Homemade Croutons are crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and are deliciously seasoned with warm, savory flavors. Perfect for soups, salads, and more!
This post may contain affiliate links; please read my disclosure policy.
Toasted, crunchy seasoned homemade croutons
I never really buy croutons. I’ve always preferred fresh bread spread with butter to complement my salads. Well, that changed when I recently had half a 2-day-old baguette to use up, and alas, these homemade croutons were born. And I stan never buying store-bought croutons again, but making them instead! They're an incredibly easy way to add more depth and crunch to salads and more.
These Homemade Croutons are crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and are deliciously seasoned with warm, savory flavors. Italian seasoning, garlic salt, red pepper flakes, and olive oil will not only make your kitchen smell absolutely scrumptious, but will add incredible taste to whatever meal you pair these croutons with.
Seriously, they taste like the comfort of home!
Just a few ingredients needed
Bread: I use a French Baguette from Trader Joe's.
Olive Oil: I used Extra Virgin Olive Oil. This helps prevent sticking and adds a delicious nutty and olive flavors.
Garlic Salt: This seasoning is unbelievable! So savory. If you don't have garlic salt, you could combine garlic powder and regular salt.
Italian Seasoning: More great flavors for our croutons!
Red Pepper Flakes: For a little kick 🙂
Kitchen equipment needed
To make Homemade Croutons, you will need a cutting board, knife, pinch bowl, measuring spoons, and a sheet pan.
Let's make homemade croutons
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease your sheet pan.
- Cube your bread. Try to make sure each piece is the same size so they all bake equally.
- In a pinch bowl, combine garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Then, add olive oil.
- Add bread cubes to greased baking sheet.
- Drizzle with seasonings and more olive oil. Toss evenly.
- Bake for 16-18 minutes. Flip the croutons 1-2 times to ensure the ultimate crispiness.
- Let cool completely before enjoying!
Ways to use homemade croutons
- Salads: These savory homemade croutons will be the perfect finishing touch to any salad that needs a nice crunch. I recommend adding them to a wedge or cobb salad. However, they'll complement any leafy salad as well!
- Soups: This is seriously an underrated way to use croutons! Treat them like oyster crackers. They'll absorb the delicious flavors of your broth. And when you bite down, you'll experience an incredible savory flavor explosion. Try them with my Healthy Chicken Tortellini Soup or Turkey Sweet Potato Chili.
- Charcuterie Boards: Get ready to dip these crispy croutons in creamy cheeses and olive oil!
- Breadcrumbs: Pulse these croutons in a food processor to grind them into flavorful breadcrumbs for chicken, pork chops, and so much more.
Other suggestions or recommendations
How should I store croutons?
Store in an air-tight container at room temperature.
Could I use a flavored baguette?
Sure! I like a simple French or Tuscan baguette, but you can make heartier croutons by using a whole wheat or multigrain loaf.
Do you have any tips for success?
Bread that is 1-2 days old is best for this recipe. We want it to be drier, which will create a better crunch in the oven. Also, keep in mind that oven times always vary. If you notice your bread getting brown too quickly, lower the heat and let the croutons bake lower and slower.
Is this suitable for meal prep?
This salad is great for meal prep. I find it best to prep all of the vegetables and prepare them prior to assembly of the salad. Salad recipes are really just a bunch of goodness tossed together!
Other recipes you might love
Healthy Chicken Tortellini Soup
Homemade Croutons
Equipment
- Cutting Board
- bread knife
- Pinch bowl
- Measuring Spoons
- sheet pan
Ingredients
- 1 loaf French baguette
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Garlic Salt
- ½ tbsp Italian Seasoning
- ½ tbsp Red Pepper Flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease your sheet pan.
- Cube your bread. Try to make sure each piece is the same size so they all bake equally.
- In a pinch bowl, combine garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Then, add olive oil.
- Add bread cubes to greased baking sheet.
- Drizzle with seasonings and more olive oil. Toss evenly.
- Bake for 16-18 minutes. Flip the croutons 1-2 times to ensure the ultimate crispiness.
- Let cool completely before enjoying!
Notes
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. It’s my passion to create dishes that can be shared with others. Tell me something you loved, something that you think it might need, or just say hi!
Looking for this in MyFitnessPal?
If you're using MyFitnessPal, search 'A Paige Of Positivity' and find Homemade Croutons
1 serving: 22 grams Carbs | 5 grams Fat | 3 grams Protein
**Disclaimer: for most accurate macronutrients and caloric breakdown, it is recommended that you input each ingredient into your MyFitnessPal food diary.
I've said this before, but I will never buy store bought croutons again. This recipe is legit the best ever!
Had some leftover bread and have been loving trying all apaigeofpositivity recipes so i decided to try it out. Did not disappoint !! So yummy & fresh tasting, i could eat them as a snack !