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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Craving the perfect crouton? Learn to make them at home and savor the benefits: full flavor control, less waste, healthier ingredients,cost savings, and unbeatable freshness.

Making homemade croutons is not as hard as you think! Get ready to add a delightful crunch to your salads, soups, and more! Master the art of homemade croutons - your salads will thank you!

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Course Salad

Servings 8

Calories 60 kcal

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Cooling Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Equipment

• sharp bread knife
• Large Mixing Bowl
• spatula
• Baking Sheet
• Airtight Container if storing

Ingredients

  

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• 4 slices whole wheat sourdough bread cut into 1-inch squares
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 clove garlic minced
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp fine sea salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper

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Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 325°F. In a large bowl, toss together the bread cubes with oil, cheese, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl, coating evenly.
  4 slices whole wheat sourdough bread, 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, 1 clove garlic, ½ tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp fine sea salt, ½ tsp ground black pepper
• Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 20-30 minutes, turning with a spatula every 10 minutes, 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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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:

1. 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.
2. Bake at a Low Temperature
   To avoid burning, bake the croutons at 325°F and give them a toss every 10 minutes. This allows them to cook evenly and get golden without drying out.
3. 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:

1. 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!
2. 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.
3. 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

Calories: 60kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 2gFat: 3g

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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:

1. 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. According to a study from Harvard School of Public Health, including whole grains in your diet can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
2. 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.
3. 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.