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The crispy texture of homemade croutons delivers results that store-bought versions simply can’t match. Enhance your meals with these versatile, golden seasoned bread cubes, adding crunchy bites of flavor to soups, casseroles, and even as a savory snack.
Today, I am going to teach you how to make the best croutons in no time at all – from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on which of the 3 methods you use. Luckily, homemade croutons are super easy to make.
All you need is good crusty bread, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and a little dried parsley (or use your favorite herbs and spices- the combinations are endless). Yes, this crouton recipe is that simple, and the results are amazing. Once you learn how to make croutons at home, you’ll never buy store bought again.
You can use them in salads, add a delicious crunch to soups or chili, or make breadcrumbs with them to use for meats- like my panko-crusted chicken or on top of all those casserole dishes, and so much more!
Ingredient Notes
To make homemade croutons, you need 3 main ingredients or 4 if you want a cheesy flavor.
How To Make Homemade Croutons
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!
Prep Croutons
- Slice Bread or Cube Bread: Any kind of bread will work and you can choose whatever size of cubes you prefer; either cut with a knife or they can be torn into small chunks by hand. It’s just important that the croutons be made in about the same size so that they cook evenly. I usually make ¾ to 1-inch cubes. for the perfect bite.
- Toss with Seasoning and Oil: In a large bowl, add your oil or butter and seasonings and mix them together. Then pour in your bread cubes and toss to coat completely.
How to Bake Homemade Croutons in the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 375℉.
- Spread out on a baking sheet: Turn the coated croutons out onto a rimmed baking sheet (you can line them with parchment paper for easy cleanup) and spread them out in a single layer.
- Bake until crispy: Flipping the croutons once halfway through baking. Then, bake until the croutons reach your desired level of crispiness. (If they start to get too brown, lower the heat and let them bake lower and slower.)
How to make Homemade Croutons in the Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 400℉.
- In a single layer, add bread cubes to the air fryer basket and air fry for 2-3 minutes. Then, remove the air fryer basket (or open and pull out the tray if using an oven-style air fryer) and give it a little shake. Cook for 2-4 minutes, depending on how golden brown you would like them to be.
Note: If you have to make it batches, please note that the air fryer may be heated up and can take less time for the additional batches.
How to Make Homemade Croutons on the Stovetop
- For the stovetop method. I like to add the oil/butter directly into the skillet.
Set a large skillet over medium heat; add the oil and butter or combination.
Add in any seasonings or spices and mix to combine. - When the butter is melted and foaming (or oil is hot), add bread cubes. Stir to coat. Continue stirring until cubes begin to toast and turn golden brown. About 5–10 minutes. Once golden brown, turn off the heat. Sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese (if using) and toss to coat croutons.
- Remove from skillet and place on a baking sheet or plate to crisp up.
Tips
- Watch the Croutons– Keep a close eye on the croutons because cook times vary depending on the size of the bread cubes, how dry the loaf is, and oven temperatures.
- What to do with leftover croutons? You can also transform any leftovers into bread crumbs! Simply pulse them in a food processor or use a rolling pin to break them up into your preferred size of breadcrumbs. No waste!
Variations and Substitutions
- Best Bread for Croutons: French bread, whole wheat bread, sourdough bread, rye bread, or any crusty loaf of bread you can find at your local grocery store or bakery. You can even get great deals on day-old bread at places like Jimmy Johns, Jersey Mikes, or specialty bakeries. Sliced Texas toast or any of your favorite slices of bread. When your fresh bread goes a little stale- make croutons!
- Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh herbs from your garden or leftovers from other recipes this is a great way to use them up.
- Dried Herbs: Combinations are endless. I say use your favorites and change them up based on the recipe you want to use them in. Basil and rosemary go great to add a delicious crunchy texture to my Burrata Caprese Salad Recipe or Avocado, Cucumber, Tomato Salad .
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can use any bread. Popular choices include French bread, sourdough, whole wheat, or even gluten-free bread for special dietary preferences. Tip: The better the bread the better the crouton!
It’s not necessary, but some people prefer croutons without the crust for a softer texture. The choice is yours!
To prevent them from becoming overly hard, watch your cooking time and keep an eye out for them so they don’t overcook. This recipe yields a perfect textured crouton. You have to keep in mind many factors affect how quickly the bread bakes-like moisture level in the bread, bread type, size of cubes, and oven temperatures will vary. You can also opt to bake them at a lower temperature (around 300°F) for a longer time. Stir occasionally to ensure even drying.
Yes, you can use melted butter, vegetable oil, avocado oil, or even non-stick cooking spray as alternatives to olive oil. While good quality olive oil and/or butter yield great results.
Yes, you can prepare them ahead of time and store them in an airtight container until ready to use. They may lose some crispiness over time, but you can refresh them in the oven or air fryer if needed.
Common seasonings include garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste.
Homemade croutons can be healthier because you control the ingredients and can use healthier oils and less salt. They also lack the preservatives found in many store-bought versions
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store: Once cooled completely, any leftover croutons in an airtight container or sealed zip lock back for up to 1-2 weeks at room temperature.
- Make sure you don’t refrigerate them, as they will lose all their crunch and go chewy.
- For longer storage, keep them in the freezer-safe container or zip bag in the freezer for up to a month.
- Revive the crunch: The croutons will get soft, so you can put them in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes or in the oven at 350° F before serving.
What to do with leftover croutons? You can also transform any leftovers into bread crumbs! Just simply pulse in a food processor- no waste!
Ways to Use Homemade Croutons
Some of my favorite ways to use homemade croutons are:
- Salads: Caesar salad, add a little crunch to a BBQ Chicken Salad, or just your everyday green salad.
- Soups: A tomato basil soup is delicious topped with crunch croutons, butternut squash soup, or even chili.
- Use them in your favorite easy cornbread dressing during the holidays or in my slow cooker stuffing.
- I also love to slice up cucumbers with shredded cheddar cheese and croutons and toss in an Italian dressing or catalina dressing. Delish!
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Homemade Croutons Recipe (Oven, Stovetop, Air Fryer)
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of bread (about 12 ounces) or thick slices – any bread type will work, cut into ¾ to 1-inch cubes
- 4 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter, or a combination
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, optional (or to taste)
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon black pepper, optional (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons seasonings (Italian seasoning) , or homemade seasonings (optional)
Instructions
Prep Croutons
- Dice your bread: Choose whatever size of cubes you prefer, either cut with a knife or they can be torn into small chunks by hand. It’s just important that the croutons be made in about the same size so that they cook evenly. (¾ to 1 inch in diameter are a nice bite-sized crouton size)
- Toss with seasonings and oil or butter: In a large bowl, add your oil or butter (or combination) and seasonings and mix them together.Then pour in your bread cubes and toss to coat completely. (If making on the stovetop- I do this in the skillet)
How to Oven Bake Homemade Croutons
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Use a large rimmed baking sheet (line with parchment paper if desired); set aside
- Spread the bread cubes out in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy, tossing about halfway through cooking time to ensure all sides get browned. Keep an eye out so they do not burn, as cook times vary. The size of bread cubes, how dry the loaf is, and oven temperatures are some things that contribute to varied cooking times.
- Remove from oven, and let cool completely.
How to Make Homemade Croutons in the Air-Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 400℉.Tip: If you want a softer crouton, don't preheat the air fryer.
- In a single layer, add bread cubes to the air fryer basket and air fry for 2-3 minutes. Then, remove the air fryer basket (or open and pull out the tray if using an oven-style air fryer) and give it a little shake. Cook for 2-4 minutes, depending on how golden brown you would like them to be.
- Note: If you have to make it batches please note that the air fryer may be heated up and can take less time for the additional batches.
How to Make Homemade Croutons on the Stovetop
- For the stovetop method. I like to add the oil/butter directly into the skillet. Set a large skillet over medium heat; add the oil and butter or combination. Add in any seasonings or spices and mix to combine.
- When the butter is melted and foaming (or oil is hot), add bread cubes. Stir to coat. Continue stirring until cubes begin to toast and turn golden brown. About 5–10 minutes. Once golden brown, turn off the heat. Sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese (if using) and toss to coat croutons.
- Remove from skillet and place on a baking sheet or plate to crisp up.
Cooling and Storage
- Remove from heat and allow the croutons to cool slightly before serving, this will allow them to crisp up even more.
- Storage: Be sure croutons are cooled completely, then place in an air-tight container for 1 week or up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (garnish- optional for color)
Nutrition Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
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