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These homemade crispy bread toppings capture that distinctive crunch we all love on restaurant sandwiches. After extensive testing in my home kitchen, this recipe creates perfectly light, crunchy bits that add wonderful texture to any dish. They're simple to prepare and incredibly versatile.
Benefits of Homemade Crunch Toppings
Making these crunchy toppings from scratch provides a fresher taste and better texture than store-bought versions. They add delightful texture to soups and salads, while the aroma of fresh-baked seasoned bread fills the kitchen. Best of all, they use basic pantry ingredients most cooks have on hand.
Recipe Components
- Dough Base:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Herb Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: red pepper flakes
Preparing the Dough
Combine flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Gradually incorporate oil and warm water while mixing. Work the dough by hand until it forms a cohesive mass. Knead on a clean surface for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Rolling Technique
Split dough into two portions for easier handling. Dust work surface lightly with flour. Roll each portion extremely thin - the dough should be nearly transparent when held up to light. Test thickness by checking if a hand shadow is visible through the dough.
Shaping Process
Use a sharp pizza wheel to cut dough into rough 1-inch squares. Irregular shapes are perfectly acceptable and add visual interest. Smaller pieces tend to crisp more evenly than larger ones.
Baking Instructions
Place parchment on baking sheets. Arrange pieces with small gaps between them. Brush lightly with olive oil and add seasoning. Bake 12-14 minutes, monitoring closely to prevent over-browning.
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Serving Suggestions
- Garnish for creamy soups
- Alternative to traditional croutons
- Topping for casseroles
- Texture addition for roasted vegetables
Storage Methods
Cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Proper storage maintains crispness for up to one week at room temperature.
Flavor Variations
- Italian: Enhanced with parmesan and oregano
- Spicy: Increased pepper with cayenne addition
- Everything: Topped with bagel seasoning blend
- Ranch: Incorporating dried ranch seasoning mix
These versatile crunchy toppings enhance countless dishes. Adjust seasonings and techniques to develop your signature version.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What’s the best bread to use for making these crunchies?
- Go for Italian or French bread that’s a day old. Bread that’s a little dry makes for the crunchiest results.
- → How long do these homemade crunchies last?
- When stored in a sealed container at room temperature, they can stay crunchy and fresh for up to 14 days.
- → Can I try other seasonings?
- Absolutely! Experiment with spices like onion powder, paprika, or even a pinch of chili flakes along with garlic and herbs.
- → What’s causing my crunchies to not be crunchy enough?
- Make sure to bake them until they’re golden and let them cool completely. They crisp up even more once they’ve had time to cool.
- → What kinds of dishes can I use these on?
- Toss them on salads, layer them in sandwiches, sprinkle over soups, or even use them as a topping on casseroles or pasta bakes.