May 8, 2023

Homemade Croutons Recipe: Easy, Crunchy, and Flavorful

Move over store-bought croutons—there’s a new star in the kitchen. Homemade croutons are the secret ingredient that can transform an ordinary salad, soup, or even pasta dish into something extraordinary. They’re crunchy, customizable, and far more flavorful than anything you’ll find in a bag. Best of all, making your own is quick, simple, and a great way to reduce food waste.

In this post, we’ll explore the rich history of croutons, their rise in modern cuisine, nutritional benefits, and some creative ways to use them. We’ll also share pro tips to help you master the art of making perfectly crisp, golden croutons every time.

The History of Croutons: From Medieval Necessity to Modern Delight

Croutons originated as a practical way to extend the life of stale bread in medieval Europe. Bread was a valuable resource, and nothing went to waste. By cutting it into cubes and toasting it, cooks created a long-lasting, crunchy topping that added texture to soups and stews.

The French popularized the term croûton, derived from croûte, meaning “crust,” and incorporated them into their cuisine as a staple garnish for soups and salads. Over time, croutons found their way into dishes around the world—from Middle Eastern fattoush to Italian panzanella, each culture adding its own twist.

Chef Tip: Want to give your croutons a Mediterranean flair? Toss them in olive oil, oregano, and za’atar for a bold, herbaceous flavor.

Why Croutons Are Still a Culinary Favorite

Croutons have evolved from a simple garnish to a versatile ingredient that chefs love for their ability to elevate dishes. Here’s why they’re still in the spotlight:

Texture Contrast: Croutons add the perfect crunch to creamy soups and salads, enhancing the overall eating experience.
Sustainability: Turning leftover bread into croutons is a great way to reduce food waste. With today’s focus on sustainability, homemade croutons are an easy win.
Endless Customization: From sourdough to rye, you can experiment with different bread types, seasonings, and even cooking methods (bake, pan-fry, or air-fry) to suit your taste.
Plant-Based and Gluten-Free Options: Growing demand for plant-based and gluten-free alternatives has inspired creative crouton variations using gluten-free bread and plant-based flavorings like nutritional yeast.

Trend Alert: Air-fried croutons are gaining popularity for their reduced oil content and perfectly crispy texture.

Common Ingredients and Deeper Culinary Techniques

Making croutons is easy, but mastering them takes a little finesse. Here’s what you’ll need:

Bread: Day-old bread is best for croutons. Sourdough, baguettes, focaccia, and even cornbread offer unique flavors and textures. For gluten-free croutons, use your favorite gluten-free bread.
Fat: Olive oil is the go-to for its flavor and crisping power, but you can also use melted butter for a richer taste or a blend of the two.
Seasonings: Minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary are classics. Add spices like smoked paprika, chili flakes, or cumin for an extra kick.

Advanced Technique: Use the Maillard reaction to your advantage by baking the croutons at a higher initial temperature (400°F/200°C) for 5 minutes, then reducing it to 350°F/175°C to finish. This creates that golden-brown crust while keeping the center airy and crisp.

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Croutons

Make your own delicious and crispy croutons with this easy-to-follow recipe. These homemade croutons are perfect for adding a flavorful crunch to your salads, soups, and more. With just a few simple ingredients and 20 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy freshly baked croutons that are healthier and tastier than store-bought versions.

Course Sauces, Stocks, and Accompaniments

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Servings 12

Author N. Jay Sorensen, MBA RDN

Ingredients

4 cups bread slices diced
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons minced garlic
Salt to taste
Garlic salt to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced bread, olive oil, and minced garlic. Mix well.
Season with salt and garlic salt to taste.
Spread the coated bread on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes or until the bread is crispy.
Remove from the oven and let cool.
Store the croutons in an airtight container or plastic zip-lock bag.

Notes

Enjoy the delightful crunch and enhanced flavors of these homemade croutons as you sprinkle them on your favorite salads, soups, or other culinary creations. Elevate your dishes with these healthier and more delicious alternatives to store-bought options.

Nutritional Value of Homemade Croutons

Croutons primarily provide carbohydrates, but when made at home, they can be a healthy addition to meals. Using whole-grain bread increases the fiber content, while heart-healthy olive oil adds beneficial fats.

Want to reduce sodium? Skip the garlic salt and opt for fresh garlic and a pinch of sea salt instead. If you’re watching your calorie intake, you can bake croutons with a light spritz of oil rather than a full coating.

Creative Ways to Use Croutons Beyond Salads

Croutons aren’t just for Caesar salads. Here are some inventive ways to incorporate them into your meals:

Top Soups: Add croutons to creamy tomato or butternut squash soup for a satisfying crunch.
Pasta Toppings: Sprinkle seasoned croutons over baked mac and cheese or carbonara for added texture.
Breakfast Bowls: Try sweet croutons made from cinnamon-raisin bread as a topping for yogurt or smoothie bowls.
Breadcrumb Substitute: Crush croutons and use them as a coating for baked chicken or fish.
Vegetable Dishes: Garnish roasted vegetables with croutons and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sophisticated side dish.

Chef Tip: For sweet croutons, toss bread cubes in melted butter, cinnamon, and a touch of sugar before baking. They’re perfect for topping desserts like ice cream or apple crisp.

Food Safety Tips for Homemade Croutons

To ensure your croutons are safe and maintain their quality:

Avoid Moldy Bread: Use bread that is stale but not moldy.
Cool Completely: Let croutons cool fully before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
Storage: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

For longer storage, freeze croutons in a resealable bag. Thaw and re-crisp in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes before using.

Conclusion

Homemade croutons are a simple, delicious way to add texture and flavor to your favorite dishes. By experimenting with different breads, seasonings, and techniques, you can create unique croutons that reflect your personal taste. Plus, they’re an eco-friendly way to reduce food waste while enhancing your meals.

So next time you find yourself with extra bread, skip the store-bought variety and make your own. Trust us—once you taste the difference, you’ll never go back!