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Homemade Croutons Recipe

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4.2 from 59 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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.

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/homemade-croutons-recipe-2/