Easy 20 Minute Homemade Croutons

Name: Easy 20 Minute Homemade Croutons
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2-3 large slices of sourdough bread or any crusty bread; 2-3 tablespoons olive oil; ¼ teaspoon salt; Pepper

by Laney Schwartz on May 3, 2023 0 comments

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Looking to add some crunchy, flavorful toppings to your salads or soups? Try making these Easy Homemade Croutons! In just 20 minutes, you can transform a few slices of crusty bread into golden, crispy cubes of deliciousness with only a handful of simple ingredients!

crispy croutons on a sheet pan — Making croutons is a great way to use up leftover stale bread

As a well-seasoned home chef, making simple food from scratch is my specialty! There are some ingredients you can buy in the store for convenience, but there are certain things made at home that just tastes so much better like taco seasoning and salad dressing.

These easy croutons are perfectly crunchy and flavorful and take just 20 minutes to make! With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform stale bread into delicious, crunchy cubes of flavor. Not only do they taste amazing, but making your own croutons means you know exactly what goes into them.

croutons in a white bowl — Croutons can be stored in an airtight container on the counter for 5 days

Homemade croutons are incredibly versatile and can be used in so many different ways! Use them on soups or salads, or sprinkle them on top of a casserole or mac and cheese for a crispy topping. Toss them with herbs and cheese for a savory snack. Or crush them up and use them as a breadcrumb substitute in recipes. The possibilities are endless, and making your own croutons means you can get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations.

Making croutons from scratch is a great way to use up stale bread that might otherwise go to waste. All you need is a sheet pan and you’re ready to go! You can enjoy these croutons with some of our favorite recipes, including Roasted Cauliflower Soup or my favorite Caesar Salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These homemade croutons are incredibly easy to make and use simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand – so there is no need to run to the store or spend a lot of money on pre-made croutons.
Once you taste the difference between homemade and store-bought croutons, you’ll never go back! They are perfectly crispy on the outside while still remaining soft on the inside and packed with savory flavor.
Making your own croutons allows you to get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations. You can easily customize them with your favorite herbs, spices, and even different types of bread.
They are incredibly versatile and can be used in so many different ways – from topping salads and soups to adding crunch to casseroles and even used as a snack on their own!

Ingredients You’ll Need

sourdough, oil, salt and pepper on a grey board — You only need these 4 simple ingredients

Sourdough Bread (or any crusty bread) – The bread is the base of the recipe and provides the crispy, crunchy texture of the croutons. Sourdough bread or other crusty bread works best, as it holds its shape and texture when baked.
Olive Oil – Used to coat the bread cubes and help them crisp up in the oven. It also adds a rich, savory flavor to the croutons.
Salt & Pepper – These simple seasonings help to bring out the flavors of the bread and olive oil. The salt helps to enhance the flavor of the bread, while the pepper adds a subtle kick.

How To Make Homemade Croutons In 20 Minutes

sourdough cubes on a sheet pan — Spread the bread cubes on a sheet pan and drizzle with oil, salt and pepper

two hands holding bread cubes — Use your hands to massage with oil and spices

Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Get out a baking sheet and set it aside.

Cut the bread: Using a serrated knife, dice the bread carefully into small bite-size chunks and place them on a baking sheet.

Season the croutons: Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with salt and pepper. Use your hands to massage the oil and spices into the bread until they are well coated.

Bake until golden brown: Spread the bread cubes evenly onto the baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes until golden brown.

Cool and store: Remove from the oven and let cool completely. Store leftovers in an airtight sealed container on the counter for up to 5 days.

Recipe Tips

Cut your bread into evenly-sized cubes, about 1/2 inch to 1 inch in size, to ensure they bake evenly and have a uniform texture.
Use your hands to massage the olive oil and spices into the bread cubes, making sure they are well coated. This will help to ensure that every bite is packed with flavor.
Keep a close eye on the croutons as they bake – depending on the size of your cubes and the temperature of your oven, they can go from golden brown to burnt in just a few minutes. Check on them frequently and remove them from the oven as soon as they are crispy and lightly golden.
If you’re short on time, you can speed up the drying process by using a toaster oven instead of a full-sized oven. Just be sure to keep a close eye on them, as they may cook faster in a smaller oven.

Variations

Experiment with different types of bread to create unique and delicious croutons. Try using a hearty whole grain bread for a nutty flavor and chewy texture or a soft brioche for a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crouton.
For a spicy kick, try adding some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the olive oil and tossing the bread cubes in the mixture before baking.
If you’re a cheese lover, try tossing your croutons in some freshly grated Parmesan or pecorino cheese before baking for a cheesy, savory flavor.
For a sweet twist, try tossing your bread cubes in some cinnamon sugar or pumpkin pie spice before baking for a sweet and crunchy topping for oatmeal or yogurt.

Storing & Freezing

Storing: To store your homemade croutons, let them cool completely and then transfer them to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They will stay fresh on the counter for up to 5 days.

Freezing: To freeze your croutons, let them cool completely and then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply remove the desired amount of croutons from the freezer and let them come to room temperature. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until they are crispy again. Freezing is a great way to preserve any leftover croutons or to make a big batch ahead of time for future use!

FAQ

How do you keep homemade croutons crunchy?

Homemade croutons will stay crunchy for up to 5 days if stored in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag on the counter. You can also use the oven to crisp them up by reheating them at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until they are crispy again.

Can you make croutons with gluten-free bread?

Yes, absolutely! You can make crunchy and flavorful croutons using your favorite gluten-free bread.

Is a crouton just stale bread?

Though croutons CAN be made with stale bread, a crouton is not just stale bread by itself. They are made by cutting the bread into cubes, coating them in olive oil and spices, and then baking them until golden brown and crispy. This process creates a crunchy and flavorful topper for salads, soups, or other dishes that adds texture and flavor.

Can you make croutons using fresh bread?

Yes! The process it the same – it’s also just a great way to use up old bread.

Serving Suggestions

Use these homemade croutons to top these delicious dishes!