Easy Homemade Croutons
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
12 mins
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Total Time
17 mins
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Servings
4 about 3/4 cup each
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Calories
13493 kcal
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Course
Salad
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Cuisine
International
Easy Homemade Croutons
Description
This recipe transforms basic bread slices into crispy, seasoned croutons by cutting the bread into uniform cubes and coating them with olive oil, Italian herbs, garlic powder, and salt. The cubes are baked in a 400ºF oven, turning occasionally to ensure even browning and a crunchy texture all around.
The croutons have a robust, toasted flavor with herbal and garlic notes, providing a crunchy contrast that enhances greens, soups, or casseroles. Using sturdy bread helps maintain their crisp texture.
Cook times may vary depending on the bread’s moisture and density, so checking the croutons regularly helps prevent burning and ensures a deep golden color. Letting them cool slightly firms them up before use, and they store well in a sealed container.
Ingredients
- 4 lices bread $0.33, sturdy
- 2 Tbsp olive oil $0.32
- 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning blend $0.03
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder $0.02
- 1/8 tsp salt $0.01
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Cut the bread into 1/2-inch cubes. You should have about 4 loosely packed cups of bread cubes.
- Place the cubed bread in a large bowl and drizzle the olive oil over top. Use a spatula or your hands to gently toss the bread cubes until they are coated in oil.
- Combine the Italian seasoning blend, garlic powder, and salt in a small bowl, then sprinkle the mixture over the bread cubes. Gently toss the bread cubes again until they are evenly coated in seasoning.
- Spread the seasoned bread out onto a baking sheet. Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for about 10 minutes*, checking the color of the bread every 5 minutes. Stir the croutons and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, if needed, to get the croutons to a nice deep golden brown color. Let the croutons cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Baking times can differ depending on bread moisture and texture; check the croutons every five minutes to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4about 3/4 cup each
Amount Per Serving
Calories 13493 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 134.93kcal | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 14.08g | 5% |
| Protein | 2.78g | 6% |
| Fat | 7.55g | 12% |
| Sodium | 252.93mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 0.6g | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.