Easy Homemade Croutons

There’s something so satisfying about making your own croutons, and with this Easy Homemade Croutons recipe, you can elevate any meal to a new level! I remember the first time I made these delightful little bites of crunch. I was in the kitchen trying to find a way to use up some stale bread, and I thought, why not turn it into croutons? It was a spontaneous decision that turned out to be one of the best cooking choices I’ve ever made! The aroma of bread baking in the oven mixed with the warm, inviting scent of olive oil and spices filled the kitchen, making it feel like a cozy little haven. Ever since then, I’ve been hooked on making croutons at home. They’re not just for salads; I love sprinkling them over soups, pastas, and even enjoying them on their own as a snack. You’ll find that making croutons is not only easy but also incredibly rewarding.

What Goes Into Easy Homemade Croutons

The ingredients for this Easy Homemade Croutons recipe are simple yet effective. The combination of bread, olive oil, and seasonings creates a flavor explosion that transforms any ordinary meal. Let’s take a closer look at these key players.

• 8 cups cubed bread: The foundation of your croutons. You can use any type of bread you have on hand; whether it’s sourdough, whole grain, or even white, they all work wonderfully.
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil: This will add richness and help the spices adhere to the bread. Plus, it gives a nice golden color when baked.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential to bring out the flavors of the croutons without overpowering them.
• ½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: This is where the savory goodness comes in. It’s a must for that delicious taste.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A hint of this herb gives your croutons a wonderful Italian flair.
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley: This not only adds flavor but also gives a lovely pop of color.

Instructions for Easy Homemade Croutons

Making your own croutons at home is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have delicious croutons ready to enjoy. Let’s dive in!

1. Preheat the oven to 350℉/175℃. This is an important step, so don’t skip it! A properly heated oven ensures that the croutons bake evenly and become wonderfully crispy.

2. Cut the bread into ½-inch thick cubes. Feel free to remove the crusts if you prefer, but I find they add a nice texture to the croutons.

3. Place the 8 cups of cubed bread onto a large rimmed baking sheet. Make sure to spread them out evenly, as overcrowding can lead to uneven browning.

4. Drizzle ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil over the bread cubes. Make sure each piece is well-coated. This will help them toast beautifully.

5. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 2 teaspoons of dried parsley. Use your hands to toss everything together until the bread is completely coated in the seasonings.

6. Spread the seasoned bread cubes out on the baking sheet, ensuring they’re not too crowded. This is key for getting that perfect crunch!

7. Let the bread cubes sit for 2 minutes. This allows them to absorb the flavors of the oil and spices.

8. Place the sheet pan into the oven and bake for 10 minutes. The smell will be amazing at this point!

9. Remove the pan and flip the croutons or give the pan a good shake. This helps ensure that all sides get nicely browned.

10. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the croutons are golden brown and crispy.

11. Allow the croutons to cool to room temperature. Once cool, you can enjoy them immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Tips and Tricks about Easy Homemade Croutons

Making croutons can be a simple process, but there are always a few tips that can enhance your results! Here are some handy tips to ensure you master the art of crouton-making:

• Storage: Store your homemade croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Make sure they are completely cool before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze croutons! Just place them in a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll stay fresh for up to three months. Thaw and reheat in the oven for a quick snack.
• Pairing: These croutons go wonderfully with soups, salads, and can even be served as a crunchy topping for casseroles.
• Batch Cooking: Consider making a larger batch and storing them for future meals. They can easily spruce up any dish.
• Flavor Variations: Don’t hesitate to try different oils, such as garlic-infused olive oil or flavored olive oils, for unique tastes.
• Bread Choices: Using different types of bread such as ciabatta or baguette can give varying textures and flavors to your croutons. Experiment to find your favorite!

What to Serve With Easy Homemade Croutons

When it comes to serving Easy Homemade Croutons, the options are endless! Here’s a selection of ideas that will have you incorporating these crunchy bites into your meals:

• Salads: Croutons are a classic salad topping. They add crunch and flavor to any mix of greens. Consider serving them with a homemade vinaigrette for a refreshing meal.
• Soups: Whether it’s a creamy tomato soup or a hearty vegetable broth, croutons make for a delightful addition, enhancing both texture and taste.
• Pasta: Sprinkle croutons on top of baked pasta dishes for added crunch, or toss them in with your favorite pasta salad for a delightful twist.
• Snacks: Enjoy croutons on their own! They make for a fantastic snack, especially when seasoned just right.
• Seasonal Occasions: These croutons can elevate any seasonal meal, from summer salads to winter soups, making them versatile for any time of the year.
• Quick Lunches: Use croutons to jazz up quick lunches, especially when you’re short on time but want something satisfying and tasty.

FAQ

Conclusion

Making Easy Homemade Croutons is a rewarding experience that transforms simple ingredients into scrumptious additions for your meals. They offer that perfect crunch which can elevate any dish, from salads to soups. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll never want to buy store-bought croutons again! Enjoy the process, and most importantly, enjoy the delightful results.

Easy Homemade Croutons

The ultimate comfort food, Easy Homemade Croutons provide a satisfying crunch with every bite. Perfect for salads, soups, or enjoyed as a snack, these croutons are simple to make and incredibly delicious. Make them tonight and elevate your meals!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Side Dishes

Cuisine American

Servings 16 servings

Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

• Baking Sheet
• Oven
• Frying Pan

Ingredients

  

• 8 cups cubed bread
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 350℉/175℃. This is an important step, so don’t skip it! A properly heated oven ensures that the croutons bake evenly and become wonderfully crispy.
• Cut the bread into ½-inch thick cubes. Feel free to remove the crusts if you prefer, but I find they add a nice texture to the croutons.
• Place the 8 cups of cubed bread onto a large rimmed baking sheet. Make sure to spread them out evenly, as overcrowding can lead to uneven browning.
• Drizzle ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil over the bread cubes. Make sure each piece is well-coated. This will help them toast beautifully.
• Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 2 teaspoons of dried parsley. Use your hands to toss everything together until the bread is completely coated in the seasonings.
• Spread the seasoned bread cubes out on the baking sheet, ensuring they’re not too crowded. This is key for getting that perfect crunch!
• Let the bread cubes sit for 2 minutes. This allows them to absorb the flavors of the oil and spices.
• Place the sheet pan into the oven and bake for 10 minutes. The smell will be amazing at this point!
• Remove the pan and flip the croutons or give the pan a good shake. This helps ensure that all sides get nicely browned.
• Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the croutons are golden brown and crispy.
• Allow the croutons to cool to room temperature. Once cool, you can enjoy them immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

• Tip 1: Store your homemade croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Make sure they are completely cool before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Tip 2: Yes, you can freeze croutons! Just place them in a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll stay fresh for up to three months. Thaw and reheat in the oven for a quick snack.
• Tip 3: These croutons go wonderfully with soups, salads, and can even be served as a crunchy topping for casseroles.
• Tip 4: Consider making a larger batch and storing them for future meals. They can easily spruce up any dish.
• Tip 5: Don’t hesitate to try different oils, such as garlic-infused olive oil or flavored olive oils, for unique tastes.
• Tip 6: Using different types of bread such as ciabatta or baguette can give varying textures and flavors to your croutons. Experiment to find your favorite!

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