Homemade Croutons
These croutons are crunchy bites that elevate salads with their irresistible texture and savory taste! Croutons add a toothsome, flavorful contrast to fresh greens.
Croutons are small pieces of bread that have been baked or fried until they are crisp and crunchy. As a topping, croutons add texture and flavor to soups and salads. Croutons can be made from a variety of breads, including white, whole wheat, sourdough, and rye. Baguettes are a good choice. Cut the slices into cubes, or if you are using a narrow loaf such as a baguette or ciabatta, use whole slices or cut the slices in half or into strips.
There are many reasons to make your own croutons, including cost, flavor, control over the texture, and natural ingredients. Plus, homemade croutons are remarkably easy to make. Cubed bread, a few basic pantry seasonings, and some olive oil are all you need. If you’re making them for a Caesar salad or soup, you might want to add some Parmesan cheese.
The recipe is versatile as well. The following recipe is my favorite combination for salads and soups, but if you are making them for stuffing, change up the seasonings by replacing the oregano with some sage, and omit the Parmesan. For a casserole topping, you might replace the olive oil with melted butter and use complementary seasonings. The recipe is easily doubled or tripled for more servings—just make sure you bake them in a single layer.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Loads of flavor. Parmesan, herbs, and garlic coat each cube for delicious seasoning.
Perfect crunch. Baking the croutons ensures crisp texture without frying.
Great use of leftover bread. Ideal for day-old or slightly stale loaves.
Long-lasting. Cooled, baked croutons store well for quick salad or soup upgrades.
Ingredient Notes
- Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty flavor to every cube.
- Parsley: Finely chopped for fresh herbal notes.
- Garlic granules: Give consistent garlic flavor without burning.
- Dried oregano: Adds warm, savory depth.
- Sea salt: Seasons without overpowering.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground for fragrance and a hint of bite.
- Dried thyme: A small pinch enhances the herb blend.
- Cubed bread: Baguette, sourdough, or rustic loaf—slightly stale works best.
- Olive oil: Helps the seasoning cling and crisps the bread as it bakes.
Steps to Make Homemade Croutons
- Heat the oven to 375°F.
- Combine Parmesan, parsley, garlic granules, oregano, salt, pepper, and thyme in a large food storage bag.
- Add the bread cubes and toss to coat with seasonings.
- Add the olive oil and toss again until evenly coated.
- Spread the cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake until crisp and golden, turning halfway through the baking time.
- Cool completely before using or storing.
Tips
- Use slightly stale bread—its firmer texture absorbs seasoning more evenly.
- Cut cubes evenly so they bake at the same rate.
- Toss thoroughly so each cube gets a good coating of oil and seasoning.
- Turn the croutons halfway for even browning.
- Cool fully before storing to keep them crisp.
- Adjust salt based on how salty your Parmesan is.
Recipe Variations
- Garlic butter croutons. Use melted butter in place of some of the olive oil.
- Italian herb croutons. Add basil, rosemary, or Italian seasoning.
- Cheesy croutons. Add extra Parmesan or a sprinkle of Pecorino.
- Spicy croutons. Add crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika.
- Whole wheat version. Use whole grain bread for a heartier flavor.
- Ranch croutons. Sprinkle with a teaspoon of dry ranch seasoning before baking.
How to Use Croutons
- Salads: Croutons are a classic salad topper and add a satisfying crunch to any green salad, and are a must for Caesar salads.
- Soups: Sprinkle croutons on top of a bowl of tomato or pea soup to add a crispy texture and additional flavor.
- Stuffing: Use croutons as a base for stuffing for your favorite poultry or meat dishes.
- Casseroles: Mix croutons into casseroles for a crispy topping that adds both texture and flavor.
- Breakfast: Use croutons as a base for a breakfast scramble with eggs, cheese, and your favorite veggies.
- Bread Pudding: Croutons can be used as a substitute for bread in a savory bread pudding.
- Mac and Cheese: Top mac and cheese with croutons for an extra crunchy topping.
- Snacking: Mix croutons with your favorite nuts and dried fruits for a savory snack mix.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Not recommended—moisture will soften the croutons.
Freeze: Croutons can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before using.
Reheat: Refresh softened croutons in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes.
Homemade Croutons
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic granules
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Dash dried thyme
- 10 slices bread, cut into cubes, about 3 cups cubed
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375 F and gather the ingredients.
- Combine the Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic granules, oregano, salt, pepper, and thyme in a food storage bag. Add the cubed bread and toss. Ad the olive oil to the bag and toss until the bread cubes are well-coated..
- Arrange the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring and turning about halfway through the baking time.
- Remove the pan to a rack and allow the croutons to cool completely before using or storing them.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
