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2 Comments Today I’m sharing one of those recipes that’s incredibly easy, yet so delicious! Yes, we’re talking about making homemade croutons. Of course, you can buy ready-made croutons in a bag at the store, but trust me, once you’ve made them yourself, you’ll never want anything else again.
Table of contents
Simone’s Tip
Making your own homemade croutons isn’t just super easy, it’s also delicious sprinkled over soup or tossed into a salad. With a few simple additions, you can give your croutons a different flavor every time. My favorite? Parmesan cheese and fresh thyme!
Recipe Ingredients
At its most basic, you only need a few ingredients to make croutons. Below, I’ve also included some easy variation options.
- Bread – You can use any type of bread you have on hand. Slightly stale bread works best and is ideal for making croutons.
- Oil – Oil is essential for perfectly crispy croutons. Don’t be too stingy, although you can easily make croutons in an air fryer or oven. You’ll need more oil if you’re making them in a skillet.
- Salt – Optional, but it definitely makes the croutons extra flavorful. Don’t overdo it!
Optional Add-Ins
- Parmesan cheese – Optional, but adds a wonderful extra layer of flavor. Other cheeses work too, but they tend to clump together more quickly.
- Fresh herbs – Use sturdier herbs like rosemary or thyme. Chop them as finely as possible.
- Dried herbs – Leafy herbs such as basil or parsley are better used in dried form.
How to Make Croutons at Home
Ready to make your own croutons? Follow the steps below for the best croutons ever!
Step 1: Cut the Bread
Cut the bread into small cubes. You can leave the crusts on or remove them, I usually leave them on, as they add extra crunch.
Step 2: Toss with seasonings
Mix the bread cubes with oil, herbs, salt, and cheese (depending on what you’re using). Toss well so everything is evenly coated.
Step 3: Cook the Croutons
Cook the croutons in a skillet (or in the air fryer or oven). Once they’re golden brown, transfer them to a piece of paper towel to drain. This absorbs excess oil and helps make the croutons extra crispy.
Step 4: Serve
Serve the croutons with a little extra Parmesan cheese and/or herbs, if you like. Delicious on soup or tossed into a salad.
Making Croutons in the Air Fryer
If you want to use less oil, making croutons in the air fryer is ideal. The prep is exactly the same, but place the bread cubes in the air fryer and cook for 6-8 minutes at 350°F (180°C). Shake the basket halfway through. Let them cool slightly before using. They’ll crisp up as they cool.
Making Croutons in the Oven
To make croutons in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, until golden brown. Let them cool briefly for the crispiest result.
What to Use Homemade Croutons For
Once you’ve made croutons, you can use them in several ways:
- On soup – The classic option that never disappoints. Whether it’s a hearty vegetable soup, green pea soup, or old-fashioned chicken soup, croutons always work.
- In salads – Perfect for a Caesar salad or any other favorite salad.
- On pasta – Less common, but delicious. Try smaller croutons, similar to a pangrattato.
- On desserts – You can even make sweet croutons! Use cinnamon or other spices, bake them with a little sugar, and chop them smaller. Delicious over ice cream or other desserts.
FAQ Homemade Croutons
Stale bread works best because it’s already a bit drier. Sourdough, baguette, or whole wheat bread add extra flavor, but really, you can use almost any type of bread.
Stored in an airtight jar or well-sealed container, homemade croutons will stay crispy for about one week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them and briefly reheat to make them crunchy again. That said, I personally think they’re best when freshly made.
Yes, absolutely! Let the croutons cool completely, then place them in a freezer bag and store for up to three months. Reheat them briefly in the oven or air fryer and they’ll be wonderfully crispy again.
Popular options include garlic powder, Italian seasoning, thyme, rosemary, paprika, or Parmesan cheese. For sweet croutons, try cinnamon with a little sugar.
Most likely the bread contained too much moisture or too much oil was used. Make sure to use dry, stale bread, use only a light coating of oil, and bake the croutons in a single layer so air can circulate properly.
Homemade Croutons
Ingredients
- 3 slices stale bread
- 3 tbsp olive oil or another neutral oil
- 1 sprig rosemary finely chopped (needles only)
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese optional – or try Parrano Original shavings
Instructions
- Cut the bread into small cubes. Don’t cut them too small, about ½ inch (1.5 cm) cubes are perfect, but exact size isn’t critical. Use the crusts or remove them, your choice.
- Place the bread cubes in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Add the chopped herbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Heat a skillet with a little oil (or butter) and cook the croutons until golden brown. Shake or stir regularly so they brown evenly.
- Transfer to a piece of paper towel to cool. Season with salt and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Nutrition Information per portion:
Disclaimer:
The nutritional values above are calculated per portion. The details are based on standard nutritional tables and do not constitute a professional nutritional advice.
Simple is always the best! Thank you!
I wish you have a happy holidays!
Absolutely my favorite way of using up leftover stale bread is to make these easy croutons. Use fresh herbs or other seasonings to suit your needs.