
A historical soup from The White House cook book; a comprehensive cyclopedia of information for the home .. (1913). Some prefer them prepared in this manner: Take very thin slices of bread, butter them well; cut them up into little squares three-fourths of an inch thick, place them in a baking pan, buttered side up, and brown in a quick oven.
Preserved exactly as written in the original source
In a frying pan have the depth of an inch of boiling fat
Drop into the frying pan enough slices of stale bread cut up into little half-inch squares to cover the surface of the fat
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When browned, remove with a skimmer and drain
Add to the hot soup and serve
Modern guidance to help you succeed with this vintage recipe
Frying bread cubes in hot fat creates a crispy, golden exterior through the Maillard reaction while rapidly dehydrating the surface. The stale bread is ideal because its lower moisture content prevents sogginess and allows for better fat absorption and crisping. Deep-frying at high temperature (around 350-375°F) creates an immediate crust that seals the exterior, keeping the interior light and preventing grease absorption.
Croutons can be fried up to 3 days ahead. Cool completely and store in an airtight container at room temperature. For best results, re-crisp in a 350°F oven for 3-5 minutes before serving.
Store completely cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Do not refrigerate, as moisture will make them soggy. If they lose crispness, refresh in a 350°F oven for 3-5 minutes.
AI-generated tips from Chef Cecil's culinary database
Croutons can be fried up to 3 days ahead. Cool completely and store in an airtight container at room temperature. For best results, re-crisp in a 350°F oven for 3-5 minutes before serving.
Store completely cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Do not refrigerate, as moisture will make them soggy. If they lose crispness, refresh in a 350°F oven for 3-5 minutes.