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Easy Homemade Croutons Recipe photo

Homemade Croutons Recipe

Crunchy, flavorful, and so easy! These homemade croutons transform any salad or soup with crispy, perfectly seasoned bread cubes.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time18 minutes
Total Time28 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy, Quick, Salad, Snack, Soup, Vegetarian
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 loaf crusty bread about 12 ounces, such as sourdough or ciabatta
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for toasting the croutons.
  • Cut the crusty loaf of bread into 3/4-inch cubes for optimal crispiness.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes with 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, fine sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss with a spatula until evenly coated.
  • Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet for even baking.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  • Remove from oven and let the croutons cool completely on the baking sheet to crisp up further. Store in an airtight container.

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Spatula
  • Oven

Notes

  • Use stale bread to reduce waste and get the best texture for your croutons.
  • Customize flavors by adding fresh garlic, herbs, spices, or cheese.
  • Store croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for up to three months.