How To Make Homemade Croutons (With Any Bread!)
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How To Make Homemade Croutons (With Any Bread!)
Description
How To Make Homemade Croutons (With Any Bread!) provides a flexible method for turning various kinds of bread—whether stale or fresh—into crunchy, flavorful croutons. The bread is simply torn or cut into bite-sized pieces, coated evenly with olive oil and salt, plus optional spices like garlic powder or Italian seasoning. This coating helps the croutons brown and crisp up well during cooking.
Three cooking options allow for versatility: baking in an oven at 375°F for 15–20 minutes; air frying at 375°F for about 7–9 minutes; or sautéing in a pan over medium-high heat for 5–10 minutes with occasional stirring. Each method yields crisp, golden croutons suitable for sprinkling atop soups and salads or enjoying as a snack.
The recipe notes include practical tips on bread types that work well, including Italian bread, sourdough, brioche, and standard sandwich bread. If using very fresh bread, cooking time may need to be extended. For storage, airtight containers with paper towels in the refrigerator can keep croutons crisp for 5 to 7 days. They also freeze well for up to 2 months; reheating in a pan can restore their crispness. Using a spray bottle for oil is suggested when aiming for less oil coating.
Ingredients
- 3 heaping cups bread stale or fresh, cut or torn
- 2 to 4 Tbsp olive oil or any flavorless high-heat oil, 30 to 60 mL
- ⅛ to ¼ tsp salt
- black pepper optional extras, your favorite spice blends
- garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Cut: Cut or tear bread into bite-sized chunks. You can leave the crust on or tear it off, your preference!
- Coat: Add the bread to a large bowl and drizzle with oil and desired seasoning. Toss until most of the bread is coated in oil.
- Cook Option 1 - Oven: Cook in a single layer on a baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Cook Option 2 - Air Fryer: Cook in a single layer in your air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 7 to 9 minutes.
- Cook Option 3 - Stove: Cook in a large saute pan over medium/high heat, jostling the croutons occasionally to evenly cook. They are done when most sides are golden brown and crispy, about 5 to 10 minutes.
Notes
- Use breads like Italian loaf, sourdough, or sandwich bread; fresh or stale bread both work though fresh bread may need longer cooking.
- Store croutons in an airtight container with a paper towel in the fridge for up to 7 days to maintain crispness.
- To freeze, place croutons in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; reheat briefly in a pan to crisp before serving.
- To reduce oil usage, coat bread evenly using a spray bottle for oil instead of drizzling.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 86 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving (1/2 cup) | |
| Calories | 86kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 7.7g | 3% |
| Protein | 2.4g | 5% |
| Fat | 5.3g | 8% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.8g | 4% |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 139mg | 6% |
| Potassium | 46mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1.3g | 5% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Calcium | 20mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.5mg | 3% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
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Overall Rating
5
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