Best Homemade Crispy Croutons

Crispy golden croutons are my secret for turning an everyday salad or soup into something truly craveworthy They take just minutes to make at home and use up that extra bread you have on hand Once you taste these homemade ones you will never go back to store bought croutons

I made these the first time for a family gathering and everyone kept sneaking handfuls before dinner Now I always bake a double batch because they disappear so fast

Ingredients

• Day old bread: about four cups cubed French or sourdough are classic and stay crisp Choose a sturdy bread for the best texture Avoid anything too soft or pre sliced sandwich bread if you can
• Olive oil or melted butter: one fourth cup makes the croutons rich and helps all those seasonings stick Use extra virgin olive oil for great flavor or butter for a richer taste
• Garlic powder: one teaspoon adds a warm savory note Without it the croutons taste bland
• Onion powder: one half teaspoon amplifies the flavor and gives an allium kick
• Dried Italian herbs such as oregano basil or thyme: one half teaspoon total adds a fragrant earthy punch A blend makes the flavor more complex Choose good quality dried herbs for better taste
• Salt and black pepper: one fourth teaspoon each enhances and balances the flavors Use freshly cracked black pepper if you enjoy a little bite

Step by Step Instructions

Cube the Bread:

Cut your day old bread into one inch cubes Try for even sizes so they bake properly and get crunchy on all sides

Make the Seasoned Oil:

In a large mixing bowl whisk together olive oil or melted butter garlic powder onion powder dried herbs salt and pepper The oil should look well mixed and the spices should not clump

Toss the Bread Cubes:

Add the bread cubes to the bowl and gently toss with clean hands or a spatula Make sure every piece gets evenly coated so all the flavor bakes in

Arrange on a Baking Sheet:

Spread the croutons out in a single layer on a large baking sheet If they overlap they will steam instead of crisp so a little space between pieces is key

Bake Until Golden and Crisp:

Set oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit Bake croutons for fifteen to twenty minutes tossing or flipping halfway through Check for a deep golden color and crisp texture

Cool and Store:

Let the croutons cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring to a storage container This keeps them crunchy instead of soft

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I love adding a sprinkle of Parmesan for a cheesy depth and have fond memories of my kids helping sprinkle herbs on the bread before baking Making these together always fills my kitchen with an amazing aroma

Storage Tips

Homemade croutons keep fresh and crunchy for about one week if you let them cool completely and store in an airtight container Place the container in a cool dry spot not the refrigerator which can make them chewy If you want to keep them even longer freeze in a zip top bag for up to one month and re crisp in a hot oven for a few minutes

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap sourdough for French bread or use any rustic loaf with a good sturdy crust For a dairy free option use only olive oil If you want nutty flavor try a tablespoon of nutritional yeast in place of cheese Gluten free bread also works just monitor the baking time since it may brown faster

Serving Suggestions

These homemade croutons instantly upgrade salads like Caesar or simple greens and lend crunch to creamy soups like tomato or butternut squash They even make a surprising topper for casseroles and are impossible to resist for snacking Try tossing them into a bowl of warm roasted veggies for extra texture

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Cultural and Historical Context

Croutons have their roots in French cuisine where they were a thrifty way to use up old bread They have graced both rustic peasant soups and elegant Parisian salads for centuries Today homemade croutons are a sign of care and creativity in any kitchen Every cook has their favorite variation and the tradition continues at my table

Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ What type of bread works best?

Day-old French or sourdough bread is ideal for its sturdy texture, allowing the cubes to crisp up nicely.

→ How do you get croutons extra crispy?

Baking at a high heat and spreading cubes in a single layer ensures even browning and crispiness.

→ Can I add cheese to the croutons?

Yes, toss with grated Parmesan before baking to create cheesy, savory bites.

→ How should croutons be stored?

Let them cool completely and store in a dry, airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ What herbs complement homemade croutons?

Italian herb blends like oregano, basil, and thyme add great flavor, but you can experiment with your favorites.