Homemade Croutons Recipe

Crispy, seasoned bread cubes baked to golden perfection—perfect for adding crunch to salads, soups, or snacks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Transforms stale or fresh bread into delicious crunch
• Fully customizable with your favorite herbs and spices
• Bakes quickly in about 15–20 minutes
• Easy to make in large or small batches
• Great way to reduce food waste

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Bread (day-old or fresh, crusty variety)
• Olive oil or melted butter
• Garlic powder or minced garlic
• Salt & black pepper
• Dried herbs (e.g., thyme, rosemary, oregano)
• Optional: grated Parmesan, paprika, or red pepper flakes

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut bread into evenly sized cubes, about ½–¾ inch.
3. Season: In a large bowl, toss bread cubes with olive oil or butter, garlic powder (or fresh garlic), salt, pepper, and herbs until lightly coated. Add Parmesan or spices if using.
4. Bake: Spread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, then stir and bake an additional 5–10 minutes until golden and crisp. Watch closely to avoid burning.
5. Cool: Remove from oven and let croutons cool completely—they’ll crisp further as they cool.
6. Store or use immediately in salads, soups, or snacks.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 4 cups of croutons
• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Bake time: 15–20 minutes
• Total time: 20–25 minutes

Variations

• Use herb-and-garlic butter instead of olive oil for rich flavor
• Make cheesy croutons by sprinkling Parmesan or cheddar before baking
• Add spice with smoked paprika, cayenne, or chili powder
• Include fresh herbs like parsley or basil after baking
• Go sweet: toss in cinnamon and sugar, bake for dessert croutons

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks
• Freezing: Freeze packed croutons in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months
• Reheat: Refresh in a 350 °F oven for 5 minutes or until crispy again before serving

FAQs

What’s the best bread to use?

Choose sturdy, crusty bread like French, sourdough, or Italian loaf. Day-old bread works best.

Can I make them in a toaster oven?

Yes—just spread on a tray and bake at 375 °F, flipping halfway through.

How do I get them extra crunchy?

Bake until deeply golden and cool completely before storing—it improves crispiness.

Can I add fresh garlic?

Yes, mince and toss with the bread before baking. Watch closely to prevent burning.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, use your favorite gluten‑free bread substitute.

Are these vegan?

Yes, if you use olive oil and skip cheese—or use vegan cheese.

How do I avoid soggy croutons?

Ensure bread cubes are well-coated but not drenched in oil, and bake in a single layer right away.

Can I make them in the air fryer?

Absolutely—air fry at 350 °F in a single layer for 5–10 minutes, shaking halfway.

Can I store them in the freezer?

Yes—store airtight in freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw before use or add directly to soup.

How long do they stay fresh?

Crispy croutons stay fresh up to 2 weeks at room temperature, less if warm/steamy conditions.

Conclusion

Homemade croutons are a simple, delicious way to elevate salads and soups, plus they help reduce food waste. With minimal effort and pantry staples, you can create flavorful, crunchy croutons that taste far better than store-bought. Make a batch and enjoy adding crisp texture to your meals any day of the week.

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