Homemade croutons are so easy to make. They add flavor and texture to salads and soups. Once you taste these fresh croutons, you will never return to store-bought croutons. Make a double batch and freeze them for later use. I love to include them in Italian salad and French onion soup.
How to Make Homemade Croutons
- Use a sharp knife to remove the crusts from your bread if desired. Then, cut or tear your bread into bite-size croutons.
- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, dried parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the bread croutons to the bowl and drizzle with the olive oil mixture; toss to coat gently.
- Bake until golden brown and crunchy, turning halfway through the baking process.
Recipe Tips
- Use a silicone baking mat or parchment paper under the croutons on the cookie sheet.
- Substitute melted butter for the olive oil, if desired.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet with the croutons. The heat needs to be able to move around the bread to dry it out and make it crunchy.
- Store the croutons in an airtight container on the counter at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
My favorite bread for homemade croutons is a big fat loaf of Italian bread because there is far more bread than crust. French bread is a close second, and any sourdough or baguette will also work. Good quality crusty bakery bread works best, and the crusts can be left on.
You can use a fresh loaf of bread, but you will need to cook it a little longer to brown and get it crunchy all the way through. When you check on the croutons, pull one out, let it cool just a bit, and then taste-test it to see if it is crunchy all the way through.
Try Italian seasoning, rosemary, thyme, a little sprinkle of cayenne, or a little Parmesan cheese. If adding Parmesan cheese, store them on the counter in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze.
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Homemade Croutons
Ingredients
- 10 ounces Italian or French bread
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Using a sharp knife remove the crusts from the loaf. Then cut or tear your bread into 3/4-inch cubes. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, dried parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the bread cubes to the bowl and stir gently to coat.
- Place on a baking sheet covered with a silicone mat or parchment paper. Bake for 12-20 minutes; or until lightly browned and crunchy. Cooking times will vary depending on the size of the cubes and their position in the oven. Turn the croutons halfway through the baking process. If using fresh bread, it will take several more minutes to get crunchy. The best way to tell if they are ready is to taste test. They should be crunchy all the way through.
Notes
- Use a silicone baking mat or parchment paper under the croutons on the cookie sheet.
- Substitute melted butter for the olive oil, if desired.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet with the croutons. The heat needs to be able to move around the bread to dry it out and make it crunchy.
- Store the croutons in an airtight container on the counter at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition
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Marie Cris Angeles
This is perfect for me. I didn’t know I can do CROUTONS with a few ingredients. Thanks for the recipe.
Lavanda
Can’t wait to give this recipe a go! I must say, it looks absolutely delicious!
Yeah Lifestyle
Great recipe. These were so easy to make and made a tatsty addition to our salad, the kids really loved helping to make them too!
Sandra
Such an amazing recipe!! i will never go back to store brought! Thanks!
Beth Pierce
My pleasure, Sandra!
Tisha
I’ve never made croutons, this looks like the perfect addition to a salad
MELANIE E
I haven’t made any homemade croutons in so long. it’s great that they are so easy to make and that you can adjust the flavouring easily too.
katerina @ diethood.com
I LOVE that these croutons are homemade!! They are amazing!
Catalina
Homemade is always the best! I use croutons so much in my salads and soups!
Erin
Looks absolutely fantastic! I’m excited to make this!
Amanda
I love croutons in salads, they are my favorite. It was so fun to make my own at home and they were fantastic!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Amanda! So glad that you liked them!
Anita
Salad without croutons are just sad, and yours looks super delicious and so well seasoned I am sure they are gone in a jiffy.
Cathy
I love homemade croutons and these look so perfectly seasoned! Love that you can freeze them, never realized you could do this with croutons!
Jen
I was looking for something easy to do with some extra bread I have! YUM. Glad I have seasonings on hand too.
Beth Pierce
Fantastic! Thanks Jen! I love homemade croutons!
Ella
These croutons were utterly delicious. I will be making again real soon.
Adrianne
Love the choice of herbs you have gone with for this recipe. Dried herbs are the best!
Ashley
Yummm!!! I have half a baguette on my counter now, definitely making these!!
Karly
Croutons are the best part of a salad!! Pinning!