There is something irresistibly satisfying about crunching into homemade croutons that are bursting with flavor and perfectly crispy. This Easy Homemade Croutons Recipe unlocks that magic using simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re elevating a salad, enriching a creamy soup, or just craving a crunchy snack, these croutons bring a fresh, savory pop that store-bought versions just can’t match. Plus, making them yourself means you get to customize every bite, from herb mixes to cheesy boosts. Let’s dive into creating your new favorite pantry staple!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward ingredients is the first step toward transforming ordinary bread into extraordinary croutons. Each one plays a key role in creating a perfect balance of flavor, aroma, and crunch, making this recipe delightfully simple yet incredibly tasty.
- 4 cups cubed day-old bread: Using day-old French, sourdough, or rustic bread ensures your croutons come out crisp and hold their shape.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter: This coats the bread cubes beautifully, adding richness and helping the seasoning stick.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm, savory depth that’s instantly recognizable and loved.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Brings a subtle sweetness and complexity without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs: A fragrant mix of oregano, thyme, and basil gives your croutons a wonderful herby lift.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for balancing flavors and enhancing the overall taste.
- Optional: 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: Adds an irresistible cheesy note and extra crunch for those who love a little indulgence.
How to Make Easy Homemade Croutons Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This steady, moderate temperature ensures your croutons bake evenly, getting golden and crisp without burning.
Step 2: Cube the Bread
Cut your day-old bread into uniform cubes about 3/4 inch thick. This size guarantees each cube will toast evenly, yielding that perfect crunchy texture in every bite.
Step 3: Toss with Oil and Seasonings
Place the bread cubes in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil or melted butter. Toss well to coat each cube thoroughly. Then sprinkle your garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper on top. Give it another good toss to spread those flavor-packed seasonings evenly.
Step 4: Add the Parmesan (Optional)
If you’re feeling a cheesy twist, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan now, and toss once more. This little addition will add a beautiful savory crispness that enhances the overall taste.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, tossing halfway through to promote even browning. Keep a close eye toward the end to catch that perfect golden color and crunchy texture.
Step 6: Cool and Store
Once out of the oven, allow the croutons to cool completely on the baking sheet. This step is crucial to lock in their crispness. Store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to one week—ready whenever you need that crunch!
How to Serve Easy Homemade Croutons Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your homemade croutons over a fresh garden salad or a classic Caesar for that irresistible crunch and seasoning burst. They also shine adorning creamy soups like tomato bisque, French onion, or butternut squash, where their texture contrasts beautifully with silky textures.
Side Dishes
Beyond salads and soups, these croutons make an excellent crunchy topping for casseroles, baked mac and cheese, or even roasted vegetables. Toss a handful into a grain bowl or pasta dish for added layers of flavor and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by serving your Easy Homemade Croutons Recipe in a small bowl alongside dips such as spinach artichoke, hummus, or cheesy fondue. You can even crush them lightly and use as a crispy coating for chicken or fish before baking, turning leftovers into a new culinary adventure.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling, store your croutons in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crunchy. They’ll stay fresh for up to one week, making it easy to have a quick snack or garnish ready on busy days.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, these croutons freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and they’ll maintain their crunch for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before use.
Reheating
To bring frozen or stored croutons back to life, pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until warm and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make them soggy rather than crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use any bread for this Easy Homemade Croutons Recipe?
Absolutely! While rustic breads like French or sourdough are preferred for their texture, you can experiment with any type you like—including whole wheat or multigrain—to vary flavor and crunch.
Is there a way to make these croutons gluten-free?
Yes, using gluten-free bread cubes works just as well. Just make sure the bread is slightly stale or toasted before cubing to get that perfect crispy texture after baking.
Can I add other seasonings or spices?
Definitely! This recipe is a great base to personalize. Try smoked paprika, cayenne pepper for heat, or fresh chopped herbs for a brighter flavor twist.
How do I know when the croutons are done baking?
Look for a golden-brown color on all sides and a firm, crisp texture. They should be crunchy but not burnt, so keep an eye especially toward the end of baking time.
Can these croutons be made without oil or butter?
Oil or butter is key for that golden color and flavor, but if you’d like a lighter version, you can spray the bread cubes lightly with cooking spray before seasoning and baking.
Final Thoughts
There is truly nothing like homemade croutons to add warmth, crunch, and elevated flavor to everyday meals. This Easy Homemade Croutons Recipe is your new go-to for a quick and tasty upgrade that is both satisfying and versatile. Once you try making them yourself, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for store-bought. Grab your bread and let the oven work its magic—you’re about to make snack time, salad time, and soup time way more delicious!
Print
Easy Homemade Croutons Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and flavorful homemade croutons made from day-old rustic bread, tossed in olive oil, herbs, and optional Parmesan cheese, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect for adding crunch to salads, soups, and more.
Ingredients
Croutons
- 4 cups cubed day-old bread (French, sourdough, or any rustic bread)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, thyme, and basil)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the croutons evenly.
- Prepare the Bread Cubes: Cut the day-old bread into small, even-sized cubes, approximately 3/4 inch thick, for uniform baking.
- Coat Bread with Oil: In a large mixing bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil or melted butter until each piece is well coated.
- Season the Bread: Add garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper to the bread cubes. Toss thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Add Parmesan (Optional): If desired, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the mixture and toss again to incorporate the cheese.
- Arrange for Baking: Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Bake the Croutons: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. Halfway through, toss the cubes to ensure they brown evenly on all sides until golden and crisp.
- Cool and Store: Remove from the oven and let the croutons cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Using day-old or slightly stale bread is best as it holds up better during baking and crisps nicely.
- You can customize seasonings to your taste by adding paprika, cayenne, or dried parsley.
- Store croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain crunch.
- These croutons are perfect for topping salads, soups, or eating as a crunchy snack.
