These Homemade Croutons are a simple and flavorful addition to any meal. Made with just four ingredients, these baked whole-grain croutons are perfect for adding a crunchy texture to soups, salads, and more. They’re easy to make and offer a healthier alternative to store-bought croutons, giving you a fresh, homemade touch for your dishes.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 4 slices of whole grain bread

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• Salt, to taste

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cut the whole grain bread into small cubes, about ½ inch each.

3. In a large mixing bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Make sure each cube is well-coated.

4. Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet.

5. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Stir halfway through baking to ensure even crisping.

6. Let the croutons cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

Nutrients (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: ~150

• Total Fat: ~8g

• Saturated Fat: ~1g

• Carbohydrates: ~20g

• Sugars: ~2g

• Fiber: ~3g

• Protein: ~3g

• Salt: ~200mg

Why Choose Homemade Croutons Over Store-Bought?

Store-bought croutons, while convenient, can come with their own set of downsides. They often contain preservatives to extend shelf life, excessive amounts of sodium, and sometimes even unhealthy fats to enhance texture and flavor. On the other hand, homemade croutons allow you to skip all the added preservatives and control the ingredients that go into them. Making croutons at home is also incredibly easy and quick, requiring only a few minutes of prep time and a simple baking process.

By using whole grain bread for your homemade croutons, you’re also adding extra fiber and nutrients to your meal. Whole grains are packed with essential nutrients like B vitamins, iron, and fiber, making them a much healthier choice than refined white bread. This makes your homemade croutons not only tastier but also a more nutritious option to complement your dishes.

Additionally, making croutons from scratch allows you to customize them to your liking. You can adjust the seasonings and flavors, whether you prefer a more garlic-forward taste, an herby addition, or even a spicy kick. Homemade croutons are also a great way to use up leftover bread, preventing waste while enhancing your meals.

The Simplicity of Homemade Croutons

Making homemade croutons is remarkably simple and requires just a few ingredients: whole grain bread, olive oil, garlic powder, and salt. These basic ingredients come together to create a delicious snack or topping for your favorite dishes. The process starts by cutting the bread into small cubes. The size of the cubes can be adjusted to suit your preference—some people like larger croutons, while others prefer them smaller for a finer crunch.

Once the bread is cubed, it is tossed in olive oil, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. The olive oil helps the bread cubes crisp up in the oven, while the garlic powder adds a savory punch. The salt brings out the natural flavors of the bread, while giving the croutons that classic salty bite that pairs so well with soups and salads. The simple yet flavorful combination of these ingredients ensures that every bite of your homemade croutons will be perfectly seasoned.

How to Bake the Perfect Croutons

Once your bread cubes are coated in olive oil and seasonings, it’s time to bake them. The baking process is where the magic happens, transforming the soft bread into crispy, golden croutons. Preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C) ensures that the croutons will bake evenly and crisp up without burning. The key to perfect croutons is baking them at the right temperature—too hot, and they can burn quickly; too low, and they may end up soggy.

Arrange the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. This helps them bake evenly and ensures that each cube gets crispy. It’s important to stir the croutons halfway through the baking process, allowing them to crisp up evenly on all sides. After 10-12 minutes in the oven, the croutons should be golden brown and crunchy, ready to be enjoyed.

Let the croutons cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. This will allow them to maintain their crispiness and ensure they last for several days. If you make a large batch, these homemade croutons will keep for up to a week, providing you with an easy snack or topping for multiple meals.

Ways to Customize Your Homemade Croutons

One of the best things about homemade croutons is the ability to experiment with different flavors and seasonings. While this recipe calls for garlic powder and salt, you can easily switch things up based on your preferences or the type of dish you’re making. Here are a few ways to customize your croutons:

Herb-infused croutons: Add dried herbs like thyme, oregano, rosemary, or basil to the olive oil mixture for a fragrant, herby twist. These herbs pair especially well with salads, soups, and Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

Spicy croutons: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or chili flakes to the crouton mix. This will add a spicy kick that works well in soups like chili or stews.

Cheese croutons: For a cheesy variation, sprinkle grated Parmesan or cheddar over the croutons after they’ve been baked. The cheese will melt slightly, adding a savory, cheesy layer to your croutons.

Sweet croutons: If you’re making a salad or dessert with a sweet profile, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar to the croutons before baking. These sweet croutons can pair beautifully with fruit salads or as a crunchy topping for yogurt parfaits.

The possibilities are endless, and the ability to experiment with flavors makes these homemade croutons a versatile addition to many dishes.

Using Croutons in Your Meals

Homemade Croutons can be used in a wide range of dishes, from soups to salads to even casseroles. One of the most common ways to use croutons is by adding them to soups like tomato, potato leek, or butternut squash. The crunchy texture of the croutons adds a satisfying contrast to the creamy or smooth texture of the soup, enhancing the overall experience.

In salads, croutons add a nice crunch and help balance out the freshness of the greens with their savory flavor. They’re perfect for Caesar salads, mixed greens, or even grain-based salads like quinoa or farro.

Croutons also make a great topping for casseroles and baked dishes. The crispy edges provide a perfect textural contrast to soft or cheesy dishes, adding both flavor and crunch to the bite.

Additionally, homemade croutons make a delicious snack on their own. Serve them as a simple appetizer with dips, like hummus, guacamole, or a creamy spinach dip. They’re a great snack to munch on between meals, providing both crunch and flavor.

Storing Leftover Croutons

If you have leftovers or make a big batch, storing your homemade croutons properly will ensure they stay fresh and crispy for several days. Allow the croutons to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in a cool, dry place for up to a week. If you want to keep them even longer, croutons can also be frozen. Just place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll last for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.

Conclusion

Homemade Croutons are a simple, flavorful, and versatile addition to any meal. They are quick to make, healthier than store-bought alternatives, and offer endless customization possibilities based on your flavor preferences. Whether you’re using them to add texture to soups, elevate salads, or enjoy as a snack, homemade croutons bring a fresh, crunchy element that enhances your dishes.

By using just a few basic ingredients like whole-grain bread, olive oil, garlic powder, and salt, you can create croutons that are far superior to their store-bought counterparts. Not only are they more flavorful, but they’re also a great way to use up leftover bread, reducing food waste while adding something delicious to your meals. With this easy recipe, you’ll be able to enjoy crispy, flavorful croutons in no time—perfect for adding that extra crunch and flavor to your favorite dishes.