5 Ways To Make Croutons At Home

Making your own croutons at home is easy, as the basic ingredients used here are common most of which people usually have. You don't need fancy items for this dish – just a few slices of bread that is left over, a little oil or melted butter, and your choice of seasonings.

• Bread: You'll want to use a day-old or slightly stale loaf. This drier texture is key to getting your croutons perfectly crispy. Any variety will work - from crusty French bread to hearty whole wheat.
• Olive Oil: The oil or melted butter coats the bread cubes to help them turn golden brown and crispy in the oven. Olive oil provides a great taste, but butter also works beautifully if it truly is your preference.
• Seasonings: Go with conventional garlic powder for a sharp, savory taste. A sprinkle of salt and black pepper is a must. For different alternatives, try Italian seasoning, blackening seasoning, or freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Note: If you need an extra punch of garlic taste, use fresh minced garlic instead of the powder. This will deliver your croutons an irresistible savory taste.

Croutons are one of those little extras that really elevate soups and salads. Not only is it easy to make them at home but there are several methods to prepare them according to your liking.

From traditional oven-baked to zesty stovetop-seared, the options are endless. In this guide, we'll explore five popular methods for whipping up crisp, flavorful croutons right in your own kitchen.

Oven-baked croutons are a classic and incredibly popular homemade option. This method is best suited when you have a bit more time, as it requires a few simple steps but results in perfectly crisp, flavorful croutons every time.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup olive oil (extra-virgin)
• 2 garlic cloves, smashed or halved
• Sea salt
• 8 thick slices of country bread (about 4 cups cubed)
• Dried parsley or desired seasonings

Instructions

1. First, cube the bread. Use good-quality country or French bread, even if it's a day or two old - the goal is to get it nice and crispy, so stale bread is ideal. Just slice into ¾-inch chunks, keeping them even so everything cooks the same. Crank the oven to 350°F.
2. Time for the flavor bomb: warm some olive oil in a pan with crushed garlic until the kitchen smells incredible (about a minute does it). Let that magical garlic oil cool down before drizzling it all over those bread bits.
3. Toss the bread cubes to evenly coat them with the garlic-infused oil and some big pinches of salt. Spread the pieces out on a parchment-lined baking sheet - no crowding!
4. Finally, bake the croutons in the oven until they're golden brown and crisp, about 10 to 18 minutes. The precise time will rely on the freshness of your bread and how crispy you like your croutons.
5. Give them a shake now and then. When they're looking perfect, pull them out and hit them with some dried parsley or whatever spices sound good.

Want the quick stovetop version? Here's what you need to do: toss the bread chunks in oil, season them, and toast until they're irresistible. Fast and simple, you get the perfect combination.

Ingredients

• 3 cups day-old bread cubes
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Get a big skillet very hot over medium-high heat, then add oil. Allow the oil to heat up till it starts to shimmer on the surface, which suggests it is hot enough for cooking.
2. Next, dump in the bread cubes into the hot oil in the pan. Sprinkle the cubes evenly with salt and keep things moving with tongs. Make sure every piece gets its fair share of oil and seasoning.
3. Spread the bread cubes out in a single layer in the pan. Let them toast, tossing them gently every minute or so, until they're golden brown on all sides. This should take about 5 minutes total.
4. Once the cubes have reached an even, deep golden-brown shade all over, take out the pan from the heat. This will stop the cubes from burning and make certain they preserve their crispy texture.
5. Take a moment to taste a few of the croutons. If needed, sprinkle on a bit more salt, adjusting the seasoning to your personal preference.
6. The croutons are now ready to use! You can serve them immediately, while they're hot and crunchy. Alternatively, let them cool completely before using as a topping or other dishes.

Want a quick and low-maintenance way to make tasty croutons? Use your air fryer! In just a few minutes, you'll have perfectly crispy bites ready, ideal for busy weekday meals or last-minute dinner prep.

Ingredients

• 4 slices white bread, cubed
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1 teaspoon parsley flakes
• 3 tablespoons butter (unsalted)

Instructions

1. Start by slicing your bread into even, bite-sized cubes. In a small bowl melt the unsalted butter - this will be our flavor base.
2. Mix the parsley flakes, garlic powder, and seasoned salt into the melted butter until properly blended. This seasoning blend gives the perfect savory kick to our croutons.
3. Pour this aromatic butter mixture over your bread cubes in a large bowl. Using a rubber spatula, gently toss everything together, making sure each cube gets evenly coated. Let the bread sit for about 2 minutes - this short rest helps the bread soak up all that buttery goodness.
4. Once your air fryer is nice and hot at 400°F, spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer in the basket. After 4 minutes, give them a good shake or stir - this ensures even browning.
5. Pop them back in for another 2 minutes until they're perfectly golden and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, let them cool a bit, and they're ready to add crunch to your favorite dishes!

During fall and winter, baked croutons are a top choice. But in the summertime, grilling is ideal for outdoor dining - especially when you have leftover bread and the grill's already hot for your main course.

Ingredients

• Thick slices of country bread
• Olive oil
• 1-2 garlic cloves, halved
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional herbs - rosemary or thyme

Instructions

1. Start by firing up your grill to medium-high - you want those hot grates for perfect char marks. While it's heating, take your bread slices and drizzle them generously with olive oil on each side. Don't be shy with the oil; it gives that stunning golden crust.
2. Once the grill gets hot, lay the bread slices directly on the grates. Listen for that satisfying sizzle! Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes until you notice those beautiful grill marks forming.
3. Flip them over and grill the alternative side until golden brown.
4. Here's the magic touch: as soon as the bread comes off the grill, grab your halved garlic clove and rub it over the hot surface of the bread. The warmth helps the bread soak up that wonderful garlic flavor.
5. Let the slices cool just enough to handle, then cut them into chunky cubes.
6. Your smoky, garlicky croutons are ready to toss into salads or float on soup. For the optimal taste, savor them immediately while they are still hot.

This method is most suitable when you need croutons urgently since it takes almost no time to prepare and only a few minutes to cook. It is known for its speed and convenience and, therefore preferred by most homeowners especially when preparing quick meals.

Ingredients

• 4 cups cubed bread
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh garlic)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)

Instructions

1. Begin by cutting fresh or day-old bread into uniform, bite-sized cubes. Slightly stale bread produces superior results in the microwave. Transfer these cubes to a spacious microwave-safe bowl.
2. Combine oil, garlic powder (or fresh minced garlic), selected herbs, and salt in a separate small bowl. This aromatic mixture should be thoroughly distributed over the bread cubes through gentle tossing, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Arrange the seasoned cubes in a single layer on a microwave-secure plate. Heat in one-minute increments, with occasional stirring, until you get a golden-brown color and preferred crispness - typically requiring 3-5 minutes. Monitor intently as microwave times can vary.
4. Remove finished croutons from the microwave once optimal crispness is achieved. Additional seasonings may be incorporated immediately post-cooking.
5. Allow brief cooling period before consumption.

Typical cooking times for croutons:

• Oven: 15-20 minutes at 375°F
• Stovetop: 8-10 minutes over medium heat
• Air Fryer: 6-8 minutes at 400°F
• Grill: 4-6 minutes on medium-high heat
• Microwave: 2-3 minutes

But here's the thing - making croutons isn't just about following a strict timer. The actual cooking time can swing quite a bit based on several factors.

First off, the type of bread makes a huge difference. Fresh, soft bread takes longer to crisp up than day-old bread that's already a bit dry. If using dense whole grain bread, you might need to add a few extra minutes compared to lighter white bread.

The size of your bread cubes really matters too. Those tiny quarter-inch cubes will crisp up way faster than chunky one-inch pieces.

Your kitchen environment plays a part too. On humid days, you might need to cook them a bit longer to get that perfect crunch. And if you're at high altitude? Things can take even longer.

The amount you're making affects timing as well. Overcrowding your pan, air fryer basket, or grill means the heat can't circulate properly. A single layer will cook faster and more evenly than a packed batch.

Even your equipment makes a difference - an older oven that runs cool or a powerful new air fryer can change your cooking times.

That’s why you should watch your croutons closely and check them frequently.

Who wouldn’t love to have freshly made croutons, crispier and tastier than anything that comes in a package? Here are some tried-and-true tips from years of making these crunchy little gems:

• Start with good bread: Day-old bread works fantastic - it's actually better than fresh. Those slightly stale slices will soak up seasonings better and crisp up nicely. You can use pretty much any kind - sourdough, French bread, or even regular sandwich bread.
• Cut with care: Try to get your bread cubes roughly the same size - this way, they'll cook evenly. Too small and they'll burn quickly, too big and the centers might stay soft.
• Season generously: Don't just stick to plain salt. Experimentation with diverse flavoring agents yields excellent results: garlic powder, Italian herbs, aged parmesan, or cayenne pepper introduce complexity. Note: cheese additions should occur during final cooking stages to prevent scorching.
• Don't skimp on the oil or butter: Your bread cubes need to be evenly coated to get that perfect golden crunch. Use a large bowl to toss them - this gives you more control than trying to drizzle oil over them in the pan.
• Give them space: Maintain proper spacing between pieces during cooking. They need room to crisp up on all sides. Working in batches might take longer, but it's worth it.
• Watch them close: Croutons can go from perfectly golden to burnt in seconds. Keep checking and give them a shake or stir occasionally for even browning.
• Let them cool completely: This is super important - they'll actually get crunchier as they cool. Spread them on paper towels and resist the urge to pack them away while they're still warm.

Herb de Provence

For a fancy French touch, mix dried lavender, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram with your olive oil. These delicate herbs create the most wonderful aroma while cooking, and the flavor is delightfully subtle yet sophisticated.

Ranch Style

Everyone loves ranch! Mix dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of buttermilk powder with your butter before coating the bread. These are absolutely addictive - fair warning, they might not make it to your salad!

Cheesy Garlic

Double down on the cheese by using both grated parmesan and romano cheese, plus plenty of garlic powder. Add dried parsley for color. These are like tiny homemade garlic bread bites and are perfect for Caesar salads.

Sweet Variation

Yes, sweet croutons are a thing! Combine melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar—ideal for fruit salads or dessert applications. They also make a great snack - kind of like tiny pieces of cinnamon toast.

Sourdough Rosemary

Start with sourdough bread and add fresh chopped rosemary and sea salt. The tangy bread with the piney herb creates an incredible flavor combination. These are sturdy enough for hearty salads and stews.

First things first - let those croutons cool completely! If you stack them away when they are even little warm it will form condensation in the pack and they will go all soggy.

Arrange them on a tray or paper napkin until they come to room temperature. Use an airtight container or zip-top bag, however first, line the bottom with a paper towel.

This little paper towel works like magic to take in any moisture that would make your croutons go smooth. If you're storing a large batch, you can even layer paper towels between layers of croutons.

Keep them away from heat and sunlight - a cool, dry pantry or cupboard is perfect. And here's something most people don't think about: keep them away from your stove area where steam from cooking can sneak into the container.

How long will they last? Well, properly stored homemade croutons usually stay crispy and delicious for about a week at room temperature.

Want to store them longer? Freeze croutons! Pop them in a freezer bag, squeeze out all the air, and they may keep for as much as 4-6 weeks. When you're prepared to use them, just thaw them at room temperature after which crisp them up in the oven for a couple of minutes.

One last tip: resist the urge to store them in the fridge.

• Soups: Nothing beats floating crispy croutons on a bowl of hot soup! They're amazing on creamy tomato soup - the crunch adds such a nice contrast.
• Salad Companions: Classic Caesar salad is a no-brainer - those garlicky croutons are essential! But try them on a Greek salad too - the crispy bits complement those juicy tomatoes and cucumbers perfectly.
• Breakfast Ideas: Surprise your family by using croutons in breakfast dishes! Crush them up as a crunchy topping for scrambled eggs, or top them over avocado toast.
• Dinner Additions: Crushed croutons make a brilliant crust for baked chicken or fish - simply coat your protein with them rather than breadcrumbs. Oh, you can also add them to your favorite mac and cheese right before baking.
• Snack Time: Don't overlook croutons as a snack! Season them heavily with your favorite spices and munch on them while watching TV (way better than chips!). Mix them with nuts and dried fruit for a unique trail mix.
• Party Food: Set out a bowl of well-seasoned croutons at parties - surely, they disappear fast! They're great with dips too. Try them with hummus or spinach dip instead of chips.