Why Make This Recipe
Making homemade croutons is a simple way to elevate your meals. They add crunch and flavor to salads, soups, and even standalone snacks. Instead of buying pre-packaged croutons, you can easily create your own at home with just a few ingredients. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover bread!
How to Make Homemade Croutons
Ingredients
- 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
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (191°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
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Tear or slice the bread into small bite-size pieces and place them in a large bowl. You should have around 6 to 8 cups of bread cubes, give or take.
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In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together olive oil, butter, Italian seasoning, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the butter melts and everything combines, about 3–5 minutes. Pour this mixture over the bread cubes, add the optional parmesan cheese, and stir or toss until all the pieces of bread are coated. Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and stir. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 8 minutes. Once done, remove from the oven and set the baking sheet on a cooling rack. Let the croutons cool on the baking sheet for 30 minutes; they will continue to crisp up as they cool.
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Store leftover croutons lightly covered at room temperature for up to 1 day. After that, store them covered tightly for up to 10 days.
How to Serve Homemade Croutons
Homemade croutons go great on salads, adding a nice crunch. You can also sprinkle them on soups for extra texture. For a snack, enjoy them plain or with your favorite dip.
How to Store Homemade Croutons
Keep your leftover croutons at room temperature after they cool down. You can keep them for up to 1 day, but if you want to keep them longer, store them in an airtight container for up to 10 days.
Tips to Make Homemade Croutons
- Use any type of bread you have on hand. Crusty bread, baguettes, or even leftover sandwich bread works well.
- For added flavor, you can experiment with different herbs and spices according to your taste.
- Make a big batch and store them for quick meals throughout the week.
Variation
You can make croutons with different flavors. Try adding onion powder, smoked paprika, or chili flakes for a spicy kick. Mixing in different cheeses can also bring a new twist to your croutons.
FAQs
1. Can I use stale bread for croutons?
Yes! Stale bread is perfect for making croutons, as it will crisp up nicely in the oven.
2. Can I make croutons ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare croutons and store them in an airtight container for up to 10 days.
3. What can I do with leftover croutons?
Leftover croutons can be used in salads, soups, or enjoyed as a crunchy snack on their own.
