How to Make Homemade Croutons for Salads and Soups
If you love adding that extra crunch and flavor to your salads or soups, then you’re in for a treat. With these simple steps you too can create delicious baked croutons right in your own kitchen. No need to buy store-bought croutons anymore – with just a few ingredients and some sandwich bread, you’ll be able to whip up a batch of these tasty morsels in no time.
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor, these little cubes of goodness are not only easy to make but are also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re tossing them into a vibrant garden salad or floating them on a hearty bowl of soup, these homemade croutons will leave your taste buds singing. So, let’s dive right into the art of crafting the perfect croutons and add a touch of homemade magic to your dishes. Let’s get started!
- Why you’ll love this easy croutons recipe
- What ingredients do you need to make croutons?
- How to make croutons
- TIPS AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What bread are croutons made of?
- What seasonings can I add to my croutons?
- How do you keep homemade croutons crunchy?
- Why are my croutons not crispy?
- How long do croutons last after making?
- Homemade Croutons Recipe
Why you’ll love this easy croutons recipe
Homemade croutons give you the opportunity to experiment with different flavors, herbs, and seasonings to match your salad or soup recipes perfectly. They also provide a satisfying crunch that can enhance the texture of your dishes. Plus, making them at home often means they’re fresher and healthier since you can control the quality of ingredients like the bread and oil. And let’s not forget the delightful aroma that fills the kitchen while they’re baking!
RELATED: Low Carb Caesar Dressing without Anchovies – this easy-to-make dressing is the perfect way to upgrade your caesar salad for a delicious, healthy meal. Plus, with no anchovies, anyone can enjoy this delicious dressing!
What ingredients do you need to make croutons?
The best part of making croutons at home is that you probably already have all of the ingredients you need!
To make croutons at home you’ll need:
- 5 slices Bread: Use fresh or stale dry bread. Use more bread if you wish.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or to taste, depending on how much bread you are using.
- Sea Salt or table salt, to taste
- Black Pepper ground white pepper is also fine.
- 25 g Cheese: Any cheese is fine such as Parmigiano or Chedder cheese. Add more if you wish.
Be sure to check out the full ingredient list and printable recipe in the recipe card below.
How to make croutons
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400F and have ready a large baking tray.
Step 2: Slice the bread then cut it into half inch cubes.
Pro Tip: You do not need to remove all the crust from your bread, but if there are any hard edges I would remove them as they will bake even harder in the oven.
Step 3: Place the cubes of bread into a large bowl and add the seasoning and oil. Give everything a good mix.
Step 4: Place the cubes of bread onto the prepared baking tray and grate the cheese over the top. Add as much or as little cheese as you which.
Step 5: Bake in the oven for 8 – 10 mins or until they have a lovely golden colour. If you wish turn them over halfway through baking.
PRO TIP: Use a timer, Croutons bake very quickly and will soon burn if you do not keep an eye on them.
Enjoy your homemade croutons then check out my homemade caesar salad dressing recipe, or my balsamic vinaigrette recipe.
TIPS AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Read on for tips on how to season croutons, what bread to use and how to store your croutons.
What bread are croutons made of?
Croutons are commonly crafted using bread that has gone stale, such as sandwich bread, French bread or baguettes. An alternative option is to utilize different bread varieties like sourdough or ciabatta when making croutons. These delectable additions contribute a delightful crunch and enhance the texture and taste of salads, soups, and various other dishes.
What seasonings can I add to my croutons?
Seasoning your homemade croutons can add a wonderful flavor dimension to your salads and soups. Here are some popular seasonings you can consider adding:
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic or garlic powder adds a lovely savory kick.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese can give your croutons a delicious cheesy flavor.
- Herbs: Dried or fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, basil, oregano, or parsley provide a fragrant and earthy taste.
- Paprika: Smoked or sweet paprika can add a touch of smokiness or mild heat.
- Cayenne pepper: For a bit of a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Onion powder: This imparts a subtle, sweet onion flavor.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme can enhance the overall taste.
- Lemon zest: A bit of fresh lemon zest can brighten up your croutons.
- Salt and pepper: Don’t forget these basics to enhance the overall taste.
Feel free to experiment with different combinations to find your favorite flavor profile. Just remember not to go overboard with the seasonings to ensure they complement your salad or soup.
How do you keep homemade croutons crunchy?
To keep homemade croutons crunchy, follow these steps:Once baked, remove the croutons from the oven and let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container.That’s it!
Why are my croutons not crispy?
If your croutons aren’t as crispy as you’d like, there could be a few reasons for this:
- Moisture Content: Excess moisture can lead to soggy croutons. Make sure the bread you use is a bit stale, as fresh bread can retain moisture. You can also try drying the bread in the oven before making croutons.
- Size and Thickness: The size and thickness of your croutons matter. Thicker or larger pieces might not crisp up evenly. Try cutting them into uniform, smaller pieces to ensure even toasting.
- Oil Distribution: Ensure that the oil and seasonings are evenly distributed over the bread cubes. Toss them thoroughly to make sure every piece gets coated.
- Oven Temperature: Check your oven temperature. Croutons crisp up best at a moderately high temperature, typically around 375-400°F (190-200°C). Too low a temperature can make them turn out soft.
- Stirring/Turning: Give them a stir or turn them halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
How long do croutons last after making?
Croutons typically last for about 1 to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
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- How to make chickpea croutons – Roasted chickpeas, especially when seasoned right, can make for an amazing crouton replacement for salads.
- How to make Caesar Salad Dressing – My easy-to-make dressing is the perfect way to upgrade your caesar salad for a delicious, healthy meal. Plus, with no anchovies, anyone can enjoy this delicious dressing!
Homemade Croutons Recipe
Homemade Croutons are very easy to make. They add texture and flavour to soups and salads. Use fresh or stale bread, cut them into cubes and season to taste. Add some grated Cheese and you have a delicious snack or side dish.
Ingredients
- 5 slices Bread Use fresh or stale dry bread. Use more bread if you wish.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or to taste, depending on how much bread you are using.
- Sea Salt or table salt to taste
- Black Pepper ground white pepper is also fine.
- 25 g Cheese Any cheese is fine such as Parmigiano or Chedder cheese. Add more if you wish.
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 190g fan oven and have ready a large baking tray.
You do not need to remove all the crust from your bread, but if there are any hard edges I would remove them as they will bake even harder in the oven. Slice the bread then cut it into half inch cubes.
Place the cubes of bread into a large bowl and add the seasoning and oil. Give everything a good mix.
Place the cubes of bread onto the prepared baking tray and grate the cheese over the top. Add as much or as little cheese as you which.
Bake in the oven for 8 - 10 mins or until they have a lovely golden colour. If you wish turn them over halfway through baking. TIP: Use a timer, Croutons bake very quickly and will soon burn if you do not keep an eye on them.
Notes
TIP: Use a timer, Croutons bake very quickly and will soon burn if you do not keep an eye on them.
TIP: Make extra and store
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 311Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 743mgCarbohydrates: 32gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 10g
The provided nutrition information is an estimate and it does not take brands into account. I use an automatic API to calculate this information.
