chewy croutons?

[KaimukiMan]

i had a salad bar salad the other day and they had some nice looking croutons made from a dark rye. I piled a few on top of my salad, but I was surprised when I bit into the first one and while it was crisp on the outside, it was somewhat chewy in the middle, sort of like it hadn't been toasted enough. I always thought croutons were "supposed to be" crispy/crunchy all the way through. any comments?

[pepper_mil]

Hardness all the way through is usually a sign that the croutons are not fresh - detest the tooth-chipping hard kind from a box. My preference is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, like a little piece of toast.

[AlyKen]

I agree with you, pepper mil. My mother makes her own croutons for Caesar salad. She takes "day old" bread and fries it in a skillet in a garlic and olive oil mixture. This makes the bread crunchy on the outside and chewy in the middle. I think the commercial ones are too dry and stale. Homemade are much better.

I like the chewy ones at Ruby Tuesday. I think the rye and pumpernickel add a good flavor.

[Aimi]

I *love* freshly made croutons that are chewy and soft on the inside. I do not like cracker-hard croutons.

[Sean]

I also like the fresh ones, I had some that were grilled on a Ceasar salad last week, grilled croutons, delicious...

[elgordoboy]

Ruby Tuesday's? I figured it was that the bread was too fresh when lightly toasted. I sort of liked it but haven't been back in three years.

[gyp7318]

I think they are Ruby Tuesday's croutons as well. I haven't been there in ages, especially since I've become a chowhound. I've always loved that they were kind of soft and not typical of other croutons.

[KaimukiMan]

you folks are good, yes it was ruby tuesday. just seemed odd to me, i think i prefer them crunchy to chewy.

[ArikaDawn]

Me and my hubby call them the logic defying croutons. The chewy croutons are the only reason I go. Love 'em.

[Kam7185]

Not sure what kind of comments you are looking for, but I agree croutons should always be fresh and crunchy! I believe that they are added to give the salad texture and a firm crunch. My fave part of a salad is usually the crouton, chow mein noodles, or wontons!

[Panini Guy]

prepackaged commercial kinds usually are. fresh made often aren't.