Name: Easy Homemade Croutons Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups day-old bread (cut into 1-inch cubes); 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or dried parsley; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Optional: 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

There’s something unbelievably satisfying about adding crunchy, flavorful homemade croutons to a fresh salad or a warm bowl of soup, and that’s exactly why I can’t wait to share my Easy Homemade Croutons recipe with you. This quick and simple method transforms ordinary day-old bread into golden, savory bites that are perfect for adding that special touch to any meal. Not only do these croutons steal the spotlight wherever they’re served, but they’re also entirely customizable and honestly, they’re so good you’ll want to snack on them straight from the pan!

Easy Homemade Croutons Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I absolutely love about this recipe is how just a handful of pantry staples come together to create something unforgettable. Each ingredient has a role, adding crunch, flavor, or color, so don’t skip the details!

Day-old bread (4 cups, cut into 1-inch cubes): The heart of Easy Homemade Croutons is sturdy, slightly stale bread that crisps up for amazing texture.
Olive oil or melted butter (3 tablespoons): This coats your cubes so they toast evenly with a rich, delicious flavor—choose butter for a richer crouton or olive oil for a lighter touch.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds that irresistible, aromatic punch to every bite.
Dried Italian seasoning or dried parsley (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a herby aroma and a bit of color to the finished croutons.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances every other flavor without overpowering.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a subtle warmth and depth.
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, 2 tablespoons): For a cheesy, salty finish that makes these croutons totally snack-worthy!

How to Make Easy Homemade Croutons

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep the Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your Easy Homemade Croutons don’t stick as they bake to golden perfection.

Step 2: Cube the Bread

Cut your day-old bread into even 1-inch cubes. This size bakes up with just the right amount of crispy outside and soft inside, and using bread that’s a touch stale helps the croutons keep their munch-worthy crunch.

Step 3: Toss with Oil and Flavorings

In a big mixing bowl, drizzle your bread cubes with the olive oil or melted butter. Add the garlic powder, your chosen herbs, salt, black pepper, and Parmesan (if using). Give everything a gentle but thorough toss, making sure every bread cube is lovingly coated in the savory mixture.

Step 4: Arrange and Bake

Spread your seasoned bread cubes out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Pop them into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, tossing halfway through. They’re ready when golden and crisp on all sides—keep an eye on them so they don’t go from golden to burnt!

Step 5: Cool and Store

Let your croutons cool completely on the baking sheet so they finish crisping up beautifully. Now you have a batch of Easy Homemade Croutons that are ready for any salad, soup, or snack emergency!

How to Serve Easy Homemade Croutons

Garnishes

Nothing beats tossing a generous handful of croutons over a Caesar salad or a creamy tomato soup! Try sprinkling extra Parmesan or fresh herbs like chives over the top for a colorful, inviting finish.

Side Dishes

These Easy Homemade Croutons are perfect on practically any hearty salad, from classic garden to kale. Or, crumble a few over a baked casserole or gratin to add that signature crunch right before serving.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, serve them up in a rustic jar or small bowl on the side and let everyone sprinkle their own. Or use them as a base in bite-sized appetizer cups—topped with a dollop of hummus or creamy cheese, they turn into elegant little party snacks!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra Easy Homemade Croutons crisp by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to a week, making them ideal for prepping ahead for busy weeknights or work lunches.

Freezing

To prolong their life even more, stash cooled croutons in a zip-top freezer bag, squeeze out any air, and freeze for up to three months. You can grab a handful straight from the freezer whenever salad cravings hit!

Reheating

If your croutons lose a little crunch over time, just spread them on a baking sheet and reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes. They’ll bounce right back and taste freshly baked, perfect for tossing onto any dish.

FAQs

What’s the best bread to use for Easy Homemade Croutons?

Sturdy, slightly stale bread works best—think sourdough, French, ciabatta, or even whole wheat. The texture holds up as it bakes, becoming crunchy outside but with just the right chew inside.

Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?

Fresh bread will work if you’re in a pinch, but day-old or slightly dried bread gives the best texture. If your bread is very fresh, just cube it and let it sit out for a bit to dry before tossing with oil and seasonings.

Are Easy Homemade Croutons gluten-free?

You can absolutely make them gluten-free by using gluten-free bread. The seasoning and technique stay exactly the same—just be sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold up while baking.

Can I use other seasonings for homemade croutons?

Definitely! Think chili powder for a spicy kick, smoked paprika for depth, or your favorite dried herbs. These croutons are a blank canvas, so experiment with flavors that match your dishes.

How long will Easy Homemade Croutons stay crisp?

When stored properly in an airtight container, they’ll stay crisp and crunchy for about a week at room temperature. For longer storage, pop them in the freezer and re-crisp as needed in the oven.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t made Easy Homemade Croutons before, this is your sign! They’re the quickest way to turn humble bread into an irresistible treat that elevates any salad or soup. Once you try these, the store-bought version will never quite measure up. Give them a try, share with friends, and enjoy the delicious crunch—homemade really does taste better!

Easy Homemade Croutons Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 cups 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Learn how to make delicious homemade croutons with this easy recipe. These crispy bread cubes are seasoned with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for topping salads, soups, or casseroles.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread Cubes:

4 cups day-old bread (cut into 1-inch cubes)

Seasoning:

3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Toss Bread Cubes: In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil or melted butter until lightly coated. Sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add Parmesan cheese if using, and toss again until evenly coated.
Bake: Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, tossing halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.
Cool and Serve: Let the croutons cool completely before serving or storing.