Making your own croutons is an effortless way to enhance salads, soups, and stuffing dishes. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up these delightful, crunchy morsels with minimal ingredients, offering a tastier alternative to those pre-packaged varieties. This straightforward recipe will guide you in creating perfectly crispy, garlicky croutons that will surely wow your guests.
Ingredients for Homemade Croutons
- 4 cups of cubed bread (multigrain baguette or any leftover bread)
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
How to Make Homemade Croutons: 4 Simple Steps
1. Prepare the Bread
Start by cutting the bread into 1-inch cubes. Use a loaf that is a day or two old for best results. Slightly stale bread holds its shape better during baking and ensures a crunchy texture. You’ll need about four cups of bread cubes, which can come from a multigrain baguette, sourdough, ciabatta, or any other loaf.
2. Season the Bread Cubes
In a large mixing bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil to ensure each piece is coated. Olive oil helps the croutons crisp up and turn golden during baking. Add the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the bowl, mixing thoroughly so that the seasonings are evenly distributed. Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste or experiment with additional herbs and spices like smoked paprika or thyme.
3. Bake the Croutons
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or sprayed with nonstick spray. This step ensures even baking and prevents the croutons from sticking. Bake the croutons for 13 to 15 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Be sure to keep an eye on them, as bread can burn quickly at this temperature.
4. Serve or Store the Croutons
After baking, take the croutons out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. They can be enjoyed right away, providing a delightful crunch to salads or soups. If you don’t plan to use them immediately, simply place the cooled croutons in an airtight container and store them at room temperature, where they’ll stay fresh for up to two weeks.
What Makes Homemade Croutons Better Than Store-Bought?
Homemade croutons stand out as a fresher and more flavorful choice compared to those you find on grocery shelves. By crafting them in your kitchen, you can select quality ingredients tailored to your preferences, such as artisanal bread and flavorful oils. In contrast to many commercial options that may contain preservatives and artificial additives, homemade croutons allow for a clean ingredient list. This method also opens up possibilities for customization, so you can adjust spices and herbs to suit your taste perfectly.
Best Bread for Homemade Croutons
Choosing the right bread is key to achieving delicious croutons. Stale options like multigrain, sourdough, or French baguettes are excellent choices due to their robust structure, which crisps up beautifully when baked. Multigrain bread adds extra texture and nutrients, while sourdough infuses a pleasing tang. It’s best to avoid using fresh, soft bread, as it may not provide the desired crunchiness after baking.
How to Store and Keep Croutons Fresh
To maintain their crunch, store your homemade croutons in an airtight container once they’ve cooled completely. They will remain fresh at room temperature for up to two weeks. If you wish to prepare a larger batch, you can freeze croutons for up to three months. Just ensure they are fully cooled before freezing, and allow them to thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to use them to keep their crispiness intact.