Have some leftover bread that’s starting to get a bit stale? Transform it into homemade croutons — crisp, flavorful, and far better than store-bought. Here’s a simple method to make them at home.
How to Make Homemade Croutons
Croutons are incredibly easy to make and taste much better than most store-bought options. Start with good-quality, slightly dense bread — day-old or lightly stale loaves work best. Cut the bread into cubes, toss them with olive oil and seasonings, spread them on a baking sheet, and bake until golden and crisp.
This simple process is a great way to use leftover bread. Fresh, homemade croutons add crunch and flavor to salads, soups, and bowls — you might even find yourself seeking excuses to use them.
📖 Recipe
How to Make Homemade Croutons
Follow this straightforward method to make crisp, homemade croutons perfect for salads and soups.
8 minutes
20 minutes
28 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups bread cubes (about 6 ounces / 170 grams)
- about ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment for easy cleanup.
- Cut the bread into cubes in the size you prefer and place them in a large bowl.
- Drizzle a little olive oil over the cubes and toss with your hands. Add oil gradually until the bread is evenly coated but not drenched.
- Spread the cubes on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and a very small pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne if you like a touch of heat.
- Bake 10–20 minutes, depending on cube size and desired crispness. For very crisp croutons, bake until deep golden brown; for slightly tender centers, aim for light golden brown. Check a piece to test doneness.
- Let cool, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Notes
- Scale the recipe easily: adjust the bread and add olive oil gradually while tossing until the cubes are coated.
- Customize flavors by adding dried herbs and spices before baking. Try thyme, oregano, basil, rosemary, onion powder, chili powder, or turmeric for different profiles.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8
Serving Size:
¼ cup
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 118
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 260mg
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 2g
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