Homemade Croutons Recipe
Crispy, golden homemade croutons made by baking bread cubes tossed in olive oil and your choice of seasoning. Perfect for adding crunch and flavor to salads, soups, or as a standalone snack.
- Author: Mick
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: About 4 cups of croutons 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Bread
- 4 cups of day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
Olive Oil and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Prepare the Bread: Start by cutting day-old bread into 1-inch cubes to ensure all pieces are uniform in size for even baking.
- Toss with Olive Oil and Seasoning: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to make sure every cube is evenly coated.
- Bake the Croutons: Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through until the croutons are golden brown and crunchy.
- Cool and Store: Remove from oven and let the croutons cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Notes
- Day-old or slightly stale bread works best as it holds shape better and crisps up nicely.
- You can customize the seasoning with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parmesan for different flavors.
- Use gluten-free bread to make gluten-free croutons.
- Make sure to bake at a moderate temperature to avoid burning while ensuring crunchiness.
Keywords: homemade croutons, baked croutons, salad topping, crunchy bread cubes, easy croutons