Learn how to make homemade croutons with this step-by-step guide! Using just six simple ingredients, you can create crisp, flavorful croutons perfect for topping salads and soups in about 15 minutes.
I am so excited to bring you another post in our All the Healthy Things “Just the Basics” series. These posts are focused on helping you master basics in the kitchen and, hopefully, inspiring you with a few new ideas along the way.
If you are new to cooking, or just need a refresher on the basics, these posts are designed to help you feel more confident in the kitchen. Once you have a handle on a few basic concepts and techniques, you can easily build upon them to create new and exciting recipes and dishes without a second thought.
If you have ever wondered how some people just seem to know how to cook without a recipe or can quickly throw together a meal in a moment’s notice, it’s likely because they have a good grasp of the basics. I want that for you! It’s my hope that every just the basics post helps you feel more comfortable so that you can enjoy your time spent in the kitchen even more!
If you haven’t already be sure to check out the other how-to guides in the series.
More Reader Favorite ‘Just the Basics’ Posts
Recipe Ingredients
Bread: I prefer to use crusty sourdough, but any thick, crusty bread such as French or Italian bread will work.
Olive oil: this helps the seasonings cling to the bread and creates a crisp, golden exterior. Use a high-quality olive oil that you love the taste of.
Salt and pepper: adjust to taste.
Garlic: you’ll need at least one clove of garlic. Feel free to add more if you’re a garlic lover!
Parmesan cheese: for the best taste and texture, buy a block of parmesan cheese, and grate it yourself.
How to Make Homemade Croutons
Step One: Before you begin, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step Two: Add all the crouton ingredients to a mixing bowl, and toss to coat the bread.
Step Three: Transfer the seasoned bread cubes to the prepared baking sheet. Then, bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until they’re golden brown and toasted, and set them aside to cool.
Expert Tips
- Use stale bread. Fresh bread will work for this homemade croutons recipe. However, I prefer to use bread that’s a day or two old, because it tends to become quite a bit crispier in the oven.
- Use equal-sized pieces. Slice your bread loaf into cubes that are roughly 1 inch in size. This ensures they cook evenly and creates the perfect bite-sized croutons.
- Toss. Stir the bread pieces one or two times while baking to help them cook and crisp up on all sides.
- Be careful not to burn! Keep a close eye on your oven, and remove the baking sheet as soon as the croutons are golden.
Ways to Use
Honestly, this homemade crouton recipe is so tasty that I’ll eat them right off the sheet pan as a snack. However, it’s also a great way to add flavor and texture to a variety of recipes like:
- Salmon Caesar Salad
- Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
- Strawberry Avocado Salad
- Whole30 Tomato Basil Soup
- Kale Caesar Salad
- Italian Chopped Salad
How to Store
Once cool, you can transfer leftover croutons to a sealable bag or airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 1 week.
More ‘Just the Basics’ Posts
- How to Make Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
- How to Make Whipped Cream
- How to Make Oat Flour
- How to Make Brown Butter
- How to Make French Toast
- How to Make Cream Cheese Frosting
I hope you give this Homemade Croutons Recipe a try! It’s easy to make and the perfect topping for a variety of recipes! If you do give this recipe a try, let me know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. You can also snap a photo & tag @allthehealthythings on INSTAGRAM. Your reviews and ratings help support All the Healthy Things and make it possible for me to continue to create the recipes you trust and love.
Print
Homemade Croutons
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 3 cups 1x
- Category: Sides
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make homemade croutons with this step-by-step guide! Using just six simple ingredients, you can create crisp, flavorful croutons perfect for topping salads and soups in about 15 minutes.
Ingredients
- 3 cups crusty sourdough bread cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 3 tablespoons finely grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add all of the crouton ingredients to a mixing bowl and toss until the bread is well coated.
- Transfer the bread cubes to the baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and toasted. Set aside to let cool.
- Serve on salads, soups, etc.
Recipe by: Ashlea Carver / All the Healthy Things | Photography by: Eat Love Eat
