Description
Crispy homemade croutons elevate salads and soups with irresistible texture and flavor. Baked with simple ingredients and seasoned to perfection, these golden cubes add a delightful crunch that will make meals more satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of bread (about 12 ounces/340 grams), cut into 3/4 to 1-inch cubes (any type of bread works)
- 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) olive oil or melted butter, or a combination
Fat and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (optional, or to taste)
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (optional, or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Herb and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons seasonings (such as Italian seasoning) or homemade seasonings (optional)
Instructions
- Transform day-old bread into crispy, flavor-packed morsels by cutting into uniform cubes, ensuring each piece measures approximately 3/4 to 1 inch for consistent texture.
- Create a seasoning blend by whisking aromatic herbs, garlic powder, and your preferred oil or melted butter in a spacious mixing vessel.
- Gently tumble bread cubes through the herbed oil mixture, guaranteeing every morsel receives a thorough, even coating.
- For traditional oven preparation, arrange seasoned cubes in a solitary layer across a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing generous spacing between pieces.
- Roast in a preheated 375°F oven, rotating midway through the cooking process to promote uniform golden-brown crispness.
- Monitor the transformation closely, removing when cubes exhibit a delectable, crunchy exterior and rich amber coloration, typically requiring 15-20 minutes.
- Alternative cooking methods include skillet sautéing over medium heat, continuously stirring to prevent scorching, or utilizing an air fryer at 400°F for rapid, even crisping.
- After cooking, permit croutons to cool completely, allowing their texture to set and intensify, creating a satisfying crunch perfect for salads, soups, or standalone snacking.
Notes
- Select day-old bread for crunchier croutons, as slightly stale bread absorbs seasonings better and creates a more robust texture.
- Experiment with different bread types like sourdough, whole wheat, or artisan loaves to add unique flavor profiles and textures.
- Use high-quality olive oil or clarified butter for enhanced taste and more even browning during the cooking process.
- Customize seasonings based on your dish – try Italian herbs, garlic powder, nutritional yeast, or parmesan cheese for added depth and complexity.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg