Have some leftover bread that’s beginning to stale? Turn it into delicious homemade croutons with just a few simple steps. Perfect for salads, soups, or as a crunchy snack, croutons are an easy way to use up bread and add extra flavor and texture to your meals.
How to Make Homemade Croutons
Croutons are incredibly simple to make and taste far better than store-bought versions. Choose a good-quality, sturdy loaf when possible—sourdough, French, or crusty sandwich bread all work well. Cut the bread into cubes, toss with olive oil and seasonings, spread in a single layer on a baking sheet, and bake until golden and crisp.
This basic method is flexible: adjust cube size, oil amount, and seasoning to suit your preferences. Homemade croutons are a great way to use up bread and can keep salads interesting with little effort.
đź“– Recipe
How to Make Homemade Croutons
Follow this quick method to make crisp, flavorful croutons that store well and add crunch to many dishes.
8 minutes
20 minutes
28 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups bread cubes (about 6 ounces / 170 grams)
- About 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes or cayenne (optional, a pinch for heat)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup.
- Cut the bread into cubes in the size you prefer. Place the cubes in a large bowl.
- Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the bread and toss with your hands. Add more oil a little at a time until the cubes are evenly coated but not soggy.
- Spread the coated bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Season with salt, pepper, and a very small pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne if desired.
- Bake for 10–20 minutes, depending on cube size and how crisp you want them. For very crispy croutons, bake until deep golden brown; for croutons with a slightly soft center, remove when they are light golden. Test one for doneness.
- Allow croutons to cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Notes
- Scale this recipe up or down easily: add oil gradually while tossing until the bread is evenly coated.
- Try different flavor variations—sprinkle dried herbs like thyme, oregano, basil, rosemary, or spices such as onion powder, turmeric, or chili powder along with the salt and pepper before baking.
Nutrition Information
Yield: 8 servings
Serving Size: 1/4 cup
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 118
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 260mg
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: 2g
Did you make this recipe?
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