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Recipe Discuss
This Homemade Croutons Recipe is the perfect pair to all your favorite soups and salads. Simple to make and ready quickly.
Honestly, aren't croutons the best part of most salads?! Okay, maybe that is my inner bread lover speaking, but seriously they are so crunchy and perfect for soups and salads. easy croutons recipe is quick and easy and only requires six ingredients.
These homemade croutons are great for Caesar salads, soups like tomato bisque and lots of other great recipes. These little crunchy cubes of heaven can also be made with several different types of bread and spices to go with whatever recipe you choose. I hope you love this simple and versatile salad and soup topper.
Croutons are simple to make and pair wonderfully with soups and salads.
Kitchen Tools
- A Large Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- A Large Prep Bowl
- A Bread Knife and Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- A Large Wooden Spoon or Spatula
Ingredients
- White Sandwich Bread
- Olive Oil: Olive oil or extra virgin olive oil work best, but you could sub in any neutral tasting oil like vegetable oil if you would like.
- Dried Herbs and Spices: Personally, I like to keep my croutons on the neutral flavor side so they can pair with lots of different recipes. For these crunchy croutons I used a combination of sea salt, ground black pepper, Italian seasoning and garlic powder. You could use this combination, or add in some of your own spin.
How to Make Homemade Croutons
Simple steps to help you make the best crunchy croutons perfect for soups and salads. Ready quickly and can be easily customized with a variety of herbs, spices and cheese.
- Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. - Bread Prep
While the oven is preheating, slice your white bread in even chunks no large than inch cubed. Once all the bread is cubed add it into a large prep bowl. - Prepping the Croutons
Pour olive oil and dried herbs and spices into the bowl and toss the bread until all the croutons are evenly coated. - Baking Instructions
Pour the coated croutons onto the baking sheet and bake in the oven on the center rack for 15-20 minutes tossing halfway though. - Completing the Recipe
Once the croutons are golden and crispy remove from the oven and let them cool. Add over your favorite salad, soup or store leftovers for later.
Recipe Pairing Ideas
My favorite way to enjoy these crispy, golden croutons are with a Caesar salad or cup of soup. You can them to any of your favorites or try out some of my soups and salads below. The croutons have a neutral flavor making them versatile and easy to pair with lots of different recipes.
- Red Pepper Tomato Soup
- Kale Caesar Salad
- Grilled Peach Salad
- Crockpot Vegan Lentil Soup
- Black Bean Soup
- Spinach Apple Salad
- BBQ Chicken Salad
Tips and Tricks
Even Cuts: When cutting the white sandwich bread for the croutons try your best to make them as even as possible. This helps all the croutons be about the same size helping them cook more evenly.
Baking Tips: I like to toss my croutons 1-2 times while they are baking in the oven. Doing this helps all the croutons get golden and crispy.
Flavor Ideas: I stick to a pretty simple flavor combo for these homemade croutons, but you could add so many different herbs and spices to make them your own. Some other things you could add to your homemade croutons or onion powder, grated Parmesan cheese, some red pepper flakes, dried thyme, oregano or rosemary.
Note: If you add Parmesan cheese to your croutons then the shelf life will be reduced to only 3-5 days.
Common Questions
What are croutons made of?
For this homemade croutons recipe I like to use basic white sandwich bread. I find that this bread gets the crispiest and I like that I can add any herbs and spices I wish. Other breads can be used like whole grain, wheat bread, french bread, or sourdough bread. Each will yield a slightly different type of crouton, so be sure to watch them so you get the perfect cook.
How long do croutons last?
Store leftover homemade croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. I like to store mine is a zip-lock page, but glass or plastic container will work as well.
I hope you love this Quick and Easy Croutons recipe and find lots of uses for them. Leave me a comment and rating below letting me know what you think!
Happy Eating!
Easy Homemade Croutons Recipe
Caitlyn Erhardt
This Homemade Croutons Recipe pairs great with all your favorite soups and salads. Quick and easy to make with sandwich bread, olive oil and dried herbs.
5 from 6 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Salad, Side Dish, Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 12 Servings
Calories 119 kcal
Ingredients
- 1 Loaf White Bread
- ¼ Cup Olive Oil
- ½ teaspoon Sea Salt
- ¾ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. While the oven is preheating, cube the bread into ¾ inch inch cubes (no larger than 1 inch) and add to a large prep bowl.
Add in the olive oil, ground black pepper, sea salt, Italian Seasoning and garlic powder to the bowl and toss until all the bread is evenly coated.
Pour the croutons onto a prepared baking sheet and spread into an even layer. Bake on the center rack of the oven for 15-20 minutes tossing halfway through.
Once the croutons are golden and crispy remove from the oven, let cool and serve with your favorite soups and salads. Enjoy!
Notes
Leftover Storage
Store leftover croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
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Nutrition
Calories: 119kcalCarbohydrates: 15.4gProtein: 2.6gFat: 5.3gSaturated Fat: 0.8gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 168mgPotassium: 37mgFiber: 0.7gSugar: 1.3gCalcium: 34mgIron: 1mg
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I'm Caitlyn, I love creating simple and delicious recipes for my entire family to enjoy! I hope you find some new go-to recipes and favorites for your own family and friends to enjoy! Find Out More!
Reader Interactions
Comments
Tracy Robers
I made these tonight. I used whole wheat bread, they turned out delicious. Thank you for the recipe. I will never buy store bought croutons again.Reply
Caitlyn Erhardt
So happy you liked them! I am the same way now I never buy store bought ones anymore.
Reply
Michelle
So easy and delicious! I will never buy them at the store again!Reply
Caitlyn Erhardt
Glad you like them!
Reply
Matt @ Plating Pixels
This is so easy and yummy! I was never a fan of store-bought croutons since they usually contain preservatives.Reply
Caitlyn Erhardt
So true! These are def a better choice than store bought.
Reply
Cathleen
Those croutons look delicious!! Some of my most disappointing salad experiences have been with bad croutons, so I am so glad I can make them at home now!Reply
Caitlyn Erhardt
Oh man I hear ya! Bad croutons are the worst!
Reply
Amanda Wren-Grimwood
Love croutons and this is a great idea to make ahead to add to different dishes.Reply
Caitlyn Erhardt
Absolutely!
Reply
Charla
I love adding croutons to soup. A soup just isn't the same without the additional croutons. Thanks for the tips!Reply
Caitlyn Erhardt
Totally agree. I love the little crunch paired with my soups.
Reply
