Transform your salads and soups with these *Easy Italian Croutons*—crispy, golden bites of flavor-packed perfection! Made with just a handful of pantry staples like olive oil, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and dried Italian seasoning, these croutons infuse every dish with a burst of Mediterranean charm. Perfectly seasoned and baked to crunchy perfection in just 15 minutes, they’re the ultimate way to make use of day-old bread. Whether sprinkled over a Caesar salad, floated atop a bowl of hearty tomato soup, or enjoyed as a savory snack, these homemade croutons are guaranteed to elevate your mealtime experience. Plus, they’re easy to make, store beautifully, and taste better than anything store-bought!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes (approximately), yielding about 4 cups. Use slightly stale bread if possible for best texture.
In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, dried Italian seasoning, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and ground black pepper.
Add the bread cubes to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the seasoned olive oil mixture.
Spread the coated bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the croutons are golden brown and crispy. Stir them halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
Remove the croutons from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Enjoy as a topping on your favorite soups and salads or eat them as a snack!
Calories |
2992 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 59.3 g | 76% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.4 g | 57% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 10 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 6094 mg | 265% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 496.4 g | 181% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 23.5 g | 84% | |
| Total Sugars | 14.3 g | ||
| Protein | 90.0 g | 180% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 315 mg | 24% | |
| Iron | 24.6 mg | 137% | |
| Potassium | 1178 mg | 25% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.