Learn how to make homemade croutons that are crispy, chewy and customizable. So much better than store bought and great for salads, soups and more!
Table of Contents
Baked Croutons
Croutons are the perfect way to spruce up a salad! I love to add them to a big Cobb salad with hard boiled eggs, bacon, microwave corn on the cob, tomatoes, avocado, shredded chicken and top with homemade ranch dressing. Seriously SO yummy and fresh!
Have leftover homemade bread sitting around? Make croutons! It’s the perfect way to use up bread that’s gone a little hard. They are crunchy, chewy, flavorful and simply irresistible.
The best part about this recipe is that it takes only 4 ingredients and a few minutes to make! You’re left with delicious homemade croutons that taste just like the fancy ones from a restaurant. Plus they are SO much better than store bought too!
We love to add them to all types of salads and soups. They add the perfect crunch and flavor. Sometimes I’ll even make a yummy vinaigrette to pair along with them. I’m telling you…making homemade dressing and croutons from scratch really takes your salad up a notch. So delicious!
4 Simple Ingredients
- Day old bread: Using day old bread is perfect for making croutons! It’s a great way to make use of bread that’s gone a little hard. I prefer to use a French baguette, French bread or sourdough bread.
- Olive oil: I like to coat them in olive oil, however you can use butter too. I just prefer the richer flavor of olive oil.
- Parsley: I love the bold Italian flavor that parsley adds. I typically use dried parsley flakes, however you could use chopped fresh parsley if you have some that you need to use up. You could also use oregano in place of parsley if preferred.
- Garlic: Don’t forget to add garlic powder! It helps bring all the flavors together and makes them taste super yummy.
How to Make Homemade Croutons
Scroll down for the printable recipe.
- Cut. Slice the bread into 1-inch cubes, then add to bowl or zip top bag.
- Coat. Drizzle on oil and add parsley, garlic, salt and pepper. Carefully mix until well coated.
- Bake. Bake in oven at 375°F for 7-10 minutes, then remove from oven and stir. Then bake additional 3-5 minutes, until golden and crisp.
Tips + Variations
- Spices. Feel free to use other types of spices like oregano, rosemary, Italian seasoning or even a sprinkle of parmesan.
- Type of bread. Although I prefer french bread or sourdough, you can really make croutons with any type of bread. Whether you’re using artisan bread, homemade bread or even leftover hamburger buns, the end result will still be delicious. You can even make cornbread croutons using sweet cornbread.
- Single layer. Make sure that the bread cubes are in a single layer on the baking sheet. You don’t want them to overlap or touch, or else they may not get as crispy.
- Flip halfway. Don’t forget to flip them halfway through! You want both sides to crisp up evenly so that they have that delicious, crunchy exterior.
- Leftovers. If you have leftover croutons that you need to use up, blend them into homemade breadcrumbs and make chicken tenders or baked macaroni and cheese.
Favorite Ways to Use Homemade Croutons
- In a big Italian salad or Olive Garden salad
- Mixed into a chicken caesar pasta salad
- Served on top of a bowl of tomato basil soup
- To make sausage stuffing for the holidays
- Mixed into a BLT pasta salad
Storage Instructions
Simply place in an airtight container and store at room temperature. I like to store my mine in a glass mason jar – it keeps them extra fresh! If stored properly, they will keep for up to 2 weeks.
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Homemade Croutons
Video
Ingredients
- 4-5 cups day old bread , french baguette, french bread or sourdough bread
- 3-4 Tablespoons olive oil , or melted butter
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
S&P to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. Then place in a bowl or zip top bag. Drizzle the oil over the top and add the parsley flakes and garlic powder. Then sprinkle salt and pepper over top (I usually do about 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper). Carefully mix until well coated.
- Bake for 7-10 minutes. Stir and cook for and additonal 3-5 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
I needed these to elevate my salad for a ladies lunch. Thank you.
You’re so welcome! The perfect way to take your salad up a notch :)
After making these I’ll never go back to store bought croutons again! Thanks for the great recipe!
These are my favorite salad topping or even quick snack! My kiddo will snack on croutons too so we never have leftovers! Delish!
These are so good. Perfect for topping soups and salads. I’ve made them so many times because I so often buy more bread than I can reasonably use. We sometimes store them in the freezer in double ziplocked bags. If they get any moisture on them a quick spin in the oven or toaster oven helps. Love the olive oil & garlic flavor. It goes with almost anything!
I have made these & they are fantastic. However, when stored in an airtight container they still get hard, how do I make them soft again? Thank you so much.
Hi! I would recommend cooking them a little less time next time if you like them softer. They do get a little harder over time though.
I could eat these on their own- they’re so good! I’ll never buy croutons again.
Great way to use up extra bread and have your own croutons on hand.
I so need to do this! I think store bought croutons are zero good, but I never even think about making my own, which clearly I need to change!
Fabulous!!! These are so good – just what my soup needed!
Homemade croutons are delicious on salads and even great in soups!!! These look great!!
I would sprinkle these on every single salad!!
These look scrumptious! I used to have these with salads all the time, time to try that again with this recipe!
These are so much better than store bought! Love the flavor.