There’s something magical about Homemade Croutons: those golden, crunchy cubes can instantly transform a humble bowl of greens or soup into something utterly crave-worthy. This recipe is my not-so-secret trick for adding irresistible texture and flavor to just about anything—from Caesar salads to creamy tomato soup. Using simple pantry staples, you’ll end up with toasty, herb-flecked bites that are so much better than store-bought. Once you try making Homemade Croutons yourself, you may just find yourself making an extra batch “for snacking!”
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of everyday ingredients to create incredible Homemade Croutons, each one chosen to deliver the best flavor and crunch. Every element plays a starring role, from the bread that forms the base to the aromatic herbs and cheesy finish that make each bite special.
- Day-old bread (4 cups, cut into 1-inch cubes): The bread is the heart of the crouton—slightly stale works best for maximum crunch and less sogginess.
- Olive oil or melted butter (1/4 cup): Gives your croutons their golden crispiness and helps the seasonings cling to every surface.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Brings a savory, garlicky punch to every nibble without overpowering the bread’s flavor.
- Dried Italian herbs (1 teaspoon): A combination of oregano and basil will add an herby fragrance and depth—use your favorite blend!
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Highlights all the other flavors and makes the croutons seriously addictive.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle warmth and enhances the overall savory profile.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, optional): For an extra-salty, rich finish that pairs especially well with Italian-style dishes.
How to Make Homemade Croutons
Step 1: Prep Your Bread
Start by choosing your bread—almost any variety will do, but slightly stale bread makes the best Homemade Croutons because it’s firmer and crisps up beautifully. Cut it into 1-inch cubes. If you have a garlic clove on hand, take a moment to rub it over the cut surfaces of your bread for an extra boost of flavor.
Step 2: Toss With Flavor
Place those bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil or butter, then shower in the garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and Parmesan if you’re using it. Toss everything thoroughly! This step ensures every piece gets coated in flavor (hands or a big spoon both work great for this job).
Step 3: Arrange for Even Baking
Spread your seasoned bread cubes in a single layer onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Take care not to crowd them—ample space lets hot air circulate so your Homemade Croutons bake up even and crispy on all sides.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the tray into your preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake for 10–15 minutes, giving the croutons a good toss halfway through to ensure all sides turn a beautiful golden brown. Adjust timing if needed—every oven runs a little different, and the size of your bread cubes matters.
Step 5: Cool and Store
Once your Homemade Croutons are deeply golden and satisfyingly crisp, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on the pan. This last bit of air exposure gives them the ideal shattery crunch. When fully cool, transfer to an airtight container and marvel at your crispy creations!
How to Serve Homemade Croutons
Garnishes
Sprinkle Homemade Croutons over soups and salads just before serving to preserve their crunch. Try topping with extra grated Parmesan or a handful of fresh chopped herbs for a beautiful finishing touch. A drizzle of infused olive oil or a squeeze of lemon can really make the whole dish pop!
Side Dishes
Homemade Croutons shine alongside classic Caesar salads, but don’t overlook their potential on side dishes: add them to a bowl of roasted vegetables, grain salads, or even as an unexpected topping for creamy casseroles to bring some bite and character.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the (salad) box! Serve Homemade Croutons in a pretty bowl as a snack at gatherings, or mix them into a savory trail mix. For a playful twist, offer flavored varieties like smoked paprika or rosemary—your guests will swoon at the delightful crunch and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Homemade Croutons tasting freshly baked by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crisp and delicious for up to a week, making it easy to toss them onto quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to stretch out the lifespan of your batch, go ahead and freeze any extras. Just place your cooled croutons in a freezer-safe zip-top bag, squeeze out the air, and freeze for up to three months. No need to thaw before use—just pop them straight onto a baking sheet when you’re ready to enjoy!
Reheating
Should your Homemade Croutons lose a little crunch over time, simply reheat them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes. They’ll snap back to their original crispiness, as good as the day you made them.
FAQs
Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?
Absolutely! While day-old bread crisps up more easily, fresh bread can work too. Just be aware that the texture might be a bit softer, so you might need a minute or two longer in the oven to achieve that perfect crunch.
What kinds of bread make the best Homemade Croutons?
Almost any bread you love will work—baguette, sourdough, whole wheat, or rustic country loaves give you varying flavors and textures. Each variety offers something different, so don’t hesitate to use up what you have on hand.
How do I make gluten-free Homemade Croutons?
It’s simple! Use your favorite gluten-free loaf in place of regular bread. The process and seasoning stays exactly the same, so you won’t miss out on any flavor or crunch.
Can I skip the cheese to keep this dairy-free?
Yes! Just leave out the Parmesan cheese for delicious dairy-free croutons. You might even sprinkle on some nutritional yeast for a similar savory kick.
What’s the best way to get Homemade Croutons super crunchy?
For extra-crisp croutons, make sure to evenly coat the cubes with oil or melted butter, arrange them in a single layer on your baking sheet, and let them cool completely before storing. Avoid overcrowding the pan—this is key to getting them perfectly golden on every side.
Final Thoughts
Once you make your first batch of Homemade Croutons, it’s hard to settle for anything less. Along with packing loads of flavor and crunch, this recipe is a fantastic way to breathe new life into leftover bread. Whether you toss them on salads, soups, or munch them by the handful, I hope these little golden bites become a staple in your kitchen too!
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Homemade Croutons Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious homemade croutons with this easy recipe. These crispy, flavorful croutons are perfect for topping salads or enjoying as a snack.
Ingredients
Bread Cubes:
- 4 cups day-old bread (cut into 1-inch cubes)
Seasoning Mix:
- 1/4 cup olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (such as oregano and basil)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the bread cubes: Place the bread cubes in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter, then sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese if using. Toss well to coat all the bread evenly.
- Bake: Spread the cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the croutons are golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and store: Remove from the oven and let cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Use any type of bread you like—sourdough, baguette, or whole wheat all work well.
- For extra flavor, rub a garlic clove on the bread before cubing.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
