How to Make Croutons

Learn how to make croutons in the oven or on the stove. They’re ready in just 15 minutes and add the perfect crunch to all your favorite soups and salads!

Recipe ingredients

Ingredient notes

• Bread: Sturdy breads with texture are best such as baguettes, country bread, or sourdough loaves. The denser the bread is, the harder the final croutons will be.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Cut or tear bread into 1/2-inch cubes.

2. In a large bowl, add bread cubes. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt to taste or other seasonings if desired.

3. Spread coated bread cubes on prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Bake until lightly browned with crispy edges, about 10 to 15 minutes.

Recipe tips and variations

• Yield: This recipe makes about 8 cups of croutons, enough for 16 (1/2-cup) servings.
• Storage: Store covered in a cool dark place for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 1 month.
• Seasonings: Stir any wet seasonings such as minced fresh garlic, shallots, or lemon zest into the olive oil. For dry seasonings such as garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, dry ranch dressing mix, or Italian seasoning, sprinkle evenly over the oiled bread cubes and toss to coat.
• Stove top: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat ¼ cup olive oil until shimmering. Add bread cubes to the skillet and fry, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to paper towels and sprinkle with salt and any desired seasonings to taste.

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How To Make Croutons

By Meggan Hill

Learn how to make croutons in the oven or on the stove. They're ready in just 15 minutes and add the perfect crunch to all your favorite soups and salads!

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings 16 servings (½ cup each)

Course Pantry

Cuisine American

Calories 107

5 from 2 votes

ReviewPrint

Ingredients 

• ▢ 1/4 cup olive oil
• ▢ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ▢ 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (see note 1)
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon Salt to taste
• ▢ 1 loaf bread cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 1 pound, see note 2)

Instructions 

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees and adjust oven rack to the middle position. Prepare a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt.
• Add bread pieces to a very large bowl and toss with olive oil mixture until well combined. Evenly spread croutons on prepared sheet and bake until golden brown, about 10 to 15 minutes. Cool completely.

Recipe Video

Notes

1. Italian seasoning: To make your own Italian Seasoning, in a small bowl, combine 2 Tbsp. of dried basil, 2 Tbsp. of dried oregano, 2 Tbsp. of dried rosemary, 2 Tbsp. of dried thyme, and 2 Tbsp. of dried marjoram. Store extra in an airtight container.
2. Bread: Sturdy breads with texture are best such as baguettes, country bread, or sourdough loaves. The denser the bread is, the harder the final croutons will be.
3. Yield: This recipe makes about 8 cups of croutons, enough for 16 (1/2-cup) servings.
4. Storage: Store covered in a cool dark place for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 1 month.
5. Seasonings: Stir any wet seasonings such as minced fresh garlic, shallots, or lemon zest into the olive oil. For dry seasonings such as garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, dry ranch dressing mix, or Italian seasoning, sprinkle evenly over the oiled bread cubes and toss to coat.
6. Stove top: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat ¼ cup olive oil until shimmering. Add bread cubes to the skillet and fry, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to paper towels and sprinkle with salt and any desired seasonings to taste.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cupCalories: 107kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 3gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gSodium: 184mgPotassium: 55mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 3IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 41mgIron: 1mg

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