How To Make Homemade Croutons

There’s something so satisfying about a bowl of soup or a fresh salad topped with homemade croutons. They add that perfect crunch and a burst of flavor, elevating any dish from ordinary to extraordinary. While store-bought croutons may be convenient, making them yourself at home is easy, budget-friendly, and lets you customize every detail. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up any leftover bread sitting on the counter. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up croutons that are crispy, golden, and packed with flavor in under 30 minutes!

Why Make Your Own Croutons?

Homemade croutons bring several advantages over store-bought varieties. First, the freshness is unmatched—crunchy on the outside but slightly tender inside, giving them a perfect texture. Store-bought croutons can sometimes feel too hard or overly processed, while homemade ones retain a rustic, freshly-baked quality. Second, making croutons yourself lets you control what goes into them. From the type of bread and oil to the herbs and spices, you’re in charge of the ingredients, making them a healthier and more tailored option.

With this recipe, you can adjust the seasonings to match your dish. Feeling something classic? Stick with olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs. Want to spice things up? Try adding a sprinkle of paprika or cayenne. The possibilities are endless!

What Kind of Bread Works Best?

Almost any bread will work for croutons, but here are a few tips:

• Stale Bread: Bread that’s a few days old is ideal because it’s already a bit dry and firm, meaning it’ll crisp up beautifully without becoming soggy.
• French Baguette: For a crisp, golden texture, a French baguette is perfect. The thin slices bake quickly and give a traditional crouton crunch.
• Sourdough: Adds a slight tangy flavor, which can bring an interesting depth to your croutons.
• Whole Grain or Seeded Bread: For a more nutritious, rustic option, whole grain or seeded bread works wonderfully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make croutons, all you need is some bread, oil or butter, and seasonings. Here’s a simple breakdown:

• 4 cups of bread (cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil or melted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for a savory flavor)
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs (like rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning)
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Homemade Croutons: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Start by cutting your bread into 1-inch cubes. If you’re using fresh bread, let it sit out for an hour or two to let it dry out a bit. Dry bread crisps up more quickly in the oven.
2. Season the Bread: Place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the olive oil or melted butter over the bread, and toss to coat evenly. The oil will help the croutons crisp up and add richness. Sprinkle on your garlic powder, herbs, salt, and pepper, then give it all a good toss to make sure every piece is well coated.
3. Spread on a Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Give them plenty of room so they bake evenly—overcrowding can lead to soft spots rather than a uniform crunch.
4. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the croutons for 15-20 minutes, tossing them halfway through. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent over-browning. They’re ready when they’re golden and crispy.
5. Cool and Store: Allow the croutons to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once they’re cool, transfer them to an airtight container or jar. They’ll keep for up to a week, though chances are they won’t last that long!

How to Customize Your Croutons

The beauty of homemade croutons is how easily you can change the flavors to suit your taste or complement a particular dish:

• Herby Parmesan Croutons: Add grated Parmesan and dried Italian herbs to the mix for a rich, savory flavor that’s perfect for Caesar salads.
• Spicy Paprika Croutons: Mix in a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper for a smoky, spicy kick.
• Garlic Butter Croutons: For a richer flavor, use melted butter instead of olive oil and add a bit more garlic powder.

Where to Use Your Croutons

Homemade croutons aren’t just for salads! Here are a few ways to make the most of them:

• Soups: Top creamy soups like tomato, broccoli cheddar, or potato soup with a handful of croutons. They add a delightful crunch that balances out the creaminess.
• Casseroles: Add croutons as a topping on casseroles, baked mac and cheese, or gratins for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
• Snack: Croutons are a tasty snack all on their own, especially if you’ve seasoned them well. Try them with a side of hummus or dip.

Storage Tips

To keep your croutons crispy and fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If they begin to soften, simply pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to restore their crunch. Avoid refrigerating croutons, as the moisture in the fridge can make them soggy.

Nutrition

For those watching their intake, here’s a quick nutrition snapshot for homemade croutons (about 1 cup):

• Calories: ~150
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 150mg

A Note on Ingredient Quality

Because croutons are so simple to make, each ingredient plays a big role in the final flavor. Use high-quality bread, fresh herbs if possible, and a good olive oil for the best results. The difference is noticeable!

In Summary

Making homemade croutons is quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a batch of golden, crispy croutons that taste far better than anything from a store. They add a wonderful texture to salads, soups, and so much more. Try them once, and you might find yourself making them every week!