If you’re craving that perfect crunchy topping to elevate your salads, soups, or even snack bowls, then you’re in the right place! This Easy Homemade Croutons Recipe transforms simple day-old bread into golden, flavorful bites that add texture and a touch of gourmet flair to any dish. Trust me, once you try making your own croutons at home, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a few fundamental ingredients is all you need to whip up these delicious croutons. Each component plays a crucial role: the bread provides the perfect canvas, the oil or butter adds richness and crispness, and the herbs and seasonings bring bursting flavor and aroma.
- 4 cups day-old bread, cut into ¾-inch cubes: Stale bread works best because it crisps up beautifully without turning soggy.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter: Adds moisture and flavor to create that irresistible golden crunch.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a savory punch that pairs wonderfully with almost any salad or soup.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Brings subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering the bread.
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend adding herbaceous notes that brighten each bite.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances flavors perfectly.
- Optional: 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: Introduces a delicious cheesy twist with an extra layer of savory goodness.
How to Make Easy Homemade Croutons Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C), the perfect temperature to toast the bread cubes to a crisp without burning. This ensures a nice even bake that locks in flavor and crunch.
Step 2: Toss the Bread Cubes
Place your cubed bread into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the olive oil or melted butter over the bread, then toss gently but thoroughly so every cube gets a light coating. This coats the bread in fat, which is essential for turning crispy golden brown.
Step 3: Season Generously
Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and if you are using Parmesan cheese over the bread cubes. Toss everything again to distribute all the seasonings evenly—this step is key for flavor that shines through every bite.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Spread the seasoned bread cubes out in a single layer on a baking sheet, making sure they aren’t crowded to allow even crisping. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking or tossing the pan halfway through to brown every side. They should be golden and crunchy, ready to add that delightful texture to your meal.
Step 5: Cool and Store
Once baked, allow your croutons to cool completely on the pan. Cooling locks in their crispness and prevents any steam from making them soggy. Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Croutons Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your crispy homemade croutons over fresh garden salads for a satisfying crunch or over a bowl of creamy tomato or butternut squash soup to add texture and flavor contrast. They also work beautifully atop casseroles or mixed in with roasted veggies to surprise your taste buds.
Side Dishes
These croutons pair perfectly alongside light pasta dishes, steamed greens, or as a crunchy element next to a classic Caesar salad. Their savory, herb-infused flavor makes them an excellent side companion that complements rather than overwhelms.
Creative Ways to Present
Get imaginative by serving croutons in small individual bowls as party snacks, seasoned with extra toppings like smoked paprika or spicy chili flakes. Or, stir them into creamy dips and spreads for added texture. Homemade croutons make every meal feel just a little more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, keep your homemade croutons in an airtight container at room temperature. This will preserve their crunch for up to one week, making them a fantastic grab-and-go topping whenever you need a quick texture boost.
Freezing
You can freeze your croutons in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Just thaw them at room temperature and refresh their crisp by quickly baking in a hot oven before serving.
Reheating
If your croutons lose a bit of their crunch over time, just scatter them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This simple trick revives their crunch without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?
While fresh bread can be used, day-old or stale bread works best as it crisps up more effectively in the oven without becoming soggy. If using fresh bread, consider lightly toasting it first to dry it out.
What types of bread work best for this Easy Homemade Croutons Recipe?
French, sourdough, and Italian breads are fantastic choices due to their firm texture and excellent crumb. Feel free to experiment with whole grain or rye for different flavors.
Can I customize the seasoning?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the Italian seasoning for herbs like rosemary, thyme, or smoked paprika for a twist. Adding freshly ground black pepper or red chili flakes also adds depth and a subtle kick.
Is it better to use olive oil or butter?
Both work wonderfully! Olive oil offers a lighter, fruity flavor and is ideal for a vegan version, while melted butter offers a rich, savory taste that complements the herbs beautifully.
How long do homemade croutons last?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, homemade croutons remain crisp and tasty for up to one week. Freezing can extend their life if needed.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about making your own crunchy, flavorful croutons with just a handful of simple ingredients. This Easy Homemade Croutons Recipe is a perfect blend of convenience, taste, and texture that will transform everyday meals into memorable dishes. I can’t wait for you to try it and add that extra touch of homemade goodness to your table.
Print
Easy Homemade Croutons Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and crispy homemade croutons made from day-old bread, seasoned with garlic, onion, Italian herbs, and optionally Parmesan cheese. Perfect for adding crunch and flavor to salads, soups, and more.
Ingredients
Croutons
- 4 cups day-old bread, cut into ¾-inch cubes (such as French, sourdough, or Italian)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the croutons evenly and to a perfect crisp.
- Prepare Bread Cubes: Place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter and toss to coat the bread cubes evenly, ensuring a rich flavor and even browning.
- Season Bread: Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and optional grated Parmesan cheese over the bread cubes. Toss again thoroughly to distribute all the seasonings evenly.
- Arrange for Baking: Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. This allows the heat to circulate and crisp each piece properly.
- Bake Croutons: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, tossing halfway through the baking time to ensure even browning. The croutons should become golden brown and crispy.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let the croutons cool completely on the baking sheet to maintain their crisp texture before storing or serving.
Notes
- Use stale or day-old bread for the best texture and crunch.
- Store cooled croutons in an airtight container for up to 1 week to keep them fresh.
- For extra crunch, leave croutons in the turned-off oven for 5 minutes after baking to dry them out further.
