These Easy Homemade Croutons are perfect for any salad — or you can eat them for a snack as I do!
When I make a salad, I have found out that I love making my own dressings. For years, I have been making homemade ranch and Olive Garden Copycat dressing. Recently though, I've started adding another homemade element to my salads — and that is my easy homemade croutons.
These easy homemade croutons are so crunchy and flavorful thanks to the spices and olive oil. It's an excellent way to use up any leftover bread you might have laying around as well.
How to Make Your Own Croutons
Start with a loaf of day old french bread. A lot of times, stores will sell these for .25-.50, so when I find them on markdown, I buy them up and store them in my freezer for this moment.
Take the loaf and cube up until your pieces are about 1″ cubes.
Once you get your cubes, take a baking sheet and cover it in parchment paper. I have learned that by using parchment paper the croutons tend to get a bit more crispy.
Once you put them in a single layer on the baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil. You do not need a lot — don't soak the bread. Just a light drizzle is all you need.
Once you have the olive oil drizzled on, sprinkle on some salt and pepper. Then, using Italian season (or those yummy ZapPaks from Little Caeser Pizza), sprinkle on your spices.
This is where you can get creative with the flavor of your croutons.
Now, just pop them in a 350-degree oven and bake for about 8-15 minutes, depending on how brown and toasty you want your croutons.
We like ours to get pretty brown. During the cooking process, take them out occasionally and give the pan a shake. This will ensure that they brown on all sides.
Make sure the croutons cool all the way off. You do not want hot croutons on your salad.
Once they cool off, you can store them in a ziplock bag on the counter. You will want to use them in just a few days. They will start to soften after about 4 days on the counter.
Here's the best part — we eat these as a snack too! They are so addictive you won't be able to eat just one.
Have you ever made homemade croutons before?
Interested in more delicious recipes perfect for a salad? Check out these recipes below!
- Homemade Ranch Dressing
- Classic Caesar Salad Dressing
- Rainbow Fruit Salad
- Broccoli Salad
- Greek Pasta Salad
Easy Homemade Croutons
These easy homemade croutons are a perfect addition to any summer salad.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf day old french bread
- olive oil
- salt
- Pepper
- Italian Seasoning (or spice of your choice)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350-degrees. Take a baking sheet and cover with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Take the loaf of French bread and cube the bread into 1" cubes. If you like bigger croutons, feel free to cut them into bigger cubes.
- Place in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Take olive oil and drizzle lightly on the croutons. Do not over soak the bread cubes.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle on Italian seasoning.
- Bake in the oven for 8-15 minutes depending on how toasty you would like your croutons to get.
- Occasionally shake them so that they brown on all sides.
- Remove from the oven and allow the croutons to cool before using.
Notes
Croutons can be stored for 4 days on the counter in a ziplock bag.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1/2 cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 177Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 427mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 6g
Chrysa
Wednesday 29th of May 2019
A salad is always better with croutons. these look so good!
The Frugal Samurai
Tuesday 28th of May 2019
DELISH!!! We tried it last night and it's so simple and tasty, thanks for sharing!
Stefani Tolson
Tuesday 28th of May 2019
I love croutons with my salads! I have never made my own but you make it sound so easy!