Garlic Rye Croutons

• servings: 2 cups
• total time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

8 oz. 100 percent rye sourdough bread (such as Latvian rupjmaize), cut into 2-inch chunks

1⁄2 cup vegetable oil

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

2 tbsp. bacon fat

3 large garlic cloves, minced (1 Tbsp.)

1 tbsp. thinly sliced chives

Directions

instruction 0

Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, toss the bread with the vegetable oil until evenly saturated and season lightly with salt and pepper. Transfer to a large, rimmed baking sheet (no need to clean out the bowl), arranging the cubes in a single layer. Bake, stirring once or twice, until the croutons are crisp throughout and darkened at the edges, 15–20 minutes.

instruction 1

Meanwhile, in a small pot, combine the bacon fat and garlic. Heat gently to melt the fat but not cook the garlic, then transfer the mixture to the large bowl and set aside.

instruction 2

When the croutons are baked, transfer them to the large bowl and stir well to coat with the garlic and fat. Sprinkle with chives and serve warm or at room temperature with soup or salad.