Description

This recipe for Easy Homemade Croutons provides a simple and delicious way to transform day-old rustic bread into crunchy, flavorful croutons perfect for salads, soups, or snacking. Using basic pantry ingredients like olive oil, garlic powder, and Italian herbs, you can easily bake these croutons to a golden crisp in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Croutons

4 cups cubed day-old bread (French, sourdough, or any rustic bread)
3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, thyme, and basil)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the croutons evenly.
Cube Bread: Cut the day-old bread into small, even-sized cubes about 3/4 inch thick to ensure uniform crisping.
Coat Bread Cubes: In a large mixing bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil or melted butter until each piece is well-coated, which helps achieve a golden crust.
Season: Add garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper to the bread cubes and toss again to evenly distribute the seasonings throughout.
Add Parmesan (Optional): If using, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the bread cubes and toss once more for extra flavor.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, tossing halfway through to brown all sides evenly until the croutons are golden brown and crisp.
Cool and Store: Let the croutons cool completely on the baking sheet, then store them in an airtight container for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.

Notes

Use day-old bread for best results, as fresh bread can become too soft when cubed.
You can customize the seasoning by adding paprika, cayenne, or herbs like rosemary.
To make the croutons dairy-free, omit Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative.
Ensure the bread cubes are spread out in a single layer to prevent sogginess.
Re-crisp croutons in the oven for a few minutes if they lose their crunch.