How to Make Crispy Homemade Croutons in the Oven

Croutons are crispy bread chunks that can easily elevate any dish. Whether you’re preparing a Caesar salad or a bowl of soup, croutons can add a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor. And the best part is that you can make them at home in just a few minutes. All you need is some stale bread, olive oil, and your oven.

The process of making croutons in the oven is simple and flexible. You can customize the size, shape, and seasoning of your croutons according to your preference. Plus, homemade croutons are much cheaper and healthier than store-bought ones that can be loaded with additives and preservatives. So, if you’re ready to learn how to make croutons in the oven, let’s get started.

How to Make Croutons in the Oven: A Step-by-Step Guide

Croutons, those small cubes of bread that add texture and crunch to salads and soups, are surprisingly easy to make at home. Not only are homemade croutons cheaper and fresher than store-bought ones, they’re also healthier because you can control the amount of oil and seasonings used.

In this article, we’ll teach you how to make croutons in the oven using simple ingredients and equipment that you most likely already have in your kitchen. Follow our step-by-step guide to create croutons that are golden-brown, crispy, and incredibly delicious!

1. Choose the Right Bread

To make the best croutons, start with the right type of bread. Ideally, you want to use a dense, crusty bread that won’t turn into mush when baked. Some good options include sourdough, French, Italian, or ciabatta bread. Avoid using soft or fluffy bread, such as white sandwich bread, as it will become too soggy and crumble easily.

2. Cut the Bread into Bite-Sized Pieces

Using a sharp bread knife, cut your chosen bread into small, bite-sized cubes. Try to keep the pieces as uniform in size as possible, so they bake evenly. Aim for 1/2-inch to 1-inch cubes, depending on your preference.

3. Dry the Bread Cubes

Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet or a wire rack, making sure they’re not touching each other. Let them sit out at room temperature for a few hours or overnight to dry out. This step helps the croutons retain their shape and crispness when baked.

4. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will prevent the croutons from sticking to the pan and make cleanup easier.

5. Drizzle with Olive Oil

Drizzle a generous amount of olive oil over the bread cubes, making sure each piece is coated evenly. You want enough oil to help the croutons brown and become crispy but not so much that they’re greasy.

6. Sprinkle with Seasonings

Add your favorite seasonings to the bread cubes, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried herbs (like thyme, oregano, or basil), or grated Parmesan cheese. Go easy on the salt at first, and taste as you go to avoid overpowering the croutons.

7. Toss Gently to Coat

Using your hands or a spatula, gently toss the bread cubes to coat them with the oil and seasonings. Make sure every piece is coated well, but don’t crush or smush them.

8. Bake Until Golden Brown

Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the cubes. Check them frequently and stir or shake the pan occasionally to ensure even browning. The croutons should be golden brown, crispy on the outside, and slightly chewy on the inside.

9. Let Cool Completely

Once the croutons are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. Do not cover or store them until they’re completely cooled, or they might become soggy. You can store the cooled croutons in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag for up to a week.

10. Serve and Enjoy!

Use your homemade croutons in salads, soups, stuffing, or as a crunchy snack on their own. Your family and friends will be impressed by your homemade croutons and their delicious flavor and texture. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can experiment with different bread types, seasonings, and flavors to create croutons that suit your taste buds. Happy baking!

10 Easy Steps to make Croutons in the Oven

Croutons are a pantry staple that can be used in various ways to add crunch and texture to a dish. Making croutons at home is super easy and cost-effective. Avoid the store-bought croutons that are often packed with preservatives and chemicals. Instead, follow these simple steps to make croutons in the oven.

Step 1: Choose the Right Bread

The first step in making croutons is choosing the right bread. Any type of bread can be used, but a firm-textured bread like baguette, sourdough, or ciabatta works best. Stale bread is ideal for croutons because it will absorb more oil and seasoning and will crisp up nicely in the oven.

Step 2: Cut the Bread into Bite-sized Pieces

Slice the bread into bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch in diameter. You can also cut them into cubes for a classic crouton shape. Be sure to use a sharp knife to prevent the bread from getting squished.

Step 3: Toss the Bread Cubes with Oil or Butter

Toss the bread cubes with olive oil or melted butter until they are evenly coated. This will help the seasoning stick to the bread and give it a crispy texture. You can also add some minced garlic or herbs to the oil for extra flavor.

Step 4: Season the Bread Cubes

Season the bread cubes with salt and pepper, and any other spices or herbs you like. Classic crouton seasonings include garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, or dried basil.

Step 5: Spread the Bread Cubes on a Baking Sheet

Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Make sure there is enough room for the crumbs to crisp up evenly in the oven.

Step 6: Bake the Croutons in the Oven

Bake the croutons in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Stir the croutons halfway through baking to ensure they cook evenly.

Step 7: Cool the Croutons

Remove the croutons from the oven and let them cool completely before storing them in a container. This will prevent them from getting soggy.

Step 8: Store the Croutons

Once the croutons have cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to two weeks.

Step 9: Enjoy the Croutons

Use the croutons in a Caesar salad, soup, or as a savory snack. They can also be crushed and used as a topping for mac and cheese.

Step 10: Experiment with Different Flavors

Get creative with your crouton flavors by adding different spices and herbs. Try making ranch-flavored croutons with ranch seasoning mix, or Italian-flavored croutons with dried parsley, rosemary, and thyme.

In conclusion, making croutons in the oven is easy and fun, and the possibilities for different flavors are endless. Follow these simple steps and enjoy the delicious crunch of homemade croutons in your favorite dishes.

How to Season Your Croutons

Now that you’ve mastered the art of baking croutons in the oven, it’s time to take their flavor to the next level. Seasoning your croutons properly can turn a plain salad into a flavorful meal. There are a variety of seasonings you can use, and the good news is that you probably already have most of them in your pantry!

1. Garlic and Herb

One of the most classic crouton seasonings is garlic and herb. To make garlic and herb croutons, start by mixing together a tablespoon of dried basil, a tablespoon of dried oregano, a tablespoon of garlic powder, and a teaspoon of salt. Toss your baked croutons in this mixture while they’re still warm from the oven, coating them thoroughly. The result? Deliciously seasoned croutons that add a ton of flavor to any dish.

2. Parmesan and Black Pepper

If you’re looking for a more savory flavor, try seasoning your croutons with Parmesan and black pepper. Start by grating a cup of Parmesan cheese and mixing it with a teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Dip your baked croutons in a beaten egg white, and then toss them in the cheese mixture. Bake the croutons for an additional 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

3. Taco Seasoning

Want to add some spice to your salad? Make taco seasoning croutons! Mix together a tablespoon of chili powder, a teaspoon of cumin, a teaspoon of paprika, and a half a teaspoon of garlic powder. Toss your baked croutons in this mixture, and bake for an additional 5 minutes.

4. Rosemary and Sea Salt

A classic crouton seasoning, rosemary and sea salt is easy to make and delicious to eat. Simply mix together a tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary and a teaspoon of sea salt. Toss your baked croutons in this mixture, and let them cool before serving.

5. Everything Bagel Seasoning

Looking to try something different? Try seasoning your croutons with everything bagel seasoning! This seasoning blend typically includes sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and salt. Mix together a tablespoon of everything bagel seasoning, and toss your baked croutons in the mixture. Delicious and unique!

By trying out different seasoning blends, you can keep your croutons exciting and fun. Serve them on top of your favorite salad or soup, or eat them as a snack on their own. Once you start making croutons at home, you’ll never go back to store-bought again!

Time to Try Some Fresh and Delicious Homemade Croutons

Now that you’ve learned how to make croutons in the oven, it’s time to put your skills to the test and whip up a batch of your own! These crunchy bites of goodness are the perfect way to add texture to your soups, salads, or any dish you desire. Thanks for reading and happy baking! Be sure to check back for more kitchen inspiration and foodie tips.