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3-ingredient homemade croutons are crispy, customizable, and delicious! Save that leftover bread, learn how to make croutons the easy way, and save money!
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Why you'll love this recipe
You only need to make this homemade croutons recipe once to get hooked. Once you see how easy it is, you’ll make excuses to make croutons, which is easy because they're delicious on everything – or all by themselves.
When I finally started making homemade croutons, I felt a little regret over every beautiful bread loaf I let go to waste in my adult life. Never again will I miss the opportunity to turn bread into a crispy, crunchy, delicious little cube.
These make the best salad croutons, but they're also great for holiday stuffing, casseroles, soups, and snack attacks – just like my crispy crostini bread. Oh, the money you'll save by not buying both of these at the store really adds up, especially when you're entertaining.
Ingredient notes
- bread - use any variety of bread for this recipe
- olive oil - or preferred oil
- sea salt - a little goes a long way
How to make croutons
Get the printable recipe below.
Step 1. Cut bread into preferred sized cubes. ½-inch cubes are pretty standard for salads, soups, and stuffing.
Step 2. Toss bread cubes in olive oil and (optional) salt. If adding seasonings, do so now because they'll stick to the oiled croutons and add so much flavor as they're baked. Spread bread cubes into a single layer on a baking sheet. Cooking spray isn't necessary.
Step 3. Bake 8-12 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit until golden brown to your liking.
Step 4. Cool - allow to cool completely and store croutons at room temperature 5 days in an airtight container. Croutons may last longer depending on the level of humidity in storage environment.
How to season homemade croutons
- Garlic croutons: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon garlic powder over oiled bread cubes, shake to coat, and bake.
- Italian croutons: Stir 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend into the olive oil before drizzling it over unbaked bread cubes.
- Cheesy croutons: Toss oiled bread cubes in 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, then bake.
What’s the best bread for this recipe?
Any bread can be turned into croutons. Baguette, artisan loaf, multigrain, sourdough, and French bread are great options because they're readily available and make super light and crispy croutons.
Do I need stale bread for croutons?
Using stale bread is a great way to prevent food waste, but it's not required to make crispy croutons. In fact, overly stale bread can be hard to cut and produces a crunchier crouton. So, if you prefer a lightly crispy crouton, use fresh bread or slightly stale bread.
How long do homemade croutons last?
Croutons will last 5 days or more in an airtight container in a non-humid environment. Allow croutons to cool completely before storing.
Can I freeze croutons?
Yes! Allow baked croutons to cool completely. Place in airtight packaging and freeze up to 3 months, or longer if vacuum sealed. Thaw croutons and bake at 300 degrees Fahrenheit 8-10 minutes, or until they're crispy to your liking.
How to use croutons
Salads: Kale Salad, Greek Chickpea Salad, Strawberry Salad
Soups: Tomato Soup, Italian Sausage Soup, Kale Chickpea Soup, Tuscan White Bean Soup
Other recipes: Apple Sausage Stuffing, Old Fashioned Thanksgiving Dressing
Make ahead and bake later
You can refrigerate or freeze unbaked croutons for make-ahead convenience. This is a great way to prevent food waste if you don't have time to bake croutons on the spot. Simply refrigerate or freeze oiled, unbaked bread cubes in airtight packaging. No need to thaw either! Just follow baking instructions on the recipe.
📖 Recipe
How To Make Croutons
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Note about scaling
When scaling, the light gray ingredient notes after the comma don’t change. Adjust as needed.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf Bread, cubed (about 6 cups)
- 1-2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- pinch Sea Salt, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cut BREAD into ½-inch cubes.
- Toss cubed bread in OLIVE OIL and (optional) SALT. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet.Note: You can refrigerate or freeze oiled, unbaked bread cubes in airtight packaging and bake later.
- Bake 8-12 minutes, stirring as needed. Make them as crispy and brown as you like.Note: Add a few minutes for frozen bread cubes.
- Allow to cool completely. Store croutons in an airtight container or ziptop bag up to 5 days.
Recipe Notes
- Garlic croutons: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon garlic powder over oiled bread cubes, shake to combine, and bake.
- Italian croutons: Stir 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning into the olive oil before drizzling it over unbaked bread cubes.
- Cheesy croutons: Toss oiled bread cubes in 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, then bake.
Equipment
- bread knife or chef's knife
Nutrition
Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on brands, ingredients, and portions.
Liz says
I LOVE Croutons on my salad. I always need some crunch! These homemade croutons were next level. YUM!
Traci says
Yay! So glad you're enjoying the recipe as much as we do. Thanks so much! Cheers!
Shadi Hasanzadenemati says
Thank you for sharing this fantastic Homemade Croutons recipe! It's now a staple in my kitchen, and I can't imagine ever going back to store-bought. If you're looking to take your salads and soups to the next level, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!
Traci says
Yay you're so welcome 🙂 I'm glad you're enjoying this recipe as much as we do. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Mahy says
Ah, these are amazing! I love using them in soups when the temps go down.
Traci says
Yay! So glad you're enjoying the recipe. Thanks so much!
Ned says
You weren't kidding! These really are the best croutons! Thank you for this amazing recipe
Traci says
You are so welcome! Thanks for the feedback. Enjoy!!
Sara Welch says
This was such a quick and easy recipe that does not disappoint! Turned out perfectly crunchy and flavorful; easily, a new favorite crouton recipe!
Traci says
Yay! So glad you're enjoying the recipe! I love the crunch too lol. Thanks for sharing your experience. Cheers!
Anjali says
These croutons were so easy to make and turned out way better than store bought!! Added them to tomato soup for lunch and it was delicious!
Traci says
Yay! I love these croutons in tomato soup too! So good every time. Thanks for sharing and enjoy!!
Akshita says
So delicious! Just perfect for summer!
Traci says
Yay! Glad you're enjoying the recipe. Thanks so much!
Elisa says
Really like this homemade croutons recipe, easy and delicious. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Traci says
Yay! You're so welcome! Thanks for sharing your experience. Enjoy!
Maria says
Very easy and perfect combination for my soup <3
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome, Maria. Love these in soup too! Thanks...glad you enjoyed 🙂
Jess says
It is amazing how easy these homemade croutons are! I love everything about them!
The Kitchen Girl says
Thanks, Jess! So glad to hear it...thanks!
Alison says
Homemade croutons are just so much better than store bought, aren't they!? These are super simple to make too! They add a nice crunch to my salads! Thanks for the recipe!
The Kitchen Girl says
You're so welcome, Alison Glad you're enjoying these!
Beth says
Yummy! This looks so delicious and perfect! I love making homemade anything!
The Kitchen Girl says
Thanks Beth...right there with you on the homemade stuff 🙂
Lisa says
I've been making homemade croutons for years -- because we love to have those crunchy bits on salads and floated in soups. Great idea to season them with cheeses and herbs/spices. That adds a nice, flavorful twist and you can customize it to whatever you're serving them with!
The Kitchen Girl says
Thanks, Lisa 🙂 Aren't homemade croutons just the best So much yes...thank you!
rika says
Everyone needs to know how to make this!!! It's so easy to make! Thanks for sharing!
The Kitchen Girl says
Thanks, Rika 🙂 Yes, especially around holiday time when croutons are so popular. Enjoy!
Jessica Formicola says
I love how simple this recipe is! My family loves croutons, so I can't wait to make these very soon!
The Kitchen Girl says
Thanks, Jessica! So glad your family can enjoy these...enjoy!
Noelle Simpson says
Yum! These were perfect for our Caesar salad dinner last night!
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome, Noelle! Glad to hear you enjoyed these! Croutons were made for Caesar salad 🙂
Jenn says
I love croutons but the kids eat them as snacks so I never have any! Now with your recipe, I can make them as I need them! Thanks for the great idea and recipe!
The Kitchen Girl says
Awesome, thanks Jenn! Croutons as snacks are one of my favorite guilty pleasures So glad you and the kiddos can enjoy these!
Irina says
I am happy that I have just found your recipe. Now I do not need to buy croutons; I can make them myself 🙂 Everything homemade is tastier!
The Kitchen Girl says
Lol I can feel your excitement, Irina 🙂 I love homemade croutons too! Thanks so much...enjoy!!!