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Store-bought croutons are convenient, but the rich flavor and charm of rustic homemade croutons simply can’t be replicated.
What’s more, you don’t have to wait for your bread to go stale to make homemade croutons. A fresh loaf, high-quality olive oil and a few herbs and spices will do the trick.
These little gems are a delicious way to take vibrant salads and soups to the next level.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This rustic homemade croutons recipe takes minimal effort for such flavorful results. Here’s why we think you’ll love it.
- It’s super simple and wildly versatile.
- These crunchy croutons are so darn delicious.
- This recipe comes together quickly … as in 20 minutes in the oven and voila! Fresh homemade croutons.
- You know exactly what you’re feeding your family, and that’s important.
- The ingredients list is short and sweet, just like the time it takes to create these rustic beauties.
The Ingredients
- Fresh bakery bread
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper
Tasty Tip: Get Creative!
Making croutons from scratch means embracing versatility. Get creative and try different types of artisan breads and seasonings. For example, try an asiago bread from your local bakery and pair it with a Mediterranean spice blend. Use herb-infused olive oils for an extra kick.
How to Make Rustic Homemade Croutons
Step 1. Prepare the ingredients.
Move an oven rack to the middle position and preheat to 400 F.
Cut the fresh bakery loaf into cubes. You can make these croutons on the large side, like those in the photos above, or on the smaller side. Just make sure the cubes are relatively consistent in size to ensure an even bake.
In a large mixing bowl, toss the bread cubes in the olive oil and seasonings until evenly coated.
Step 2. Bake the croutons.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the bread in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Bake for 20 minutes, tossing or stirring the croutons at the 10-minute mark to ensure a consistent result.
Quick Tip
Overcrowding the pan may yield results that are less crunchy than you’d expect from a crouton. Ensure the croutons are in a single layer.
Step 3. Let the croutons rest.
Remove the croutons from the oven when they are crisp and golden brown. Allow the croutons to cool completely before serving or storing.
Ta-da! You’ve just created beautiful, delicious rustic homemade croutons that are sure to impress and delight.
Serving Suggestions
These homemade croutons are absolutely delicious in leafy green salads, as a garnish in creamy soups, or as an added crunch to pasta salads. They would be a wonderful addition to this Roasted Garlic and Watercress Soup with Lemon Creme Fraiche.
How to Store Homemade Croutons
Homemade croutons should be stored in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to a week. We have found that these croutons rarely last more than two or three days at our house. Even after a few days, these croutons still crunchy and fresh!
Rustic Homemade Croutons FAQs
Can I use different types of seasonings in this recipe?
Yes! In fact, it’s encouraged. The options are truly endless. Get creative by using seasonings that will accompany your recipes. For example, try garlic and cumin croutons to pair with a big batch of spicy chili, or up the oregano for a chopped Italian salad.
What type of bread is best for homemade croutons?
This is another opportunity to get creative because there isn’t one answer to this question. French baguettes, Italian bakery bread, sourdough, herb and asiago cheese breads and rye bread are all delicious options. Check your local farmers market for artisan loaves like olive and herb sourdough or fresh gluten-free bread.
How long do homemade croutons stay fresh?
Properly stored in an airtight container at room temperature, croutons will last anywhere from 2-3 days to a week. That is, if you can keep them around that long!
Are croutons healthy?
Homemade croutons can be as healthy or unhealthy as you make them. If you don’t make your own bread at home, you don’t know exactly what’s in it. Look for a fresh loaf from a local bakery and check the ingredients list or ask how it’s made. Whole wheat and sprouted grain breads will provide higher nutritional value than a rounded loaf of white country bread.
While high-quality olive oil is heart healthy, many homemade crouton recipes use exceptionally large quantities of olive oil, which increases the caloric value. This crouton recipe uses minimal olive oil and yet the croutons come out crispy and delicious.
Can I use a different type of oil instead of extra-virgin olive oil?
Extra-virgin olive oil adds a distinctive flavor to these rustic homemade croutons, but you can substitute with another neutral-flavored oil like light olive oil, grapeseed oil or avocado oil, if preferred.
Rustic Homemade Croutons
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Ingredients
- 12- ounce loaf of rustic bakery bread
- 2-3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste
Instructions
- Move an oven rack to the middle position and preheat to 400 F.
- Cut the fresh bakery loaf into cubes.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the bread cubes in the olive oil and seasonings until evenly coated.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the bread in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Bake for 20 minutes, tossing or stirring the croutons at the 10-minute mark to ensure a consistent result.
- Remove the croutons from the oven when they are crisp and golden brown. Allow the croutons to cool completely before serving or storing.
