Homemade croutons are a great way to use bread that is no longer fresh. In fact, the croutons are better if the bread is several days old. With a few ingredients and a couple of steps, you can re-purpose bread, creating a wonderful topping. Croutons add the perfect crunch to salads and soups or are delicious as a snack.
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Even though I have cooked for many years, I have never made croutons. However, the other day I found myself with leftover bread that was not fresh, and I needed croutons for a Caesar salad. The timing was perfect for me to develop a recipe for croutons. Honestly, I could kick myself for not having made them before because they are delicious and so easy to make.
Next time you find yourself with stale bread, give this recipe a try! I bet you will not go back to store-bought. Let me know how you like them!
Ingredients for Homemade Croutons
Bread: Bread that has air pockets and is not dense works best. Examples of this type of bread include French bread or sourdough. However, if you have odds and ends of various kinds of bread, cut them up and make croutons. The bread can be cut into cubes or torn into pieces.
Spices: I like to use Herbs de Provence however, any combination of the following spices would work well: Italian seasoning, thyme, rosemary, or oregano. Try your favorite spice! If you use fresh herbs, double the amount called for in the recipe.
Granulated Garlic: This is an essential ingredient for homemade croutons. You can substitute garlic powder. You can also use one teaspoon of fresh-pressed or minced garlic if you wish. However, add it to the oil before distributing it on the bread.
Olive Oil: I prefer the taste of olive oil when making croutons. Canola or vegetable oil work, but they will not add any flavor.
Salt and pepper: Homemade croutons must be seasoned with salt and pepper, so be sure to use them.
- Combine spices, salt, and pepper.
- Add the spice blend and oil to the croutons.
- Toss bread cubes with the spice blend and oil. Be sure that all the bread cubes are coated with oil.
- Distribute the bread cubes on a parchment-lined sheet pan.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes until lightly brown.
Enjoy the croutons tossed in a salad as a garnish for soup, or eat them as a snack. The spices and garlic add delicious flavor to them!
Tips for Success
- Homemade croutons are best made with bread that is several days old.
- Be sure the bread cubes are evenly coated with oil.
- Combine the herbs and seasoning before adding them to the croutons so they can be evenly distributed.
- Watch the croutons closely while baking, so they do not burn.
Substitutions/Variations
Homemade croutons lend themselves to a variety of different spices. The following would be great options: Italian seasoning, thyme, rosemary, oregano, or sage. If you do not have any of these spices, use something you have at home. You can also use your favorite spice or spice blend! For added heat, add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the spice mix.
Storage Suggestions
Store the homemade croutons in a sealed container. Use them within three days.
Croutons can be frozen for a month. Be sure to thaw them and “freshen” them by placing them in a 225°F oven for 5-10 minutes.
Serving Suggestions for Homemade Croutons
Croutons can be served with the following:
- Green salads
- Soups (especially tomato soup)
- Topping on casseroles
- In scrambled eggs
- They are great in a snack mix with pretzels and nuts or to snack on their own!
📋 Recipe
How to Make Homemade Croutons
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minute
- Yield: 4 people
- Category: Salads
- Method: Oven baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
Homemade croutons are a great way to use stale bread. They are fast and easy to make and taste better than store-bought. These are baked and not fried!
Ingredients
- 4 cups (7 oz) bread cubes
- ½ teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon Herbes de Provence
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- ¼ cup olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Prepare a sheet pan by lining it with parchment paper, spraying it with pan release, or use a slipmat.
- Cut bread into ¾-1" cubes.
- Combine granulated garlic, Herbes de Provence, salt, and pepper.
- Add spices and olive oil to the bread cubes. Toss so that the bread cubes are coated in oil.
- Spread bread cubes on a prepared sheet pan.
- Bake 10-15 minutes until lightly brown.
- Cool completely.
- Store in a sealed container.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Homemade croutons are best made with bread that is several days old-even stale bread is okay.
- Be sure the bread cubes are evenly coated with oil.
- Combine the herbs, salt, and pepper before adding them to the croutons so that they can be evenly distributed.
- Watch the croutons while they are baking so that they do not burn.
Sari Mathes
Great idea! I'm going to try this soon.