Homemade Croutons

Name: Homemade Croutons
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups French bread (cut into ½ to 1” cubes); ¼ cup olive oil; ½ teaspoon fine sea salt; ½ teaspoon garlic powder

So yesterday, I was rummaging through my kitchen, searching for the perfect topping to jazz up our dinner salad. That's when it hit me: croutons! I love that they are simple, yet add a delightful crunch to any dish. Plus, they're a great way to use up leftover bread. With just a few real ingredients, you can whip up these versatile, tasty bits that even my picky eater, Sarah, can't resist. Looking for something to satisfy a sweet tooth? Try our gluten-free lemon crinkle cookies.

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Why you'll love this recipe
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
Recipe tips & variations
Storage & reheating
FAQs
Recipes you may like
Homemade Croutons

Why you'll love this recipe

These homemade croutons are incredibly easy to make, requiring just 15 minutes from start to finish. They’re perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick salad topping or just a delightful crunchy snack. Plus, you can easily adjust the seasoning to suit your family's taste—or any picky eaters like my Sarah!

Ingredients

6 cups French bread (cut into ½ to 1” cubes)
¼ cup olive oil
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder

Step-by-step instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Make sure to lightly grease a large baking sheet first, then set it aside.
Cut the French bread into ½ to 1” cubes.
Drizzle the bread cubes with olive oil, stirring to coat them well.
In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, sea salt, and a dash of pepper.
Sprinkle half of the spice mix over the bread and stir it all together.
Add the remaining spice mix and stir until distributed evenly.
Arrange the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on your prepped baking sheet.
Bake for 10 minutes, remembering to stir them once at the 5-minute mark.
Let them cool before serving.

Recipe tips & variations

When it comes to croutons, the flexibility in flavors is one of the best parts. You can experiment with herbs like rosemary or thyme, or throw in some grated parmesan for an extra cheesy touch. My personal tip? If you're aiming to make them extra crispy, go ahead and bake them a couple of minutes longer. Just watch them closely so they don’t overcook!

Storage & reheating

These croutons can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If storing them longer, I suggest freezing them. To reheat frozen croutons, simply pop them back in a warm oven for just a few minutes to restore their crunch.

FAQs

What type of bread works best for homemade croutons?

French bread is my go-to, but honestly, any kind of bread works fine! Even that leftover sourdough or a baguette will do wonders.

How do I make homemade croutons extra crispy?

To make them extra crispy, bake them a few minutes longer, but keep a close watch to avoid overcooking.

How long do homemade croutons stay fresh at room temperature?

Stored in an airtight container, they stay fresh for about a week.

Can I use different seasonings to flavor homemade croutons?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your spice mix—think herbs, cheeses, or even chili flakes for a bit of heat.

Recipes you may like

These croutons are the perfect way to add flavor and crunch to your salads or soups. Enjoy making them as much as we do! It’s truly a satisfying little kitchen project that adds a delightful touch to family meals.