Easy Homemade Croutons
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Once you’ve made these Easy Homemade Croutons, you’ll never go back to buying them at the store. Not only do they taste better, but they’re healthier too! Make a large batch and freeze them for later.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
- It is incredibly simple to make croutons at home.
- Homemade croutons taste better than store bought.
- They contain a lot less additives and preservatives.
- Homemade croutons are freezer friendly.
Ingredients
The ingredients are very simple.
- Sourdough Bread – You could also use a a french loaf of whole grain baguette for more nutrients and fiber.
- Seasonings – I like to use Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can totally play around with these though. Some ideas that would be good are thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Maybe even paprika, if you’re feeling spicy.
- Oil – Avocado Oil or Olive Oil are the best options.
Freezer Tip: Save Your Bread
Toss any stale bread or heels of loaves that don’t get eaten into a storage bag in our freezer. Use them to make these homemade croutons or other recipes like our homemade breadcrumbs, baked french toasts, Easy Breakfast Egg Muffins.
How to Make Homemade Croutons
1. Slice the bread
To get started, simply cut the bread into small pieces. They don’t need to be symmetrical or anything. Just roughly the same size.
2. Season Your Homemade Croutons
Next step to making your own croutons is to toss them in some olive oil and seasonings.
I like to use Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can totally play around with these though.
3. Bake Your Homemade Croutons
Time to make your home smell amazing!
Tip: Spread some parchment paper out on a baking sheet for easier cleanup.
Spread your seasoned croutons out and bake them at 375°F for about 15 minutes. Give them a stir about halfway through.
How to Freeze Homemade Croutons
If you’re going to the work of making homemade croutons, I’d advise you to double the batch and freeze them in a freeze some for the future.
To Freeze:
To store homemade croutons in the freezer, first let them cool completely, then spread them on a baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes to prevent sticking.
Transfer the frozen croutons to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, label with the date, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
To Prepare:
Let them thaw on the counter for 10-15 minutes.
Then, toast them briefly under the broiler, if you want to really crisp them back up. But, they are fine “as is” too.
Be warned: Once you make these, you’ll never go back! They work perfectly to top our delicious Tomato Bisque or Instant Pot Tomato Soup.
Amazing Salads to go with Homemade Croutons
FAQs
Day-old or slightly stale bread works best. You can use various types of bread like French, Italian, sourdough, or even whole wheat.
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, homemade croutons last about a week. In the freezer, they can last up to 2-3 months.
Yes, freeze croutons by first cooling them completely, optionally freezing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferring to a freezer-safe container. They last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
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Easy Homemade Croutons
Once you’ve made these Easy Homemade Croutons, you’ll never go back. The fresh bread is packed with flavor and toasted to perfection. Make lots and freeze them!
Ingredients
- 2 cups of diced sourdough bread (or french bread)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (it helps to have a sheet pan that is rimmed, so you don’t lose any croutons in the oven). Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Place diced bread in a large mixing bowl and drizzle oil over the bread pieces. Toss to coat.
- Add seasonings and toss until even distributed.
- Spread croutons evenly over the baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until croutons are browned and crisp.
To Freeze For Later: Let croutons cool and then store in an airtight container or freezer bag.
To Prepare From Frozen: Let croutons thaw. Lightly toast under the broiler, if desired.
Notes/Tips
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread for the best texture. Varieties like French, Italian, sourdough, or even whole wheat work well.
- Cut the bread into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking.
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Be generous with the seasoning. It will feel like a lot but you’ll want it!
- Arrange the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispiness.
Easy and tasty
I can’t wait to try this recipe! I’m constantly looking for easy recipes that will be fun to do with the kids, will last for awhile, and will make dinner that much tastier! Being a wiz in the kitchen does not come naturally for me, so I love when we can share tips to make dinnertime more enjoyable! Of course, my favorites are always something I can prep ahead of time and keep in the freezer so I’m not scrambling when the time comes!