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!
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!