20 minutes
Crispy, buttery croutons made from puff pastry, perfect for topping soups or salads.
All Purpose Flour, for dusting
for dusting
Frozen Puff Pastry Sheet, defrosted
sheets
Extra-Large Egg
each
tablespoons
to taste
to taste
1. Preheat Oven
Set your oven to preheat at 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it's ready for baking.
2. Prepare Puff Pastry
Lightly dust your work surface with all-purpose flour and roll out the defrosted sheet of puff pastry. Use a star-shaped or fluted round cookie cutter to cut out about 12 pieces.
3. Make Egg Wash
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-large egg and tablespoon of heavy cream to create an egg wash.
4. Apply Egg Wash and Season
Arrange the cut puff pastry pieces on a baking sheet. Apply the egg wash evenly over each piece, then season lightly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
5. Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, until the croutons are puffed up and golden brown. Let them cool slightly before serving.
. Additions
. Additions
. After cutting the puff pastry into crouton-sized pieces, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano over the top. The cheese will melt and crisp up in the oven, adding a savory, umami-rich layer of flavor.
. Additions
. Before baking, brush the puff pastry with a mixture of finely minced garlic and high-quality extra-virgin olive oil. This classic Italian combination adds depth and robustness.
Opt for high-quality, all-butter puff pastry for better flavor and layers.
Ensure the oven is fully preheated for proper puff pastry rise.
Work with cold pastry to keep the butter solid for flaky layers, chilling it as needed.
Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut uniform crouton-sized pieces for even baking.
Brush with egg wash or melted butter and sprinkle with salt, pepper, or herbs before baking.
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