Crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned, these easy homemade croutons are the perfect way to elevate your soups and salads. Made with just a few simple pantry ingredients, they're not only delicious but also an excellent way to repurpose day-old bread that might otherwise go to waste.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
These homemade croutons are incredibly versatile and will transform any ordinary salad or soup into something special. They're far superior to store-bought versions, with better flavor, texture, and none of the preservatives. The recipe is also highly customizable—you can adjust the seasonings to complement whatever dish you're serving. Plus, they're ready in just 20 minutes, making them a quick and easy way to add gourmet touch to your meals.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Day-old bread serves as the foundation for these croutons. French, sourdough, or any rustic bread works wonderfully, as their sturdy texture holds up well during baking. Using slightly stale bread is actually preferable since it absorbs the seasonings better while maintaining structure.
Olive oil or melted butter coats the bread cubes and helps them achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior. Olive oil provides a more Mediterranean flavor profile, while butter offers richness and a more indulgent taste—both work beautifully, so use whichever you prefer.
Garlic powder infuses the croutons with a savory, aromatic quality that complements almost any dish. It distributes more evenly than fresh garlic would, ensuring consistent flavor throughout.
Onion powder adds a subtle depth that enhances the overall savory profile without overwhelming the other flavors. It works in harmony with the garlic powder to create a well-rounded taste.
Dried Italian herbs bring a wonderful aromatic quality to the croutons. The combination of oregano, thyme, and basil provides complexity and pairs especially well with Italian and Mediterranean dishes.
Salt and black pepper are essential for bringing all the flavors together. Be sure to season to your taste—these croutons can handle a generous amount of both.
Parmesan cheese is optional but highly recommended. It adds a nutty, umami quality that takes these croutons to the next level, especially when paired with Caesar salads or tomato-based soups.
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut bread into small, even-sized cubes, about ¾ inch thick.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil or melted butter until well-coated.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Toss again to evenly coat.
- If using Parmesan, sprinkle it in and toss once more.
- Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, tossing halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.
- Let cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings of croutons, with each serving containing about 120 calories. The entire process takes just 20 minutes from start to finish—5 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of baking time. This makes it perfect for a quick addition to your meal prep routine or when you need to add a special touch to a last-minute dinner.
Variations
Herb and Cheese Croutons: Add ¼ cup of grated Parmesan or Romano cheese along with 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives after baking.
Spicy Croutons: Mix in ¼ to ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper with the other seasonings for a kick of heat.
Ranch-Style Croutons: Use 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning mix instead of the Italian herbs for a tangy, creamy flavor profile.
Garlic Butter Croutons: Use melted butter instead of olive oil and double the garlic powder for an intense garlic butter experience.
Sweet Cinnamon Croutons: Replace the savory seasonings with 2 teaspoons of cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of sugar for a sweet version that's perfect for topping dessert salads or ice cream.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Once completely cooled, store your homemade croutons in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay fresh and crispy for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating: If your croutons have lost some of their crispness, you can refresh them by spreading them on a baking sheet and placing them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 3-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Refreshing: If they've softened due to humidity, simply toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a minute or two, tossing frequently until they crisp up again.
FAQs
Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?
Yes, you can use fresh bread, but it may require a slightly longer baking time. Fresh bread contains more moisture, so the croutons might take an extra 2-3 minutes to become fully crisp. You can also leave fresh bread cubes out for an hour before seasoning to help them dry out a bit.
What's the best way to cut bread for croutons?
For the best results, use a serrated knife to cut your bread into even cubes about ¾ inch in size. Uniformly sized pieces will cook at the same rate, ensuring all your croutons are perfectly crisp. You can remove the crusts if you prefer, but leaving them on adds extra texture and rustic appeal.
Can I make these croutons in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Air fryer croutons are quick and delicious. Prepare them as directed, then cook at 350°F (175°C) for about 4-6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They may cook faster than in a conventional oven, so check them frequently to avoid burning.
Why are my croutons burning on the outside but still soft inside?
This typically happens when the oven temperature is too high. Try reducing the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and extending the cooking time slightly. Also, make sure your bread cubes are evenly sized and not too large, as larger cubes take longer to crisp all the way through.
Can I use gluten-free bread for this recipe?
Yes, gluten-free bread works well for croutons. Since gluten-free bread often has a different texture, watch them carefully while baking as they may cook faster or slower than traditional bread. They might also benefit from a bit more oil to help them crisp properly.
How do I know when my croutons are done baking?
Perfectly done croutons should be golden brown on the outside and completely dry and crisp throughout. They should make a clear "crunching" sound when you bite into one. If they still feel soft in the center, continue baking for a few more minutes, checking frequently.
Can I use butter and olive oil together?
Yes, combining butter and olive oil gives you the best of both worlds—the rich flavor of butter with the higher smoke point of olive oil. Use equal parts of each for a delicious flavor profile that works well with most seasonings.
What's the best bread for making croutons?
Hearty, dense breads like sourdough, French bread, ciabatta, or a rustic country loaf work best because they have structure and don't fall apart easily. Avoid very soft sandwich breads, as they can become too crisp and lose their pleasant chewiness.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
While you can use fresh minced garlic, it tends to burn more easily and may create unevenly flavored croutons. If you prefer fresh garlic, sauté it in the oil or butter first, then strain the garlic out before tossing with the bread cubes. This infuses the oil with garlic flavor without the risk of burning.
How can I make lower-calorie croutons?
To reduce calories, use a cooking spray instead of oil or butter. Spray the bread cubes lightly, toss with seasonings, and then spray once more before baking. You'll need to watch them carefully as they may dry out faster and potentially burn more easily.
Conclusion
Homemade croutons are one of those simple culinary tricks that elevate everyday dishes with minimal effort. Not only do they add fantastic texture and flavor to salads and soups, but they're also a smart way to reduce food waste by transforming bread that might otherwise be discarded. With endless customization options, you can tailor these crunchy morsels to complement any meal in your repertoire. Once you've mastered this basic recipe, you'll likely never want to return to store-bought croutons again. The freshness, flavor, and satisfaction of creating something delicious from humble ingredients make these easy homemade croutons worth adding to your regular cooking rotation.
Easy Homemade Croutons
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned, these easy homemade croutons add the perfect crunch to soups and salads. Made with just a few pantry ingredients, they’re a delicious way to use up leftover bread.
Ingredients
4 cups cubed day-old bread (French, sourdough, or any rustic bread)
3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ 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 oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut bread into small, even-sized cubes, about ¾ inch thick.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil or melted butter until well-coated.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Toss again to evenly coat.
- If using Parmesan, sprinkle it in and toss once more.
- Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, tossing halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.
- Let cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Notes
- For best results, use day-old bread, as it absorbs flavors better.
- Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste preference.
- These croutons are perfect for soups, salads, or as a crunchy snack.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately ⅔ cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
