Easy Homemade Croutons – For That Perfect Crunch!
Hey friends! Let’s talk about one of my favorite kitchen hacks: homemade croutons. If you’ve ever found yourself with a few slices of day-old bread, don’t toss it—turn it into crispy, savory croutons! These crunchy bites are simple to make, packed with flavor, and so much better than store-bought. With just a few pantry staples like olive oil, Parmesan, garlic, and a bit of oregano, you can whip up a batch in no time.
Why I Love Making Croutons at Home
Homemade croutons are a great way to add texture and flavor to salads, soups, or even as a snack on their own. Plus, they’re fresher, and you get to control the ingredients, which means no preservatives or added sugars. And here’s a fun little secret: a touch of Parmesan cheese adds richness, while the garlic and oregano give these croutons a wonderful savory note that keeps you reaching for more.
Homemade Croutons
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Equipment
- sharp bread knife
- Large Mixing Bowl
- spatula
- Baking Sheet
- Airtight Container if storing
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat or sourdough bread cut into 1-inch squares
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- red pepper flakes optional
- fine sea salt to taste
- ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Toss the bread cubes with olive oil and garlic powder, red pepper flakes, dried parsley, salt and pepper.1 cup whole wheat or sourdough bread, 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp dried parsley, fine sea salt, ground black pepper
- Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 minutes, turning with a spatula or tossing halfway through, until the croutons are golden brown and crisp.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes.
- Store the cooled croutons in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
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More About This Recipe
Tips for Perfect Croutons Every Time
Making croutons at home is incredibly easy, but here are a few tips to get that perfect crisp without burning:- Use Day-Old Bread for the Best Texture
If you have bread that’s just starting to go stale, it’s perfect for croutons! Day-old bread has less moisture, so it crisps up beautifully in the oven without becoming too chewy. - Let Them Cool Completely
Once baked, cool the croutons on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. This helps them firm up so they stay crunchy when you store them.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
You don’t need much to make these croutons, but here are a few tools that make it even easier:- A Sharp Bread Knife
A serrated knife makes quick work of cutting bread into perfect squares without tearing. It’s a simple tool that’s a must for any bread recipe! - A Large Mixing Bowl
Using a large mixing bowl allows you to toss the bread with all the seasonings and get an even coat on each piece. - A Good Baking Sheet
A quality baking sheet ensures even browning. I like to use a rimmed baking sheet to keep everything contained as I toss the croutons during baking.
Nutrition
Health Benefits of These Homemade Croutons
Croutons don’t have to be just empty carbs! By using whole wheat sourdough, you’re getting some added health benefits:
- Whole Grains for Fiber and Heart Health
Whole wheat bread contains fiber, which supports digestive health and can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Fiber has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease by promoting healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. - Olive Oil for Healthy Fats
Extra-virgin olive oil is a healthy source of monounsaturated fats, which are known to support heart health. These fats can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and even support cognitive health as we age. Research from Harvard Medical School has shown that the Mediterranean diet, rich in olive oil, can contribute to a lower risk of heart disease. - Garlic’s Antioxidant Power
Garlic is not only a flavor booster but also contains antioxidants that help protect our cells from damage. It has compounds like allicin, which may support immune health and reduce inflammation. Studies suggest that adding garlic to your diet can benefit heart health and even help maintain blood pressure.