Easy Homemade Croutons

We all know that reaching for a bag of store-bought croutons is the go-to when time is tight. But honestly, making your own homemade croutons? It’s a whole new level of delicious. Picture perfectly crisp, golden cubes bursting with fresh, vibrant flavor—each bite is like a little crunchy celebration for your taste buds. I love rescuing stale bread for this because it keeps food waste low and adds a comforting homemade vibe to any dish. Plus, these little crunch bombs are super versatile! Toss them into salads for that satisfying crunch, stir them into soups for extra cozy texture, or just snack on them warm from the oven. Best part? Homemade croutons let you control the seasoning—no hidden ingredients, just pure, fresh flavor.

what you’ll need to make this homemade crouton Recipe

• French Or Italian Bread: Using bread that’s a day or two old really cranks up the crunch because it soaks up the butter better and bakes to a perfect crisp. Don’t have day-old bread? No worries! Just cut fresh bread into cubes and leave it uncovered on your counter or a baking sheet for about an hour to dry out before you start.
• Butter: Butter is key for that rich, toasty flavor and to get your croutons beautifully browned. Trust me, it’s what makes these little bites taste so amazing and irresistibly crunchy.
• Fresh Herbs, Salt & Pepper: I’m all about mixing fresh chopped parsley, thyme, chives, sage, and rosemary for an herbal punch, but use whatever fresh herbs you love or have handy. Don’t forget a good sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper—this really brings all the flavors together and makes your croutons pop!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Homemade Croutons

Step 1: Season the bread cubes. Line a large baking sheet with heavy-duty foil to save yourself a lot of cleanup later—you’ll thank me for this tip! Spread your bread cubes out in a single layer on the sheet. Drizzle melted butter all over them, then sprinkle on your fresh herbs. Toss everything right there on the sheet so every cube gets coated in butter and herbs. Finally, season with salt and pepper. Make sure the bread pieces aren’t piled on top of each other so they turn out crisp and golden all around.

Step 2: Bake, cool, and store. Pop the pan into your oven preheated to 375°F and bake for about 13 to 15 minutes. Halfway through baking, give the cubes a quick toss so every side gets that gorgeous, crunchy golden color. When the croutons are perfectly toasted and crisp, pull them out and let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days. Want to make a big batch? Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months and just re-toast them at 350°F for about 5 minutes when you’re ready to enjoy. So simple and so good, right?

Storage Tips

Once your croutons have cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crisp for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them longer, pop them into a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just pop them in the oven for a few minutes to bring back all that fresh crunch.

Make-Ahead Tips

You can easily make these croutons ahead of time and keep them on hand for busy days. Bake a large batch and store as mentioned above. They’re perfect for quick salads, soups, or snacks anytime you need a little extra crunch. Plus, making them ahead means less stress during the week and more homemade goodness whenever you want.

Variations

• Garlic Parmesan: Toss bread cubes with minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese before baking for a cheesy, garlicky twist.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes with your herbs to give your croutons a little heat.
• Vegan Option: Swap butter with olive oil and adjust herbs and seasoning to your liking for a plant-based version that’s just as tasty.
• Different Breads: Try sourdough, whole wheat, or even rye bread for different flavors and textures. Each brings its own unique crunch and flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

• Salads: Classic Caesar, garden greens, or a hearty chopped salad all get that perfect crunch boost from homemade croutons.
• Soups: Drop them into tomato soup, creamy chicken soup, or any broth-based soup to add texture and warmth.
• Snacks: Serve croutons alongside dips like spinach artichoke, hummus, or even just as a crunchy snack by themselves.
• Casseroles: Sprinkle croutons on casseroles for a crispy topping with lots of flavor.

Recipe FAQs

• Can I use leftover bread? Absolutely! Slightly stale bread actually makes the best croutons because it crisps up nicely without getting soggy.
• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh? Yes! Use dried herbs but use about half the amount since dried herbs have a stronger flavor.
• How do I store croutons to keep them fresh? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispness, or freeze them if you need to store longer.
• Can I make croutons without butter? Yes, use olive oil instead. The flavor will be a little different but still delicious and crunchy.
• How do I make garlic croutons? Add minced garlic to the melted butter before tossing with bread cubes, or sprinkle garlic powder on the bread along with your herbs.