🔥 KITCHEN FINDS
3 Clever Kitchen Gadgets Worth Checking Out
These handy little gadgets make cooking easier — and they're actually pretty cool.
This Kitchen Gadget Sprays AND Pours Oil
One bottle for spraying, pouring and keeping cooking oil close at hand.
Check It Out on Amazon →
This Weird Little Tool Slices Watermelon for You
Slice, cube and grab watermelon with one ridiculously simple little gadget.
Check It Out on Amazon →
Mix & Pour Pancake Batter Without the Mess
Mix the batter right in the bottle, then squeeze it straight onto the griddle.
Check It Out on Amazon →
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Herbed Couscous with Crispy Garlic Croutons is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that’s as easy to make as it is to devour. Fluffy couscous is infused with fresh herbs and topped with crunchy, golden-brown croutons, making it a perfect companion for any meal. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also elevates your table with its bold flavors and delightful textures.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This herbed couscous with crispy garlic croutons is a must-try for anyone looking to add a burst of flavor to their meals. It’s light yet satisfying and can be whipped up in no time. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Flavor-Packed: Fresh herbs and garlic croutons add depth.
- Versatile: Pairs well with a variety of main dishes.
- Customizable: Adjust herbs and spices to your liking.
- Visual Appeal: A beautiful dish that looks as good as it tastes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups bread, cut into cubes (day-old works best)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
How to Make Herbed Couscous with Crispy Croutons
- In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add a pinch of salt if desired.
- Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in the couscous. Cover and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the couscous has absorbed all the liquid.
- Meanwhile, in a skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the cubed bread and sauté until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the croutons in the last minute of cooking, stirring to combine and toast the garlic slightly. Remove from heat.
- Fluff the couscous with a fork and stir in the remaining olive oil, chopped parsley, basil, lemon zest (if using), salt, and pepper to taste.
- Top the herbed couscous with the crispy garlic croutons and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use day-old bread for croutons to achieve the perfect crunch.
- Feel free to mix and match fresh herbs based on your preference.
- Keep an eye on the croutons to avoid burning; stir them frequently.
Easy Variations
- For a Mediterranean twist, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and olives.
- Incorporate cooked vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition.
- Swap out herbs for others like dill or cilantro for a different flavor profile.
What to Serve With It
- Grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
- Roasted vegetables for a hearty vegetarian option.
- A fresh salad for a light and refreshing pairing.
- Stews or soups to soak up the delicious flavors.
Storage and Reheating
📚 RECIPE LOVER FINDS
Love Trying New Recipes? Check These Out
Save your favorites, discover something different, or make meal planning a whole lot easier.
❤️ Love This Recipe? Save Your Favorites
Keep all those recipes you actually want to make again together in your own recipe book.
See It on Amazon →
🔥 Yep, Snoop Dogg Has a Cookbook
From Crook to Cook brings Snoop's spin to comfort food, classics and seriously fun recipes.
Check It Out on Amazon →
🥗 100+ Meals You Can Make Ahead
Simple make-ahead recipes and quick-assembly meals for making the week way easier.
See It on Amazon →
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the couscous and microwave until warmed through. The croutons are best enjoyed fresh, so consider making them just before serving.
Recipe Card
Herbed Couscous with Crispy Garlic Croutons
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
1 cup couscous
1 1/4 cups vegetable broth
1/4 cup olive oil, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups bread, cut into cubes (day-old works best)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add a pinch of salt if desired.
2. Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in the couscous. Cover and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the couscous has absorbed all the liquid.
3. Meanwhile, in a skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the cubed bread and sauté until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic to the croutons in the last minute of cooking, stirring to combine and toast the garlic slightly. Remove from heat.
5. Fluff the couscous with a fork and stir in the remaining olive oil, chopped parsley, basil, lemon zest (if using), salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Top the herbed couscous with the crispy garlic croutons and serve immediately.
Notes: Use day-old bread for croutons and feel free to adjust herbs to your preference.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
1 cup couscous
1 1/4 cups vegetable broth
1/4 cup olive oil, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups bread, cut into cubes (day-old works best)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add a pinch of salt if desired.
2. Once boiling, remove from heat and stir in the couscous. Cover and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the couscous has absorbed all the liquid.
3. Meanwhile, in a skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the cubed bread and sauté until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic to the croutons in the last minute of cooking, stirring to combine and toast the garlic slightly. Remove from heat.
5. Fluff the couscous with a fork and stir in the remaining olive oil, chopped parsley, basil, lemon zest (if using), salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Top the herbed couscous with the crispy garlic croutons and serve immediately.
Notes: Use day-old bread for croutons and feel free to adjust herbs to your preference.
