Homemade Crunchy Croutons Recipe
Learn how to make simple and delicious homemade croutons using basic ingredients and a quick baking method. Perfect for adding a crispy texture and rich flavor to salads, soups, and more.
- Author: Sophie
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups of croutons 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 cups bread, cubed (day-old or fresh bread works well)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon seasoning (such as garlic powder, dried herbs, salt, and pepper mix)
- Prepare the Bread: Cube the bread into bite-sized pieces. Using slightly stale or day-old bread works best as it crisps up nicely during baking.
- Season the Bread: In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil and seasoning until evenly coated. This will ensure they are flavorful and crisp.
- Bake the Croutons: Spread the coated bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until the croutons turn golden brown and crunchy. Stir halfway through baking for even crispness.
Notes
- You can customize the seasoning to your taste by adding parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, or fresh herbs.
- Store leftover croutons in an airtight container to keep them crunchy.
- If you prefer, you can also pan-fry the bread cubes with olive oil over medium heat for an alternative cooking method.
Keywords: homemade croutons, baked croutons, salad topping, crunchy bread cubes, easy snack