Homemade Croutons Recipe

If you have ever wished for that perfect crunch and flavor burst in your salads or soups, then this Homemade Croutons Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. These croutons bring that irresistible combination of crispy, buttery, and herb-infused goodness that elevates even the simplest dishes. Made from scratch using a crusty loaf, aromatic seasonings, and a touch of parmesan, this recipe guarantees fresh, flavorful croutons that blow store-bought versions right out of the water. Once you try this, you might find it hard to go back to anything packaged ever again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s truly delightful about this Homemade Croutons Recipe is how straightforward and simple the ingredients are, yet each one plays a vital role in creating those perfectly crunchy, flavorful morsels. The combination of herbs and spices infuses the bread with layers of savory notes while the olive oil and butter provide that rich, golden finish every bite deserves.

• 12-ounce (340g) loaf of crusty bread: The foundation of your croutons, sturdy enough to crisp up without falling apart.
• 1/3 cup (80ml) extra-virgin olive oil: Adds fruity richness and helps coat the bread evenly for that perfect roast.
• 3 Tablespoons (43g) unsalted butter: Brings luscious creaminess and aids browning with a subtle nutty flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend: A fragrant mix that infuses Mediterranean herbs for a classic taste.
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Adds fresh, earthy undertones and a touch of color.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers that savory punch that croutons are known for.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the seasoning.
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Offers subtle heat and depth.
• Optional: 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: For an extra layer of sharp, salty goodness that melts slightly over the croutons.

How to Make Homemade Croutons Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Bread

Start by heating your oven up to 375°F (191°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup and even baking. Then, tear or slice your crusty bread into bite-sized pieces—aim for around 6 to 8 cups. This size ensures every piece crisps nicely without burning or staying soggy.

Step 2: Create the Flavorful Butter and Oil Mixture

In a small saucepan set over medium heat, whisk together olive oil, butter, Italian seasoning, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This gentle warming melts the butter and blends all those vibrant herbs and spices into a fragrant, flavorful coating that will bring your croutons to life. It usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes to combine everything perfectly.

Step 3: Toss Bread Cubes with Seasoning

Pour your aromatic oil and butter mixture over the bread cubes in a large bowl. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle on your optional parmesan cheese now. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until every piece has a glossy, well-seasoned coat. This is where your Homemade Croutons Recipe really starts to shine because evenly coated bread results in even crunch and flavor.

Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Spread the coated bread cubes in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet to ensure even air flow and crisping. Pop them into the oven and bake for 10 minutes. Then, take them out to give them a good stir or shake to prevent uneven browning. Back in they go for an additional 8 minutes until perfectly golden. Once done, place the baking sheet on a cooling rack and let your croutons rest for 30 minutes—the cooling time lets them crisp up beautifully, turning them irresistibly crunchy.

Step 5: Enjoy and Store

Once cooled, your Homemade Croutons Recipe is ready to jazz up your salads, soups, or just enjoy as a snack. Leftovers should be stored lightly covered at room temperature for up to one day, and if that’s not enough time for them to be devoured, tighten the lid for up to 10 days.

How to Serve Homemade Croutons Recipe

Garnishes

Croutons provide the perfect crunch that complements creamy salads or rich soups. Scatter a handful over a Caesar salad for that signature crisp bite, or float them on a velvety tomato bisque to add texture and flavor contrast. The herbaceous seasoning and slight cheesy notes ensure they are far more than just ordinary bread cubes.

Side Dishes

Beyond salads and soups, these croutons also shine alongside roasted vegetables or grilled meats. Their savory, buttery coating makes them a delightful accompaniment that can be mixed into stuffing or served as a crispy topping for casseroles to introduce an unexpected layer of flavor and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Try mixing your croutons with roasted nuts and dried cranberries for a fantastic salad topper or snack mix. You can also crush them to create a crunchy breadcrumb substitute for coating chicken or fish, making this Homemade Croutons Recipe incredibly versatile and useful around the kitchen.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, store your croutons in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll maintain peak freshness for about a day, after which they can still be enjoyed but might start to lose their crispness. Properly sealed, they can last up to ten days, perfect for quick kitchen fixes.

Freezing

If you want to keep these croutons around even longer, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled croutons in a sealed freezer bag or container and pop them in the freezer. They can keep their crunch and flavor for up to three months, ready to revive whenever you need an easy-to-use garnish or snack.

Reheating

To restore that fresh-from-the-oven crispness, simply spread frozen or stored croutons on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. This quick reheating breathes new life into your Homemade Croutons Recipe, bringing back the perfect crunch in no time.

FAQs

Can I use any type of bread for this Homemade Croutons Recipe?

While you can experiment with different breads, crusty breads like sourdough, French baguettes, or Italian loaves work best for croutons because they crisp nicely and hold their shape during baking.

Is it necessary to use butter and olive oil together?

Using both butter and olive oil combines the rich flavor and browning ability of butter with the healthy fats and fruity taste of olive oil, creating a more complex flavor and better texture for your croutons.

How long will homemade croutons stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, your homemade croutons will stay fresh and crispy for up to 10 days, making them a convenient make-ahead addition to many meals.

Can I customize the seasoning in this Homemade Croutons Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap Italian seasoning for other herb blends or add spices like smoked paprika or cayenne for a bit of heat. The recipe is very flexible to suit your personal taste.

Are these croutons suitable for salads only?

Not at all! While they are fantastic on salads, these croutons also shine in soups, casseroles, or as a crunchy snack on their own. Their versatility is one of the reasons this Homemade Croutons Recipe is a kitchen staple.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say this Homemade Croutons Recipe will quickly become a beloved go-to in your kitchen. These croutons transform simple dishes into something extraordinary with their golden, crunchy texture and rich, herb-infused flavor. So grab that crusty bread and get baking—your salads, soups, and even snacks deserve this kind of delicious upgrade!

Homemade Croutons Recipe

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Homemade croutons are a simple and delicious way to add crunch and flavor to salads, soups, and snacks. This recipe uses crusty bread tossed in a savory mixture of olive oil, butter, and herbs, then baked to golden perfection. With optional Parmesan cheese and classic Italian seasonings, these croutons elevate any dish with ease.

• Author: Mari
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Croutons

• 12-ounce (340g) loaf of crusty bread
• 1/3 cup (80ml) extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons (43g) unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Optional: 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (191°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure the croutons don’t stick and bake evenly.
2. Prepare Bread: Tear or slice the crusty bread into small, bite-sized cubes, approximately 6 to 8 cups in volume, and place them in a large mixing bowl.
3. Make Seasoning Mixture: In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together olive oil, unsalted butter, Italian seasoning, dried parsley, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Heat until the butter has melted and the mixture is well combined, about 3 to 5 minutes.
4. Coat Bread Cubes: Pour the warm seasoning mixture over the bread cubes. Add the optional grated Parmesan cheese if using. Toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
5. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the coated bread cubes in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet to promote even baking and crispiness.
6. Bake and Stir: Bake the bread cubes for 10 minutes, then remove the baking sheet from the oven and stir the croutons to ensure even cooking. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 8 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
7. Cool: Once baked, remove the croutons from the oven and place the baking sheet on a cooling rack. Allow the croutons to cool for 30 minutes, during which they will continue to crisp up.
8. Store: Store any leftover croutons lightly covered at room temperature for up to 1 day. For longer storage, keep them tightly covered for up to 10 days to maintain freshness.

Notes

• Use day-old or slightly stale crusty bread for best texture and absorbency.
• Customize the seasoning mix by adding other herbs like thyme or rosemary if desired.
• If you prefer, substitute olive oil with avocado oil for a different flavor profile.
• Croutons can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months; re-crisp in the oven before serving.
• For a dairy-free version, omit the butter and Parmesan cheese and use extra olive oil instead.