If you’ve never tasted Easy Homemade Croutons fresh out of the oven, you are truly in for a treat! There’s nothing quite like the aroma of seasoned bread toasting, filling your kitchen with savory warmth. These golden, crunchy bites have the power to turn an ordinary salad or bowl of soup into something extraordinary and memorable. Not only are they wonderfully simple to make, but they’re also endlessly customizable, allowing you to take full control over the flavors and textures. Once you try making Easy Homemade Croutons yourself, you might start looking for excuses to add them to every meal!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about Easy Homemade Croutons is how they require just a handful of pantry basics. Each ingredient plays a part in creating perfect cubes: a crisp outer layer, a tender center, and irresistible seasoning. Let’s look at these essentials and see why they matter:
- Day-old bread: Slightly stale bread, like French, sourdough, or Italian, gives the best crunchy texture without getting soggy.
- Olive oil or melted butter: This not only crisps up the bread but also carries all those delicious flavors into every bite.
- Garlic powder: For a gentle, savory punch and aromatic boost.
- Onion powder: Adds a mellow, nutty sweetness that rounds out the croutons’ flavor profile.
- Dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings depth and a comforting, classic taste.
- Salt: Just a touch to tie all the seasonings together and make the flavors pop.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Sprinkling a little cheese before baking delivers an extra layer of golden, cheesy crunch.
How to Make Easy Homemade Croutons
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, grab your day-old bread and cut it into ¾-inch cubes. Don’t stress about perfect uniformity—a little variety gives your Easy Homemade Croutons extra charm and texture. Place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl so there’s plenty of room to toss them with all the tasty ingredients coming up.
Step 2: Toss with Oil and Seasonings
Drizzle the bread cubes with olive oil or melted butter, making sure to coat as evenly as possible. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and, if you like a bit of richness, the Parmesan cheese. Gently toss everything together—you want every piece to get a hint of those fabulous flavors! This is truly the secret to croutons that taste vibrant and homemade.
Step 3: Arrange and Bake
Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Keeping them spaced apart helps them crisp up rather than steam. Pop the tray into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Give them a good toss halfway through, so each piece toasts evenly. Watch for that gorgeous golden color and crisp texture—the moment you see it, they’re done!
Step 4: Cool and Store
Once your Easy Homemade Croutons are perfectly crisp and aromatic, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on the tray. Allowing them to cool fully helps lock in that signature crunch. If you won’t be munching them all right away (though that’s a real possibility!), store your croutons in an airtight container for up to a week.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Croutons
Garnishes
Croutons make the finishing touch that’s as eye-catching as it is tasty! Try scattering them over Caesar salad, soup, or even roasted vegetables. For a burst of color and flavor, sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs, extra Parmesan, or a hint of red pepper flakes just before serving.
Side Dishes
Easy Homemade Croutons pair beautifully with classic dishes. Think a bowl of creamy tomato soup, steaming French onion soup, hearty salads, or baked mac and cheese. They add the perfect pop of crunch that keeps every bite interesting.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t stop at salads: serve croutons in a pretty bowl as a snack, use them as a base for a savory bread pudding, or crush them slightly for a savory topping over casseroles. Their flavor and texture invite creativity, turning everyday meals into something special!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Easy Homemade Croutons have cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crisp and flavorful for up to a week—if they last that long! Moisture is their enemy, so keep them dry to preserve their crunch.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze croutons! Place completely cooled Easy Homemade Croutons in a freezer-safe bag, squeeze out as much air as possible, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature—no need to re-bake unless you want to gently re-crisp them.
Reheating
To re-crisp croutons that have softened slightly, spread them on a baking sheet and heat in a 300°F oven for 5–8 minutes. They’ll return to their delicious, crunchy selves in no time, ready to upgrade your next dish!
FAQs
Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?
While day-old or slightly stale bread makes the crispiest Easy Homemade Croutons, you can use fresh bread in a pinch. Just be sure to cut it into cubes and maybe toast the cubes briefly before adding oil and seasonings, to prevent sogginess.
How can I make gluten-free croutons?
Absolutely! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free bread for traditional bread. The technique and seasonings work just the same, yielding gluten-free Easy Homemade Croutons everyone can enjoy.
What other seasonings can I try?
This is where you can truly make your croutons unique! Try smoked paprika, fresh rosemary, lemon zest, or even a sprinkle of cayenne if you like a bit of heat. You can tailor Easy Homemade Croutons to perfectly suit your dish or mood.
Are Easy Homemade Croutons vegan?
They can be! Just use olive oil instead of butter and skip the Parmesan cheese, or opt for a vegan cheese alternative. You’ll still get the same wonderful crunch and flavor.
How do I prevent my croutons from burning?
Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking, and be sure to toss them halfway through for even browning. Every oven is a little different, so adjusting the time by a minute or two can make all the difference for perfect Easy Homemade Croutons.
Final Thoughts
Once you make a batch of Easy Homemade Croutons, there’s no going back to store-bought! They’re so simple, so customizable, and absolutely packed with flavor and crunch. I hope you try them soon—it’s one of those little kitchen joys I can’t wait to share!
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
Learn how to make easy homemade croutons that are perfect for adding crunch and flavor to your salads or soups. These crispy croutons are made with simple ingredients and are a delicious way to use up leftover bread.
Ingredients
Bread Cubes:
- 4 cups day-old bread, cut into ¾-inch cubes (such as French, sourdough, or Italian)
Seasonings:
- 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).
- Prepare Bread Cubes: Place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter and toss to coat evenly.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and Parmesan cheese if using. Toss again to distribute the seasonings.
- Bake: Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes, tossing halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Cool: Let the croutons cool completely before storing.
Notes
- Use stale bread for the best texture.
- Store cooled croutons in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- For extra crunch, leave them in the oven (turned off) for 5 minutes after baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
