut into cubes.
  • The newly cut edges do not have to be toasted. The croutons will be crunchy enough as they are.
  • After they have cooled keep in an airtight container or zip lock bag and serve on fresh salads.

Notes

How To Store Whole Wheat Banana Bread Croutons
I store my croutons in an airtight food storage container or a zip-top bag for up to three days. This is a big bunch of storage containers but you'll be surprised how much you'll use them. All of them!
You can store them in the refrigerator for about five days.
Homemade croutons can also be put in the freezer. I use the same freezer storage container as shown above. You can also use zip lock freezer bags. When ready to use, spread the croutons onto a baking sheet and bake at 250-275 degrees F for about 10 minutes to defrost and make crispy again.

Nutrition

Serving: 2Ounces | Calories: 81kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 56mg | Potassium: 25mg | Vitamin A: 90IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 0.3mg