Croutons are a small but mighty addition to so many dishes. Croutons add crunch to your Caesar salad.

They serve as a topping for a creamy Ham and Potato Soup. They can also be enjoyed just as a handy little snack. Croutons bring texture, flavor, and satisfaction to the table.

While store-bought croutons are convenient, nothing beats the taste and freshness of Homemade Croutons.

The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make!

Homemade Croutons are a simple way to elevate your meals while making the most of leftover bread. With just a few ingredients and a little time, you can create crispy, flavorful croutons tailored to your taste.

Once you’ve experienced the flavor, texture, and versatility of homemade croutons, you’ll wonder why you ever bought them prepackaged.

With the ability to customize them to suit any dish or craving, homemade croutons are a must-have in every kitchen.

So, grab that loaf of bread sitting on your counter and give homemade croutons a try.

Try it for yourself, and you’ll never look at store-bought croutons the same way again!

Choosing the Right Bread for Croutons

The type of bread you use makes a difference in the final product. Here are a few options:

• French or Italian Bread: Perfect for traditional, crispy croutons.
• Sourdough: Adds a tangy flavor that pairs well with creamy soups.
• Whole Wheat: Great for a healthier, heartier option.
• Rye or Pumpernickel: Adds a unique, earthy flavor to your croutons.
• Sandwich Bread: Works in a pinch—just be sure to toast thoroughly.

Slightly stale bread is ideal for croutons because it holds its shape better and absorbs seasonings more evenly.

What are Homemade Croutons?

Homemade croutons are small, crispy cubes of bread. They are seasoned and then toasted or baked.

Croutons add texture and flavor to dishes like salads, soups, or casseroles.

Made from leftover or fresh bread, they can be customized with various seasonings like garlic, herbs, cheese, or spices.

Homemade croutons are an easy, delicious way to use up stale bread and elevate meals with a homemade touch.

Ingredients

• Bread, cut into bite size pieces
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper

How to make Homemade Croutons

In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil until lightly coated.

Add your seasonings and toss again to make sure it’s evenly distributed.

Preheat your oven to 375°F.

Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet.

Bake for 10-15 minutes, depending on your oven.

Stirring halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Let the croutons cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.

They’ll stay fresh for up to a week.

TOOLS FOR THIS RECIPE

(Amazon affiliate links)- These are the tools I use when making this recipe!

• Nordic Ware Baking Pan– These pans are large enough to make stirring snacks like these seasoned pretzels so easy. 
• Pyrex glass mixing bowl – The Pyrex Glass Mixing Bowl is handy to store in the fridge and freezer when you need to freeze contents or keep them fresh.
• Silicone Mixing Spoon–The perfect spoons to keep your nonstick pans scratch free.