Homemade Croutons Recipe
This Homemade Croutons Recipe is beyond simple. Just slice up that stale bread, toss with oil and salt then bake to golden crisp perfection. Add Italian seasoning for an extra pop of flavor! These are great on salad, soup or alone.
This post may contain affiliate links. See my Disclosure Policy for more info.
Table of Contents
Seasoned Homemade Croutons With Olive Oil
My daughter begs me to make homemade croutons. We love to just eat them alone as a snack, the perfect crunchy salty snack.
The best part is how simple these croutons are to make and it’s a great way to use up old bread that would otherwise be thrown away.
We use olive oil and dried Italian seasoning. But feel free to use your preferred oil and seasoning. Croutons spiced with adobo seasoning are my personal favorite.
How Long Do You Bake Homemade Croutons
At 350ºF, bake the croutons for 20-22 minutes. This will vary depending on size and thickness. Start keeping a close eye on them at the 18 minute mark. Once croutons turn golden brown, remove from oven and let cool on the pan.
What Can You Do With Croutons
The obvious use is for salads but croutons also make wonderful soup toppers. There is nothing better than a fresh summer tomato salad served with homemade crunchy croutons!
Like I said before, we enjoy these croutons on their own as a snack.
Here are a few recipes that would be great with these croutons:
Shrimp and Spinach Cream Sauce – Beet Salad with Goat Cheese & Orange Vinaigrette – Avocado Tomato Salad – Easy Tomato Soup
Ingredients Needed For Baked Italian Croutons (screenshot for grocery list)
- Stale Bread Loaf (I use garlic parmesan bread)
- Olive Oil
- Salt
- Dried Italian Seasoning
How To Make Homemade Croutons
Preheat oven to 350ºF
Cut stale bread loaf into approximately 1 inch cubes. Transfer bread cubes to large bowl.
Drizzle olive oil over bread. Sprinkle with salt and seasoning.
Using your hands, gently toss bread cubes until evenly coated.
Transfer bread cubes to a greased, rimmed baking sheet. Spread into an even layer.
Bake croutons for 20-22 minutes. This will vary depending on size and thickness. Start keeping a close eye on them at the 18 minute mark. Once croutons turn golden brown, remove from oven and let cool on the pan.
Once completely cooled, store croutons in a gallon zip bag. Do not seal the bag completely. Leave the edge open to allow any moisture to escape.
How To Store Homemade Croutons
To prevent the croutons from losing their crispness, I store them in a gallon zip bag but I do not seal it completely. Leave the edge open to allow any moisture to escape.
How Long Will Croutons Keep
Ours usually get eaten within two days as we love to snack on them. But, these croutons should easily keep for one week as long as they do not get wet or exposed to moisture.
Save this Recipe!
Enter your email & I’ll send it straight to your inbox.
Homemade Croutons Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- Stale Bread Loaf 1 small loaf or half of a large loaf
- 2-3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- Salt
- Dried Italian Seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ºF
- Cut stale bread loaf into approximately 1 inch cubes (3-4 cups). Transfer bread cubes to large bowl.
- Drizzle olive oil over bread. Sprinkle with salt and seasoning.
- Using your hands, gently toss bread cubes until evenly coated.
- Transfer bread cubes to a greased, rimmed baking sheet. Spread into an even layer.
- Bake croutons for 20-22 minutes. This will vary depending on size and thickness. Start keeping a close eye on them at the 18 minute mark. Once croutons turn golden brown, remove from oven and let cool on the pan.
- Completely cool then store croutons in a gallon zip bag. Do not seal the bag completely. Leave the edge open to allow any moisture to escape.
Nutrition
Welcome!
Nicole Harris is the recipe creator behind WonkyWonderful, sharing fast, budget-friendly meals for busy families. Since 2012 she’s been developing 30-minute dinners, kid-approved favorites, and holiday dishes with flair - all with real ingredients and no fuss. She grew up stretching simple pantry staples into something delicious, and that shows up in every recipe: easy, affordable, and full of flavor. Read more...
