Craving that perfectly crunchy, savory topping for your salads or soups? Our easy homemade croutons recipe is the answer! Forget store-bought croutons—these are next-level delicious. Made with crusty bread, a rich blend of butter, olive oil, and herbs, these croutons are crispy on the outside and surprisingly soft inside. They add incredible flavor and texture, transforming any simple dish into something special.
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Why You’ll Adore This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: They take just minutes to prep and bake, perfect for a busy weeknight.
- Elevates Any Meal: Transform a simple salad or bowl of soup into a gourmet experience.
- Zero Food Waste: This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover crusty bread.
- Incredible Flavor: A perfect mix of seasonings and fats makes these croutons irresistible.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 1 loaf (12 ounces) crusty bread (like sourdough, ciabatta, or a baguette)
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)
Tools
- Large mixing bowl
- Small saucepan or skillet
- Whisk
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cooling rack
How to Make Homemade Croutons: Step-by-Step
1. Prep the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (191°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes for easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
2. Tear or Cube the Bread
Take your crusty bread loaf. You can either tear it into bite-sized, irregular pieces for a rustic look or slice it into uniform cubes. Place all the bread pieces in a large mixing bowl. A 12-ounce loaf should give you about 6-8 cups of bread cubes.
3. Make the Flavor Mixture
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the olive oil, butter, Italian seasoning, dried parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk this mixture constantly until the butter is completely melted and all the ingredients are well-combined, about 3-5 minutes. The warmth helps the flavors infuse.
4. Season the Bread
Pour the warm oil and herb mixture over the bread cubes in the bowl. If you’re using it, add the optional parmesan cheese now. Toss everything together thoroughly. Make sure every single piece of bread is coated evenly with the savory mixture.
5. Bake to Perfection
Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Don’t crowd the pan! This allows the croutons to get crispy on all sides. Bake for 10 minutes, then take the pan out and give them a good stir. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 8 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color and a crunchy exterior.
6. Cool and Crisp
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Let the croutons cool for at least 30 minutes. They will continue to crisp up as they cool down, so be patient! This final cooling step is key to getting that perfect crunch.
Serving, Storage, and Tips
How to Serve:
These homemade garlic croutons are perfect on top of soups like tomato soup or a classic Caesar salad. They also make a surprisingly addictive snack on their own. Try them with our easy Italian dressing for the ultimate combo.
Storage:
For the first day, store them lightly covered at room temperature to keep them crunchy. After that, transfer them to an airtight container or bag. They will stay fresh and crunchy for up to 10 days.
Reheating:
If your croutons have lost their crunch, you can crisp them up again. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.
Make Ahead:
This recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. Prep them on a Sunday and enjoy them all week long!
Special Tips:
- Don’t overbake! It’s easy to go from perfect to rock-hard. Remember they’ll continue to crisp as they cool.
- Use crusty bread. Soft sandwich bread won’t give you the right texture. Sourdough, ciabatta, or a baguette are your best bets for that perfect crunch.
- For extra flavor, toss with a little more parmesan cheese right after they come out of the oven.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using stale bread: While you’re using up “extra” bread, you don’t want it to be rock-hard. Fresh or day-old bread works best.
- Overcrowding the pan: This can lead to soggy croutons instead of crispy ones. Use two baking sheets if needed.
- Skipping the cooling step: This is crucial for achieving the final crispy texture.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these croutons without butter?
A: Yes! If you want a dairy-free or vegan version, just use a total of 1/2 cup (120ml) of olive oil instead of the oil and butter mix. They will still be delicious and crunchy.
Q: What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
A: No problem. You can create your own blend. A mix of dried basil, oregano, and rosemary works great. Feel free to use your favorite herbs like dried thyme or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Q: How do I get extra-crispy croutons?
A: To get them even crispier, make sure your bread is cut into smaller cubes. Also, let them cool completely on the baking sheet to allow the crisping process to finish.
Q: Can I make these in an air fryer?
A: Yes! You can make croutons in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Toss the bread cubes with the oil and seasoning mixture. Cook in a single layer for 5-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Q: How long do these last?
A: When stored correctly in an airtight container at room temperature, these croutons will stay fresh for up to 10 days. They are a great make-ahead recipe for meal prep.
Conclusion
Making homemade croutons is a simple yet rewarding kitchen skill. It’s a fantastic way to elevate everyday meals and save money by using up leftover bread. Once you try this recipe, you’ll never go back to the store-bought kind. The fresh, herby, garlic flavor and the perfect crunch are simply unbeatable. Enjoy!
Recipe Card: Homemade Garlic Croutons
Total Time: 28 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Yields: 6-8 cups
Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 12-ounce loaf of crusty bread (sourdough, ciabatta, or baguette)
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (191°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Tear or slice the bread into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the olive oil, butter, Italian seasoning, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the butter melts and the mixture is combined.
- Pour the warm mixture over the bread cubes. Add the optional parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until all bread pieces are evenly coated.
- Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then stir. Bake for another 8 minutes, or until golden brown and crunchy on the outside.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 30 minutes. They will get crispier as they cool.
- Serve immediately or store for later.
