Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Once you make croutons from scratch, you’ll never want to buy them again. They’re fresher, more flavorful, and fully customizable to suit your taste.
This recipe is perfect for using up day-old bread, reducing waste while creating something delicious. You can control the seasoning, salt level, and texture, whether you prefer them lightly crisp or deeply crunchy.
They elevate everything from classic Caesar salads to creamy tomato soup, and they store well, making them a practical kitchen staple.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
day-old bread (French bread, sourdough, or sandwich bread)
olive oil or melted butter
garlic powder or minced fresh garlic
salt
black pepper
dried herbs such as oregano, thyme, parsley, or Italian seasoning (optional)
grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the bread into evenly sized cubes, about 1 inch in size.
- Place the cubes in a large mixing bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter, tossing gently to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle with garlic, salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or cheese.
- Toss again to distribute the seasonings.
- Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.
- For extra crunch, bake a few minutes longer, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before storing.
Servings and timing
Servings: About 4 cups of croutons
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 10 to 15 minutes
Total time: 20 to 25 minutes
Variations
Use whole wheat or multigrain bread for a heartier texture.
Add smoked paprika or chili flakes for a hint of spice.
Try ranch seasoning or Cajun seasoning for bold flavor.
Make cheesy croutons by increasing the Parmesan and broiling briefly at the end.
For buttery herb croutons, use melted butter and fresh chopped herbs instead of dried.
Storage/Reheating
Store cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
For longer storage, freeze in a sealed freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
If they lose some crispness, spread them on a baking sheet and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 5 minutes to restore crunch.
FAQs
What type of bread works best?
French bread and sourdough are excellent because they hold their shape well, but almost any bread can be used.
Can I make croutons on the stovetop?
Yes, cook the seasoned bread cubes in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until crisp and golden.
Why are my croutons chewy?
They may not have baked long enough. Return them to the oven for a few additional minutes.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, simply use your favorite gluten-free bread.
How small should I cut the cubes?
About 1 inch is ideal, but you can adjust depending on your preference.
Do I have to use oil or butter?
Yes, some fat is necessary to help them crisp and carry flavor.
Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old?
You can, but slightly stale bread holds its shape better and crisps more evenly.
How do I prevent burning?
Spread them in a single layer and stir halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
Can I season them sweet instead of savory?
Yes, toss with melted butter, cinnamon, and a little sugar for a sweet variation.
What dishes can I use croutons in?
They’re perfect for salads, soups, stuffing, casseroles, and even as a crunchy snack on their own.
Conclusion
Homemade Croutons are a simple way to elevate everyday dishes with fresh, crunchy texture and bold flavor. Easy to customize and quick to prepare, they’re a smart way to use leftover bread while adding a delicious finishing touch to salads and soups. Once you try making them yourself, you’ll always want a batch on hand.
PrintHomemade Croutons
Homemade Croutons are crispy, golden bites of seasoned bread that add irresistible crunch and flavor to salads, soups, and casseroles. Easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients, they are fresher and more flavorful than store-bought versions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 6 cups day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (French bread, sourdough, or sandwich bread)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs such as oregano, thyme, parsley, or Italian seasoning (optional)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle with garlic, salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or Parmesan cheese.
- Toss again to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.
- For extra crunch, bake a few additional minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before storing.
Notes
- Use whole wheat or multigrain bread for a heartier texture.
- Add smoked paprika or chili flakes for a spicy variation.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- If croutons lose crispness, reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- For sweet croutons, toss with melted butter, cinnamon, and a little sugar instead of savory seasonings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
