Description
This easy homemade croutons recipe transforms day-old bread into delicious, crunchy croutons perfect for salads, soups, or snacking. With simple ingredients like olive oil, garlic powder, Italian herbs, and an optional parmesan cheese addition, these croutons bring flavorful crispness to any dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Croutons
- 4 cups cubed day-old bread (French, sourdough, or any rustic bread)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, thyme, and basil)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the croutons evenly.
- Cube the bread: Cut your day-old bread into small, even cubes about 3/4 inch thick to ensure uniform baking and crispness.
- Coat the bread: In a large mixing bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil or melted butter until all pieces are well-coated, helping the seasonings stick and promoting crisp texture.
- Add seasonings: Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper over the coated bread cubes, then toss again to evenly distribute all the flavors.
- Add Parmesan (optional): If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and toss once more to combine for added savory flavor.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to ensure even baking and browning.
- Bake and toss: Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, tossing the croutons halfway through to achieve an even golden brown and crisp texture.
- Cool and store: Let the croutons cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container for up to 1 week to maintain freshness and crunch.
Notes
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread for best texture and crispness.
- You can customize the herbs and spices to your preference.
- For a dairy-free option, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative.
- Store croutons in an airtight container to keep them crisp.
- These croutons make a great salad topping or soup garnish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
