I don't think I've ever set out on a Trader Joe's run thinking, "Dang, I wish TJ's would start carrying super duper ultra gourmet croutons!" But if I had thought that, welp by golly, this product would have been an absolute godsend...because I've never seen or tasted such top-shelf croutons before.
The croissant aspect of these crispy critters is the most impressive facet of them. They're layered in these thin, flaky, almost wafery strata of breadtastic delight.
They're awesome to crunch on by themselves straight out of the bag so you can appreciate the unadulterated texture in its purest form, but they're also excellent in soup. They'll sop up a bit of the liquid and get quite soggy on the outside, but they're dense and bulky enough that they still retain some amount of crunchiness on the inside.
There's a butteriness about them that nearly approximates the comfort food quality you might get from grilled cheese when paired with tomato soup. The liquid in the soup wakes up the butter in the croutons and makes them—I don't know how to say it—it makes them more than mere croutons.
The rosemary element is significant. For me, it borders on overkill but doesn't quite cross that line. Sonia likes the flavor profile perfectly just the way it is.
If you're someone that enjoys Triscuits, Wheat Thins, Cheez-Its, Goldfish, saltines, or butter crackers as occasional snacks, I think these croutons are worth a try just for their stand-alone snack value. We'll definitely try the remainder of the pack with salad later this week. I'm sure they'll work great.
The rosemary element is significant. For me, it borders on overkill but doesn't quite cross that line. Sonia likes the flavor profile perfectly just the way it is.
If you're someone that enjoys Triscuits, Wheat Thins, Cheez-Its, Goldfish, saltines, or butter crackers as occasional snacks, I think these croutons are worth a try just for their stand-alone snack value. We'll definitely try the remainder of the pack with salad later this week. I'm sure they'll work great.
$3.99 for the bag. This product gets a thumbs up from both Sonia and me. Four stars a piece.
Bottom line: 8 out of 10.
Bottom line: 8 out of 10.
Love the idea of these. Sound texturally delicious. But then they had to ruin it with rosemary. Never been a fan. Not quite as bad as cilantro, but I avoid them both.
ReplyDeleteCurious about items containing butter which are shelf stable. It's the second ingredient here. How does it not go rancid? I recall reading that rosemary acts as a preservative so maybe that's a reason for using it? 🤷♀️
DeleteGood question. Maybe between the rosemary and salt and vinegar there's enough to keep it stable...?
DeleteWhen you make croutons, you cook out the majority of the water. High salt, high fat, almost no moisture means long shelf life. Butter can be stored at room temperature for a pretty long time, too, as long as it's in a container and kept from air.
DeleteI have it opened for 2 weeks and it's still good. These are good as a snack. Can taste butter oozing out of each bite.
ReplyDeleteThere's a bakery near me that makes croissant croutons - highly recommend in tomato soup. Excited that TJs has them for a back up now
ReplyDelete