Ever wondered how to make your own croutons at home? This simple, no-fuss recipe is the perfect place to start! All you need is a day-old loaf—ideally a baguette or French bread, but honestly, any bread you have on hand will do the trick.
We love recipes that reduce food waste and make the most of what’s already in your kitchen—and these crispy, golden croutons are a tasty way to do just that!
These homemade croutons are incredibly easy to make.
– Susan
Why You’ll Love Homemade Croutons
- Unmatched Freshness: Made with real bread and baked to golden perfection, they’re crisp on the outside and just a little chewy in the center.
- Customizable Flavors: From garlic and herb to spicy chili or parmesan, you can season them exactly how you like.
- Zero Waste, All Taste: It’s the perfect way to use up day-old bread and turn it into something crave-worthy.
- Budget-Friendly: Skip the overpriced store-bought bags—these are cheaper, tastier, and made with ingredients you already have.
- Versatile Crunch: Perfect for topping salads, soups, or even snacking straight from the pan!
Homemade Crouton Recipe Ingredients
- Baguette, day-old – A slightly stale baguette is ideal for croutons, offering the perfect texture for crisping up in the oven.
- Olive oil – A drizzle of olive oil helps the croutons turn golden and adds a rich, savory flavor.
- Salt & pepper – A simple seasoning of salt and pepper enhances the natural flavor of the bread without overpowering it.
- Cayenne pepper – Just a pinch of cayenne adds a subtle kick and a touch of warmth to every crunchy bite.
How to Use Croutons – Beyond the Salad Bowl
- Toss Them on Salads: The classic use—croutons add crunch, flavor, and texture to leafy greens, Caesar salads, and chopped veggie bowls.
- Top Off Soups: Float them on creamy soups like tomato, butternut squash, or French onion for a satisfying crunch.
- Add to Casseroles: Use croutons as a crispy topping for baked dishes like mac and cheese or green bean casserole.
- Blend into Stuffing: Crushed or whole, they make a great base for homemade stuffing or dressing.
- Snack on Them: Seasoned just right, croutons are an addictive, savory snack straight from the jar or bag.
- Use as Breadcrumbs: Crush them up and use as a flavorful breadcrumb substitute for coating chicken, fish, or veggies.
- Sprinkle on Roasted Veggies: Add texture and flavor to roasted dishes like Brussels sprouts or squash.
How to Make Homemade Croutons
Step 1
Gather ingredients and preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
Step 2
Cut the baguette or loaf of bread into small pieces (you determine how big or small you want your croutons).
Step 3
Place the bread pieces in a mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Shake on the spices (cayenne, salt and pepper) and mix well.
Step 4
Spread seasoned loaf onto a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and bake for 15 minutes.
Step 5
Allow to cool and store in an airtight container or bag until ready to use.
The texture is spot-on—perfectly crisp on the outside.
– Lena
How to Store Homemade Croutons
Cool Completely: Let the croutons cool fully after baking. Storing them while warm can trap moisture and make them soggy.
Use an Airtight Container: Store in a glass jar, plastic container, or resealable bag with all the air pressed out. This keeps them crunchy and prevents staleness.
Room Temperature Storage: Keep them in a cool, dry place (like a pantry) for up to 1 week.
Freeze for Long-Term Storage: For longer shelf life, freeze them in a zip-top bag. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months. Re-crisp in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Avoid the Fridge: Refrigeration can introduce moisture and make croutons chewy or stale faster.
Pro Tips for Making Homemade Croutons
- Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread holds up better and crisps more evenly. Sourdough, baguette, or rustic country loaves work especially well.
- Cut Evenly: Cube the bread into uniform pieces (about ¾ to 1 inch) so they cook evenly. Tear for a rustic look and extra crunch.
- Toss with Fat + Flavor: Use olive oil or melted butter, and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, herbs (like thyme or oregano), or even grated Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Spread the cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet to ensure they toast, not steam.
- Bake Low and Slow: Bake at 325–350°F (160–175°C) for 15–25 minutes, tossing halfway through. This gives you golden, crunchy croutons without burning.
- Cool Completely: Let them cool on the tray—they’ll crisp up even more as they cool.
- Store Smart: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
Homemade Croutons
Ingredients
- Day old baguette
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 pinch Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 pinch Cayenne pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
- Cut loaf into cubes
- In a mixing bowl, add cubes of bread, olive oil and spices and mix well
- Spread seasoned loaf onto a sheet pan lined with parchment paper
- Bake for 15 minutes
Notes
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More Recipes Like This
Here are some delicious and creative recipes where homemade croutons can really shine:
Cauliflower Soup – made with coconut milk and can be made vegan
Broccoli Soup – made with coconut milk and can be made vegan
Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing – a creamy dressing without raw egg
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