How to Make Homemade Croutons
How to Make Homemade Croutons
How to Make Homemade Croutons is the easiest way to recreate the crispy, flavorful, and perfect bite version of the store-bought croutons. These croutons are so versatile and can be thoroughly enjoyed atop your favorite salad, soup, stuffing-----you name it! Gluten-free option available.
I don't know about you, but croutons are by far one of the things that I can't live without, especially whenever I'm eating salads. There's just something about these little crispy cube-like pieces of bread that makes almost everything taste better. Haha.
These Homemade Croutons are really delicious and come completely crispy, crunchy, flavorful + well seasoned, and made with a handful of simple ingredients that you already have on hand. Luckily, you can either use store-bought Italian seasoning (I love McCormick spice) or you can gather together individual herbs + spices to create an amazing homemade blend.
Once you make these homemade croutons, I promise that you'll be making batches of them for all of the best topping possibilities.
How to Make Homemade Croutons
These Homemade Croutons are easy to throw together. While you might think that it’s so hard to make—-I’m here to show you just how easy it is. In a bowl, add the cubed bread, olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and black pepper, tossing everything together until bread is fully coated.
Add the bread unto the baking sheet (spreading it out evenly) and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the bread has become golden and are crisp. Remove and let it cool.
SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THESE CROUTONS!
Here, I’ve curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially with these homemade croutons. Everything from my fave baking sheet, liners, pastry blender (for mashing too), mixing bowls, and more. SEE THEM HERE!
Ingredients for Homemade Croutons
For the best Homemade Croutons, it’s all about the simple ingredients!
Here’s what you need for the croutons:
- Bread. I love using rustic bread such as sourdough, however, other types of rustic bread works just fine!
- Olive oil. Don’t skimp on the oil! It helps concentrate the bread and makes for a nice crispy texture once baked. You can also use Grapeseed oil as well.
- Italian seasoning. You can use a store-bought version or create your own blend.
- Dried herbs. I like a mixture of Italian seasoning with additional herbs + seasonings like salt, black pepper, parsley and additional garlic powder.
The Best Bread for Homemade Croutons
A crusty rustic bread (a day or two old) is perfect bread for these homemade croutons. They are naturally thin, so the slices end up being perfectly sized. They are light and airy, so the toast is not too dense upon biting. Because of the large air pockets in the bread, they make for a lovely mouthfeel once they are cubed. Here’s the best breads:
- sourdough
- challah
- ciabatta
- dinner roll
- french baguettes
- hot dog buns (especially brioche-like ones)
How to Make Homemade Italian Seasoning
If you're thinking about making your own Italian seasoning blend, then look no further! All you need is handful of herbs + spices, mix them together, and wallah:
- Oregano
- Basil
- Parsley
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Garlic powder
- Red pepper flakes
How to Store Homemade Italian Seasoning
You can keep leftover seasoning in a small tightly sealed jar and at room temperature for up to 6 months like your other herbs + spices.
How to Best Use Homemade Croutons
As I've said before, homemade croutons are super versatile and can be used as a part of so many dishes. You can add these croutons to a food processor and pulse until fully broken down to create homemade breadcrumbs. In addition, you can add these croutons to the following:
- Salad. I’m obsessed with this Ultimate Summer BBQ Chopped Kale Salad, Creamy Lobster Bisque and Blood Orange Kale Salad.
- Soup. I'm definitely loving the idea of adding croutons atop this Vegan Cheesy Carrot Soup, Creamy Roasted Garlic Tortellini Soup, or Easy Roasted Butternut Squash.
- Stuffed veggies (i.e. tomatoes, belle peppers, etc.)
- Polenta. This Cajun Sweet Potato Grits with Crispy Chickpeas is such a delicious option.
- Eggs (i.e. scrambled eggs). How about this Vegan Breakfast Eggs + Potatoes?
- Crust for meat (i.e. as breadcrumbs). I definitely love using homemade breadcrumbs for these Everything Bagel Cauliflower Bites, Southern-Style Cornbread Stuffing, Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta, or this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese with Breadcrumbs.
How to Best Store + Freeze Homemade Croutons
Leftovers should be cooled completely and then stored in a sealed tight container or ziplock bag at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. To serve, simply reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until thawed and crispy.
Can I Make these Homemade Croutons Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Be sure to use gluten-free friendly bread for these homemade croutons.
My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Recipes
- Sticky Peach Chicken Wings
- Spicy Gochujang Chicken Tenders
- Meatless Baked Ziti with Ricotta + Mozzarella
- Southern-Style Cajun Pasta
- Southern-Style Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Best BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich
MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
If you make this How to Make Homemade Croutons, be sure to tag me on Instagram @orchidsandsweettea!
How to Make Homemade Croutons
Ingredients
- 4 cups rustic bread, cubed into ¾ inches (I like to use sourdough bread)
- ⅓ cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tsps Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Pinch of sea salt + black pepper
Instructions
TO MAKE THE HOMEMADE CROUTONS:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, add the cubed bread, olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and black pepper, tossing everything together until bread is fully coated. Add the bread unto the baking sheet (spreading it out evenly) and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the bread has become golden and are crisp. Remove and let it cool.
- Serve homemade croutons atop your favorite salad, soup, stuffed veggies, polenta, eggs, etc.
- Bon Appetit!
Tips & Tricks
- STORAGE: Leftovers should be cooled completely and then stored in a sealed tight container or ziplock bag at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. To serve, simply reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until thawed and crispy.
- GLUTEN-FREE OPTION: Be sure to use gluten-free friendly bread for these homemade croutons.
Nutrition
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