Battle of the Croutons: The Best Salad Toppers

For me, croutons have always been that extra special something scattered atop a bed of leafy greens and tomatoes. Big boulders of crunch and garlic seasoning. Or small, delicate cubes, golden brown and flecked with herbs. I've long thought of croutons as added carbs and calories, nibbles not essential for the simple lunchtime salad, but rather reserved for a more decadent restaurant dinner. When eating out, I am not one to push aside croutons in a show of righteousness. But at home, I've always done without them. I don't know what exactly made me finally take the plunge and embrace croutons as a daily salad staple, but I did, and I haven't looked back. Croutons are a relatively cheap adornment. And they taste so good. But not all croutons are equal. Having sampled some The Crouton Industry's best sellers, here are my thoughts.

Rothbury Farms' Croutons: These are available at my local Meijer (for those not in the know, Meijer is a Midwestern super store - like Target and your favorite grocery store smushed into one giant suburban street block). While I enjoy the zesty seasoning, which seems to be liberally applied to all flavor varieties, sometimes it's too much of a good thing, like a thick ridge of butter cream frosting on a sheet cake. One fellow taster suggested that these croutons taste artificial, that they compete with other elements of the salad. She suggested that I seek another flavor. I would agree that the Cheese Garlic is a bit much (really, cheese and garlic in one square inch cube?), however I would recommend the Buttery Garlic for its subtler flavor. And the crunch - the crunch! The crunch alone is worth the purchase. You cannot devour these croutons on the sly, as your munching will be heard 'round the world. Other flavors include Fat-Free, Italian Style, Seasoned, and Organic. Rothbury Farms has set the bar very high.

Meijer Brand Croutons: Although Meijer manufactures one heck of a chocolate chip cookie dough, the Michigan empire comes up short with the croutons. Meijer croutons, which feature, more or less, the same stable of flavors as other name brands, are cut to a uniform size, giving them a mass-produced feel, then lightly crisped, and lightly seasoned. They do not pack the intense flavor or the Rothbury Farms product, nor do they pack the crunch. They leave me wanting something better. Frequently, Meijer and Rothbury Farms Croutons are on sale for a buck a bag. I'd go with Rothbury.

Spartan Brand Croutons: Spartan is yet another generic brand found in many a Michigan supermarket, and like Meijer, its croutons don't measure up to those of Rothbury Farms. Again with the uniform pieces, the overly fine texture which will not hold up to a good dressing. When you reach that last crouton, even if you're ten minutes into the salad eating experience, you want it to be crunchy. I have my doubts about Spartan Croutons. Remember, a salad is all about achieving balance and harmony among all components. A crouton can make it or break it.

The three aforementioned brands tend to be the cheapest. I've held and considered a bag of Marzetti's, but never quite can justify the extra expense when Rothbury Farms rarely tops a dollar. I suppose I could buy the day-old loaf, dice it up, season it to my specifications, and stick it in the oven, but those little bags of premade croutons in the produce section are so handy, and pretty good, really.