Homemade Croutons

Are you ready to elevate your salads and soups to a whole new level? Homemade croutons are the perfect way to add a satisfying crunch and depth of flavor to your dishes.

They’re simple to make, customizable, and a great use for leftover bread.

Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the delightful world of homemade croutons!

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Homemade croutons are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make.

Unlike store-bought croutons, which can be loaded with preservatives and artificial flavors, making your own allows you to control the ingredients.

Plus, you can tailor the flavors to suit your taste.

Whether you enjoy a herby twist or a garlicky punch, the choice is yours! Once you try these homemade croutons, you’ll never want to go back to the packaged ones.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of bread cut or torn into ¾ inch cubes – about 12oz or 4 cups in total, preferably 1-2 days old bread – I used a rustic sourdough loaf but ciabatta is also great
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon salt

How To Make Homemade Croutons

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).

This is the optimal temperature to get your croutons nice and crispy without burning them.

Step 2: Prepare the Bread

Take your loaf of bread and cut or tear it into cubes that are about ¾ inch in size.

The rustic edges will create delightful crunch, and if the bread is a day or two old, it will toast up beautifully.

Step 3: Season the Bread

In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, dried oregano, and salt.

Toss everything together until the bread is evenly coated.

The olive oil will help the seasoning stick and give the croutons that golden hue.

Step 4: Spread on a Baking Sheet

Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

This will ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.

Step 5: Bake the Croutons

Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Keep an eye on them towards the end to make sure they don’t get too dark.

You want them to be crispy and golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Store

Once baked, remove your croutons from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet.

This cooling time will help them crisp up even more.

Once cooled, you can use them right away or store them for later!

Expert Tips

• For extra flavor, consider adding other herbs like thyme or parsley.
• If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes along with the seasonings.
• Experiment with different types of bread; whole grain, rye, or gluten-free options work great too.
• Make a big batch and store them; they’ll stay fresh for weeks if stored properly.

Variations and Customizations

• Add cheese: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast on the croutons before baking for a cheesy flavor.
• Sweet croutons: Toss cubed bread with cinnamon and sugar for a dessert option to top salads or yogurt.
• Herb-infused: Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor.
• Different oils: Try using melted butter or flavored oils like basil or chili oil for a unique taste.

How to Store Leftovers

To store your croutons, place them in an airtight container once they have completely cooled.

They will last for up to two weeks at room temperature.

If you want them to stay crispy for longer, you can store them in the fridge or freezer.

Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before using them again.

FAQ

Can I use fresh bread for croutons?

While it’s best to use bread that is 1-2 days old for optimal crispiness, you can use fresh bread.

Just make sure to cut it into cubes and lightly toast it before adding the seasonings to help it dry out slightly.

How do I know when the croutons are done baking?

Croutons are done when they are golden brown and crispy.

If they are still soft in the middle, continue baking, checking every few minutes to avoid burning.

Can I make croutons ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make croutons in advance, and they store well.

Just keep them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay crispy for up to two weeks.

Can I use gluten-free bread for croutons?

Yes, gluten-free bread works wonderfully for croutons.

Just follow the same method, and you’ll have delicious gluten-free croutons in no time!

Conclusion

Homemade croutons are a delightful addition to your kitchen repertoire.

They’re easy to make, customizable to your taste, and are a fantastic way to reduce food waste.

Whether you’re topping a fresh salad, adding crunch to your soups, or enjoying them as a snack, these croutons are sure to impress.

So next time you have some leftover bread, don’t toss it out—turn it into crunchy, flavorful croutons that will transform your meals! Try this recipe today, and enjoy the satisfaction of homemade goodness.