If you’ve ever crunched on a perfectly crispy, flavorful crouton floating atop your salad or stirred into a warm bowl of soup, you know the magic they bring. This Simple Homemade Croutons Recipe takes that magic to a whole new level by showing you how easy it is to make these crunchy little bites right in your own kitchen. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll elevate your meals with that satisfying texture and burst of savory herb-infused flavor that store-bought versions just can’t match.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity but don’t let that fool you—each ingredient plays a vital role in perfecting the flavor, crunch, and aroma of your croutons. Using good quality olive oil brings richness and helps the herbs stick, while the bread provides the foundation for those golden, crispy edges.
- 4 cups Cubed Bread: Slightly stale bread works best because it crisps up nicely without getting soggy.
- 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the seasoning stick; you can substitute with melted butter for a different flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Infuses the croutons with savory garlicky notes without overpowering the palate.
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme that adds a fresh, aromatic punch.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully without being salty.
- 1/2 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Provides a subtle spicy kick that wakes up the taste buds.
How to Make Simple Homemade Croutons Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for crisping the bread cubes evenly without drying them out too quickly, giving you perfectly toasted croutons every time.
Step 2: Cube the Bread
Take your slightly stale bread and cut it into cubes roughly ½ to 1 inch in size. The size is important because smaller pieces tend to crisp up too much and can burn quickly, while larger pieces might take longer and end up unevenly cooked.
Step 3: Toss Bread with Olive Oil
Place all the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl and pour over the extra virgin olive oil. Gently toss to coat each cube evenly. The oil plays a crucial role in crisping the bread and carrying the seasoning flavors throughout.
Step 4: Season the Bread
Sprinkle the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper over the cubed bread. Toss everything together again until every piece is well-coated with herbs and spices, setting the stage for a flavorful crunch.
Step 5: Spread on Baking Sheet
Arrange the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Spreading them out ensures they toast evenly and get that golden-brown color on all sides.
Step 6: Bake, Stir, and Bake Again
Bake the cubes for about 15 minutes, stirring them halfway through the baking time. This little shuffle helps the heat distribute evenly, avoiding burnt spots and giving you consistent texture in every bite.
Step 7: Check for Doneness
Keep an eye on your croutons—they should be golden brown and crispy when done. If you like them extra crunchy, feel free to bake for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, but be careful not to overcook as they can quickly go from perfect to burnt.
Step 8: Cool and Store
Once baked, remove the croutons from the oven and let them cool completely on the tray. This step is key because croutons continue to harden slightly as they cool. Afterward, store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh and crispy.
How to Serve Simple Homemade Croutons Recipe
Garnishes
These croutons shine when sprinkled over vibrant salads, lending a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with fresh greens and creamy dressings. They also make a fantastic garnish for soups, adding texture to smooth blends like tomato bisque or classic French onion soup.
Side Dishes
Serving a bowl of your favorite hearty soup? Toss a handful of these croutons on top for an inviting touch. They’re also perfect alongside fresh garden salads or even mixed into pasta dishes where you want a little extra crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try using these croutons as a base for bite-sized appetizers—top them with a spread of herbed cream cheese and a slice of cherry tomato for mini open-faced snacks. Or sprinkle them over a cheesy casserole before serving to add a subtle texture contrast everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover croutons, don’t worry! Simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crunchy and delicious for up to a week, making them an easy-snack standby anytime.
Freezing
Want to make a big batch for later? Freeze your homemade croutons in a freezer-safe bag or container. When frozen, they can last for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before using, and you can refresh them in a hot oven for a few minutes if needed.
Reheating
If your croutons lose a bit of their crunch over time, a quick reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes will bring them back to life. This makes them taste freshly made again in no time.
FAQs
Can I use any type of bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! However, slightly stale bread is best because it crisps up better. You can experiment with different breads like sourdough, whole wheat, or even baguette for unique flavors and textures.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No problem! You can easily substitute with a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme separately. Fresh herbs can work too, just be sure to finely chop them and use sparingly.
Can I make these croutons without oil?
Oil is essential for achieving that golden brown crispiness and helping the seasoning stick. If you want a lighter option, you can try using a cooking spray, but the texture and flavor may be a bit different.
How long do homemade croutons last?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, homemade croutons stay fresh and crispy for up to a week. Beyond that, they might lose crunchiness but can be refreshed in the oven.
Can I add other flavors to the croutons?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding grated Parmesan, smoked paprika, or even a pinch of cayenne for some heat. The recipe is very versatile and invites customization.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a way to add crunch, flavor, and a bit of that homemade love to your meals, this Simple Homemade Croutons Recipe is the perfect place to start. It’s easy, flexible, and unbelievably satisfying to make from scratch. So next time you want to jazz up a salad or soup, whip up a batch—you won’t regret it!
Print
Simple Homemade Croutons Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and flavorful homemade croutons made from cubed bread tossed in olive oil and herbs, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect for salads, soups, or as a crunchy snack.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 cups Cubed Bread (Use slightly stale bread for best results.)
- 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Can substitute with melted butter.)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Adjust based on preference for garlic.)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme.)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Enhances overall flavor.)
- 1/2 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper (Adjust according to spice preference.)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the croutons.
- Cube Bread: Cut your bread into cubes, aiming for ½ to 1-inch pieces to ensure even baking and crunch.
- Toss Bread with Oil: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread with the olive oil and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Add Seasonings: Add the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the bread cubes and toss until well-coated with the seasonings.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet to allow even baking.
- Bake: Bake for about 15 minutes, stirring halfway through to promote even browning and crispiness.
- Check and Continue Baking: Check for a golden brown and crunchy texture; if needed, bake longer in 2-3 minute increments until desired crispness is achieved.
- Cool: Remove from oven and let the croutons cool completely before storing them in an airtight container to keep them fresh and crunchy.
Notes
- Using slightly stale bread results in the best texture and crunch for croutons.
- You can substitute extra virgin olive oil with melted butter for a richer flavor.
- Adjust garlic powder and black pepper quantities to suit your taste preferences.
- Store cooled croutons in an airtight container for up to one week.
- These croutons can be used to enhance salads, soups, or enjoyed as a snack.
