Homemade Croutons (5 ways)

Elevate your salads, soups, and snacks with this easy, customizable recipe for homemade croutons. Learn the secrets to perfectly crispy, golden bites made right in your kitchen.

YOU WILL LOVE THIS EASY CROUTON RECIPE

These homemade croutons are crunchy, flavorful, and so much better than store-bought! With simple ingredients and endless customization options, they’re a game-changer for any meal. 

INGREDIENTS FOR HOMEMADE CROUTONS 

• Bread: The foundation of any great crouton. Stale or leftover bread works best for achieving a crispy texture that absorbs seasonings. It’s a great way to use up homemade sourdough.  
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the bread cubes achieve that irresistible golden crisp.
• Italian Seasoning: A classic herb blend that infuses every bite with savory Mediterranean flavors. I enjoy the McCormick Italian Seasoning brand. 
• Garlic Powder: Enhances the croutons with a hint of bold, garlicky goodness.
• Fine Kosher Salt: Balances flavors and enhances the savory notes in the seasoning mix. Using kosher avoids iodine and a stingy taste. 
• Black Pepper: Provides a subtle heat and earthy undertone to round out the flavors.

HOW TO MAKE THIS EASY CROUTON RECIPE

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup; set aside.
2. Prepare the Bread: Place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the cubes, ensuring they’re lightly coated. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper evenly over the bread. Toss gently using a large spoon or your hands until all cubes are uniformly coated.
3. Arrange on the Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are spaced apart to promote even browning.
4. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, turning the croutons halfway through to brown all sides evenly. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid over-toasting. If necessary, extend the baking time in 1-2 minute intervals for desired crispness. Since all ovens vary, be sure to check doneness often, you can always bake more, but you cannot "unbake".
5. Cool and Store: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the croutons cool completely. Once cooled, use them immediately or transfer them to an airtight container for storage. Homemade croutons stay fresh for up to 1 week when stored in a cool, dry place.

ALTERNATE SPICE OPTIONS FOR THIS EASY CROUTON RECIPE

• Parmesan and Herbs: Add grated 1 tablespoon of Parmesan and 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme for an extra savory twist, along with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and a 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. 
• Smoked Paprika and Chili Flakes: For a smoky, spicy kick, use 2 teaspoon smoked paprika and ½ teaspoon of chili flakes. 
• Lemon Zest and Dill: A zesty, bright option perfect for seafood dishes. Use finely grated zest of one fresh lemon, and 1 teaspoon of dried dill, salt and pepper to taste.  
• Cinnamon and Sugar: Transform your croutons into a sweet topping for desserts or yogurt bowls. Use 2 teaspoons of cinnamon mixed with 2 tbs of granulated sugar, mix with the olive oil tossed bread. 

TRY YOUR HOMEMADE CROUTONS IN THESE RECIPES

• Roasted Garden Tomato Soup – Don’t let off-season stop you, grab vine-ripened tomatoes during the year for equally delicious results and pair it with croutons.
• Creamy Potato Leek Soup (without cream) – Add homemade croutons to round out the flavor and texture experience perfectly. 
• Raw Asparagus Salad – When you have leftover homemade croutons on hand crush them up for use in this fantastic salad.  

CREATIVE AND VERSATILE USES FOR HOMEMADE CROUTONS

1. Classic Salad Topping: Add crunch and flavor to Caesar salads, garden salads, or Greek salads.
2. Soup Garnish: Elevate tomato soup, French onion soup, or creamy chowders with crispy croutons.
3. Snack: Enjoy them straight from the container for a savory, crunchy treat.
4. Breadcrumb Substitute: Crush croutons for chicken, fish, or vegetables to use as breading.
5. Stuffing Mix: Incorporate seasoned croutons into stuffing recipes for an extra boost of flavor.
6. Casserole Topping: Sprinkle crushed croutons over casseroles like mac and cheese for a golden, crispy layer.
7. Savory Breakfast: Toss croutons into scrambled eggs, frittatas, or breakfast casseroles for added texture.
8. Panzanella Salad: Use croutons as the base for this Italian bread salad with fresh tomatoes and basil.
9. Dessert Twist: Sweetened croutons (like cinnamon sugar) can top yogurt, ice cream, or fruit salads.
10. Crispy Layer in Pasta: Use croutons as a delightful crunch on baked ziti.

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT FOR THIS EASY CROUTON RECIPE

• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for tossing bread cubes with oil and seasonings evenly without making a mess.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensure precise measurements for seasoning, oil for consistent results.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.
• Large Baking Sheet: Provides ample space to spread the bread cubes in a single layer for even toasting.
• Spatula: Handy for turning the croutons halfway through baking to ensure they brown evenly.
• Cooling Rack: Helps croutons cool quickly and retain their crunch after baking.
• Airtight Container: Keeps croutons fresh and crunchy for up to a week.

Historical Fun Facts About Croutons

Croutons trace their origins to medieval France, where resourceful cooks found a way to repurpose stale bread into something delightful. The term "crouton" derives from the French word croûte, meaning "crust." These crispy bread cubes became a beloved garnish, particularly in French onion soup, before spreading across Europe and beyond. Over time, the art of making croutons evolved into a universal practice, with bread cubes toasted or fried and seasoned to perfection. Today, they remain a simple yet versatile addition to soups, salads, and more, connecting us to centuries of culinary creativity.

CUSTOMARY DIET CATEGORIES FOR 

Bite Me Industries is a produce-centric blog celebrating seasonal ingredients, with a strong emphasis on baking and flavor-driven recipes for the home kitchen that transport you to your favorite café, bakery, or bistro for a special meal or indulgence. The diet categories listed below are provided for your convenience and are not intended as nutritional advice.

Here is a quick reference if you are trying to meet a dietary consideration.

• DF = Dairy-Free: Yes, this recipe contains no dairy.
• EF = Egg-Free: Yes, there are no eggs in this recipe.
• NF = Nut-Free: Yes, this recipe is nut-free.
• PB = Plant-Based: Yes, this recipe is entirely plant-based.
• SF = Sugar-Free: Yes, there is no added sugar.
• VE = Vegetarian: Yes, this recipe is suitable for vegetarians.
• VG = Vegan: Yes, this recipe is vegan-friendly.

Print Pin

1 from 1 vote

How To Make Homemade Croutons

Elevate your salads, soups, and snacks with this easy, customizable recipe for homemade croutons. Learn the secrets to perfectly crispy, golden bites made right in your kitchen.

Course Dinner, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine American, French

Keyword Easy Crouton Recipe, Homemade Croutons

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Servings 12

Calories 119kcal

Ingredients

• 12 oz bread (340g), cut into ¾-inch cubes
• ¼ cup olive oil (60ml)
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

• Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup; set aside.
• Prepare the Bread: Place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the cubes, ensuring they’re lightly coated. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper evenly over the bread. Toss gently using a large spoon or your hands until all cubes are uniformly coated.
• Arrange on the Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are spaced apart to promote even browning.
• Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, turning the croutons halfway through to brown all sides evenly. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid over-toasting. If necessary, extend the baking time in 1-2 minute intervals for desired crispness. Since all ovens vary, be sure to check doneness often, you can always bake more, but you cannot "unbake".
• Cool and Store: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the croutons cool completely. Once cooled, use them immediately or transfer them to an airtight container for storage. Homemade croutons stay fresh for up to 1 week when stored in a cool, dry place.

Notes

Recipe Tips for Success

Bread Choice: Use any type of bread you have on hand. Sourdough, French baguettes, or whole-grain loaves work wonderfully.
Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to customize the seasoning to suit your dish. Add Parmesan, chili flakes, or lemon zest for a unique twist.
Storage: Ensure croutons are completely cool before storing to maintain their crunch.

ALTERNATE SPICE OPTIONS FOR THIS CROUTON RECIPE

• Parmesan and Herbs: Add grated 1 tablespoon of Parmesan and 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme for an extra savory twist, along with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and a 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
• Smoked Paprika and Chili Flakes: For a smoky, spicy kick, use 2 teaspoon smoked paprika and ½ teaspoon of chili flakes.
• Lemon Zest and Dill: A zesty, bright option perfect for seafood dishes. Use finely grated zest of one fresh lemon, and 1 teaspoon of dried dill, salt and pepper to taste.
• Cinnamon and Sugar: Transform your croutons into a sweet topping for desserts or yogurt bowls. Use 2 teaspoons of cinnamon mixed with 2 tbs of granulated sugar, mix with the olive oil tossed bread.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 119kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 280mg | Potassium: 48mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 7IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 1mg