Transform your salads, soups, and more with these irresistible homemade croutons, a simple yet game-changing addition to your culinary repertoire. Made with day-old rustic or sandwich bread, these golden, crispy bites are infused with olive oil, garlic powder, and fragrant dried Italian herbs for a burst of savory flavor in every crunch. Quick to prepare in just 25 minutes, this recipe ensures perfect crispness with minimal effort by baking the bread cubes to perfection. Ideal for topping Caesar salads, creamy soups, or simply snacking, these homemade croutons are a budget-friendly way to elevate any dish. Plus, they're easily customizableβadd your own favorite herbs or seasonings to make them uniquely yours. Say goodbye to store-bought and hello to the fresh, homemade flavor your taste buds deserve!
Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Cut the bread into small, even cubes, approximately 1/2 inch in size, and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the bread cubes, tossing gently to ensure all pieces are lightly coated.
Sprinkle the garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper over the bread cubes. Toss again to distribute the seasonings evenly.
Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded for even crisping.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12β15 minutes, stirring halfway through to achieve even browning.
Once the croutons are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet.
Store cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for up to one month.
Calories |
2935 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 72.8 g | 93% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.3 g | 57% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 5897 mg | 256% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 473.4 g | 172% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 26.6 g | 95% | |
| Total Sugars | 48.1 g | ||
| Protein | 87.0 g | 174% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1398 mg | 108% | |
| Iron | 44.8 mg | 249% | |
| Potassium | 1142 mg | 24% | |
*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.