This melt-in-your-mouth Homemade Crouton Recipe is so easy to make right at home and tastes a million times better than store-bought! Learn How to Make Croutons from scratch with this easy, delicious, and completely customizable recipe.
For extra crunch and flavor, add croutons to all your favorite recipes such as this Butternut Squash Soup or Strawberry Spinach Salad.
Homemade Crouton Recipe
There is no denying that homemade croutons are a million times better than anything you can purchase from the market. However, I didn’t always know this. My parents never made homemade croutons so, until recently, fresh-baked crispy croutons were a relatively foreign concept.
I am here today to tell you that there is a big, bright, completely customizable world of croutons beyond those that you can buy from the grocery store.
A delicious way to use up unwanted bread, homemade croutons taste amazing on everything from soups to stews and, of course, salads.
Ready in less than 30 minutes, learn how to make croutons in this easy, simple, and delicious homemade crouton recipe!
Homemade Crouton Ingredients
You only need a few simple ingredients to get crispy, flavorful, homemade croutons.
- Bread – I love using french bread, but any bread will work. Day-old bread is best.
- Olive oil – a tasty olive oil, or melted butter if preferred.
- Garlic – garlic equals flavor. But, garlic mixed with olive oil (or butter), tossed with bread, and toasted is basically heaven. You can also substitute with garlic powder if preferred (approximately 1/4 teaspoon).
- Italian seasoning – I love adding classic Italian seasoning whenever I am making a big batch of croutons for several different recipes. Feel free to have fun with the seasoning and add different spices and flavors.
- Salt and Pepper – to taste.
- Red chili flakes – for a little heat, if desired.
What bread should I use to make croutons?
Fortunately, croutons love being made from all kinds of bread! French, sourdough, rye, gluten-free, sandwich rolls, you name it, any bread works.
For best results, try to use bread that is 1-2 days old. In other words, bread that isn’t soft, fluffy, and fresh out of the oven. Fresh bread is still filled with moisture which is great for soft and moist sandwiches, but the complete opposite of what we want for croutons.
How to make croutons
To make homemade croutons simply –
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and line a large baking sheet (or two) with parchment paper. Set aside.
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Slice bread. Carefully slice bread into small cubes, approximately 1-inch in size. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
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Season and combine. In a small bowl mix together the olive oil and garlic. Drizzle bread cubes with the garlicky olive oil, and season with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes (if using). Toss well (but gently) to combine.
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Bake. Transfer the seasoned cubes of bread to the prepared baking sheet and spread into a single layer with space in between each cube of bread. Transfer to the oven and bake until golden, turning once during cooking to ensure all sides are cooked evenly – approximately 15 minutes.
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Remove, cool, serve. Remove croutons from the oven and allow to cool thoroughly before adding to your favorite soup or salads.
Can you make croutons on the stovetop?
Yes, absolutely.
To make croutons on the stovetop –
- Carefully chop bread into small cubes.
- Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add approximately 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter (or a combination of the two) to the skillet followed by the cubes of bread in a single layer (you may need to work in batches).
- Sprinkle with garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, if using and gently mix to coat in olive oil and seasoning.
- Allow croutons to cook undisturbed until the bottom side is golden and toasted. Once they turn golden-brown, use a spatula to gently toss the croutons, allowing them to toast on another side.
- When the croutons are toasted on at least 2-3 sides, remove from the pan and repeat as needed. Allow them to cool completely.
This method works best with bread that is at least 1-2 days old.
Tips and Tricks
Making your own homemade croutons is super easy. Here are a few tips to make them the very best!
- Depending on the type of bread you use will determine cooking time. For example, a fluffy white sandwich bread will take less time than a denser, heartier bread such as sourdough or rye.
- Allow your croutons to cool before serving for ultimate crispiness.
- Keep the seasoning plain or have fun with different combinations of salty, sweet, and savory.
- Croutons have finished cooking once they’re golden and slightly brown. Avoid over-baking as they will continue to cook after you remove them from the oven.
- Add some Parmesan cheese and make cheesy croutons!
How to store leftover croutons
Leftover croutons can be stored in three different ways- countertop, refrigerator, or freezer.
In all cases, first, allow your croutons to cool completely before transferring to a large ziplock bag with as much air removed as possible, or to a sealed storage container.
Once your homemade croutons have been properly put away you may –
- Store on the countertop at room temperature for 1-2 weeks.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks.
- Keep frozen for up to one month.
For best results, I recommend storing croutons at room temperature. They may not last as long, but they are less likely to turn stale.
For more fast recipes,
- Cauliflower Rice; How to Make Cauliflower Rice
- Easy Fruit Salad Recipe
- Broccoli Salad Recipe with Bacon
- Egg Salad Recipe (How to Make Egg Salad)
- Easy Gazpacho Recipe (Gazpacho Andaluz)
- Roasted Asparagus Recipe; How to Roast Asparagus
If you try making your own Homemade Croutons, please leave me a comment and let me know! I always love to hear your thoughts.
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Homemade Crouton Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 loaf fresh bread - cut into 1-inch cubes
- ¼ cup good-quality olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic - minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes - (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. and line a large baking sheet (or two) with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Slice bread. Carefully slice bread into small cubes, approximately 1-inch in size. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Season and combine. In a small bowl mix together the olive oil and garlic. Drizzle bread cubes with the garlicky olive oil, and season with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes (if using). Toss well (but gently) to combine.
- Bake. Transfer the seasoned bread cubes to the prepared baking sheet and spread into a single layer with space in between each cube of bread. Transfer to the oven and bake until golden, turning once during cooking to ensure all sides are cooked evenly - approximately 15 minutes.
- Remove, cool, serve. Remove croutons from the oven and allow to cool thoroughly before adding to your favorite soup or salads.
Jessica's Notes
- Depending on the type of bread you use will determine cooking time. Fluffy bread will take less time than a denser, heartier bread.
- Allow your croutons to cool before serving for ultimate crispiness.
- Keep the seasoning plain or have fun with different combinations of salty, sweet, and savory.
- Croutons have finished cooking once they're golden and slightly brown. Avoid over-baking as they will continue to cook after you remove them from the oven.
Nutritional Information
(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.)
They came out fantastic!! So crunchy yet flavorful!