A crouton is a small piece of bread, typically toasted and seasoned with salt or other flavorings. It originated in France as an accompaniment to soups and salads, but has become popular worldwide as a gourmet snack or ingredient in many dishes.
Usage examples
I added croutons to my Caesar salad for a crunchy texture.
The chef topped the tomato soup with a handful of croutons.
For a quick snack, I toasted some bread and cut it into croutons to dip into my soup.
The salad bar at the restaurant had a variety of toppings, including croutons.
I sprinkled some garlic-flavored croutons on top of my pasta for extra flavor.
Croutons can also be used as a crunchy topping for casseroles or baked dishes.
I love the way croutons absorb the flavors of the salad dressing, making each bite more delicious.
Homemade croutons are easy to make by tossing cubed bread with olive oil and spices, then baking them until crispy.
The soup was served with a side of croutons, allowing diners to add them according to their preference.
I like the contrast of textures in a salad, so I always make sure to add croutons to mine.