Easy Homemade Croutons for Any Salad

Crunchy, garlicky homemade croutons made from day-old bread. Tossed with olive oil, butter, and herbs, then baked until golden—ready in 25 minutes and perfect for salads, soups, and more.

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Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 25

Servings: 6

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

▢ 6 cups day-old bread, cut into 0.5-inch cubes French bread, sourdough, or sandwich bread
▢ 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
▢ 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted for richer flavor; use more oil to keep dairy-free
▢ 1 tsp garlic powder
▢ 1 tsp Italian seasoning or use dried parsley and oregano
▢ 0.5 tsp kosher salt reduce if using salted butter
▢ 0.25 tsp black pepper
▢ 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional; add during last 5 minutes for best texture

Instructions

Preparation Steps

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup.
In a large bowl, combine bread cubes with olive oil and melted butter, tossing until evenly coated.
Sprinkle in garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss again to distribute seasonings.
Spread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between pieces for even browning.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, tossing halfway through, until golden and crisp. If using Parmesan, sprinkle it on during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Cool completely on the pan. Use immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Notes

For extra crunch, reduce oven to 325°F and bake an additional 5 minutes after they turn golden. Try variations: add smoked paprika, lemon zest, or swap Italian seasoning for za’atar. To re-crisp, toast at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes.

Nutrition