Best 12 Homemade Croutons Recipes

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Crafting homemade croutons is an art form, transforming stale bread into golden-brown, crunchy companions to salads, soups, and main dishes. With a symphony of flavors and textures, homemade croutons elevate culinary creations to new heights. Discover the secrets to creating perfect croutons, from selecting the ideal bread and cutting techniques to achieving the perfect crispness and seasoning. Unleash your culinary creativity and elevate your dishes to new heights with these delightful homemade croutons.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CHEF JOHN'S HOMEMADE CROUTONS



Chef John's Homemade Croutons image

Don't let stale baguettes go to waste! These garlic-parmesan croutons are the perfect crunchy topper for salads and soups. And they're ridiculously easy to make.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Crouton Recipes

Time 3h55m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

½ cup olive oil
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 (8 ounce) loaf French bread baguette, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
¾ cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, divided
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
1 pinch cayenne pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 300. Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat.
  • Stir olive oil and garlic together in a bowl. Let sit at room temperature until flavors are infused, about 3 hours.
  • Place bread cubes in a large bowl. Pour garlic oil through a strainer onto the bread; toss to coat bread with oil. Add 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper; toss to coat. Spread bread cubes out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Turn croutons and bake 15 minutes more. Push croutons together with a spatula so that they are in a compact rectangle on the baking sheet and no longer spread out; sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup cheese over the top. Bake until cheese is melted and the bread is crispy and crunchy, 10 to 15 minutes more.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 473.9 calories, Carbohydrate 34.1 g, Cholesterol 13.2 mg, Fat 32.4 g, Fiber 1.7 g, Protein 12.7 g, SaturatedFat 6.6 g, Sodium 889.9 mg, Sugar 1.7 g

HOMEMADE CROUTONS IN THE AIR FRYER



Homemade Croutons in the Air Fryer image

Although store-bought croutons come in a resealable bag, they still get stale quick. Homemade are simple to make and taste much better. I started making them in the oven but if you turn your back for a minute they can go from soft to burnt. I needed a low-maintenance method so I came up with this air fryer recipe that works perfectly every single time.

Provided by Soup Loving Nicole

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Crouton Recipes

Time 13m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 5

4 slices white bread, cubed
1 teaspoon parsley flakes
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon seasoned salt
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Steps:

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  • Place bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Whisk parsley, garlic powder, and seasoned salt into the melted butter and pour over bread cubes. Toss bread cubes with a rubber spatula until evenly coated. Let sit for 2 minutes for butter to absorb.
  • Place bread in the basket of the air fryer and cook for 4 minutes. Toss with a spatula and cook for 2 minutes more. Transfer croutons to a paper towel-lined plate until ready to use.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 96.6 calories, Carbohydrate 8.7 g, Cholesterol 15.3 mg, Fat 6.3 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 1.4 g, SaturatedFat 3.8 g, Sodium 191.2 mg, Sugar 0.8 g

HOMEMADE CROUTONS



Homemade Croutons image

You can change up these basic homemade croutons recipe by substituting your favorite herbs and spices. -Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 2-2/3 cups.

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 loaf (8 ounces) French bread, cubed
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
1/8 teaspoon ground mustard

Steps:

  • Place bread in a large bowl. Combine the remaining ingredients; drizzle over bread and toss to coat., Place in a single layer in an ungreased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake at 400° for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Cool. Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 110 calories, Fat 4g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 4mg cholesterol, Sodium 336mg sodium, Carbohydrate 16g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.

FAMILY FAVORITE SALAD WITH HOMEMADE RANCH DRESSING AND CROUTONS



Family Favorite Salad with Homemade Ranch Dressing and Croutons image

Provided by Guy Fieri

Categories     side-dish

Time 2h45m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 26

1 head butter lettuce, washed, spun dry and torn or cut into bite-size pieces
1/2 head red leaf lettuce, washed, spun dry and torn or cut into bite-size pieces
3/4 cup Ranch Dressing, recipe follows
1 cup Croutons, recipe follows
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, cut in 1/2
2 ripe avocados, halved, pitted and flesh diced
2 pieces bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled
1/3 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup buttermilk
3 tablespoons freshly chopped chives
2 tablespoons freshly chopped Italian parsley leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried dill
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon garlic paste, (use half of the salt and 5 cloves garlic smashed with the flat side of a knife, to make paste)
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for sprinkling
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 teaspoons dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried basil
2 teaspoons garlic paste, (2 cloves garlic smashed with the flat side of a knife and a sprinkle of salt, to make paste)
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 cups cubed stale Italian bread, cut into 3/4-inch cubes

Steps:

  • In a chilled salad bowl, add the greens and lightly coat the inside of the bowl with Ranch Dressing. Add the Croutons and toss lightly. Garnish with the tomatoes, avocado and bacon, serve immediately.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the ingredients and blend well with fork or stick blender. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
  • In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients, except the bread, until well combined. Adjust the seasoning, if needed. Add in the bread and mix well with your hands, tossing to coat all sides of cubes. Pour out onto a baking sheet and spread evenly. Bake in the oven for 20 to 30 minutes, turning after 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool. Store in an airtight container.

HOMEMADE CROUTONS RECIPE BY TASTY



Homemade Croutons Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: bread, olive oil, salt, garlic powder, dried oregano

Provided by Merle O'Neal

Yield 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 5

4 slices bread, stale and cubed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Place the bread cubes on a greased baking sheet. Drizzle with the olive oil and season with the salt, garlic powder, and oregano. Toss until evenly coated
  • Bake for 15 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.
  • Use as croutons, or smash to make breadcrumbs.
  • Enjoy!

CAESAR SALAD WITH HOMEMADE TAPENADE CROUTONS



Caesar Salad with Homemade Tapenade Croutons image

Provided by Wolfgang Puck

Categories     Salad     Garlic     Leafy Green     Olive     Oscars     Lunch     Parmesan     Fall     Winter     Lettuce     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Kosher

Yield Makes 2 to 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Croutons:
1/3 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano leaves
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
One 1-pound loaf of day-old bread, preferably sourdough, sliced and cut into large cubes (about 2 cups)
1 recipe Black and Green Olive Tapenade
Salad:
2 heads of baby romaine lettuce, or 1 large head of romaine
1 recipe Caesar Vinaigrette
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Steps:

  • 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • 2. Make the croutons: In a medium bowl, combine the oil, cheese, garlic, oregano, and thyme. Add the bread and toss, coating all the croutons.
  • 3. Arrange the croutons in a single layer on a baking tray and bake until golden, turning to brown all sides. Cool and store in a cool, dry place.
  • 4. Make the salad: Trim the lettuce and toss with some of the Caesar Vinaigrette . Arrange on salad plates and sprinkle with a little Parmesan cheese, if desired.
  • 5. Spread one side of your croutons with a thin layer of the Black and Green Olive Tapenade . Arrange atop the salads and serve immediately.

HOMEMADE SOURDOUGH CROUTONS



Homemade Sourdough Croutons image

Make and share this Homemade Sourdough Croutons recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Millereg

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 45m

Yield 1 loaf's worth of croutons, 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 loaf sourdough bread
2 1/2 fluid ounces olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
pepper
2 cloves garlic, pressed or very finely chopped (or more, to taste)
1 teaspoon dried mixed Italian herbs or 1 teaspoon Italian spices (OR be creative and mix your own favourite dried spices)

Steps:

  • Cut the loaf in half lengthwise and scoop out all the soft bread – DO NOT use the crust.
  • Tear the bread into ½” to ¾” chunks.
  • Whisk or blend together the oil, salt, pepper, garlic and mixed spices.
  • Toss the bread chunks in the oil mixture, making sure that they are all coated.
  • Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.
  • Place them on a large baking sheet and place in a 300-degree oven for 15- 20 minutes, turning them ever 5 minutes, until they are golden brown.

ICED GAZPACHO WITH HOMEMADE GARLIC CROUTONS



Iced Gazpacho With Homemade Garlic Croutons image

Make and share this Iced Gazpacho With Homemade Garlic Croutons recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Midwest Maven

Categories     Peppers

Time 30m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 red bell peppers, seeded and coarsely chopped
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and coarsely chopped
14 ounces tomatoes, large and juicy ones, skinned, seeded and coarsely chopped
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons sherry wine vinegar
salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 garlic clove, halved
2 slices bread, crusts removed and cut into 1/4 inch cubes
sea salt
diced green and red bell pepper
finely diced seeded cucumber
chopped scallion
ice cube

Steps:

  • Put the bell peppers, cucumber, tomatoes, olive oil and vinegar in a food processor, and process until smooth.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste, transfer to a bowl, cover and chill for at least 4 hours.
  • Meanwhile, for the garlic croutons, heat the oil in a skillet over med/high heat.
  • Add the garlic and fry for 2 minutes, stirring to flavor the oil.(can use more garlic if you like).
  • Discard the garlic, add the bread cubes, and fry until golden on all sides.
  • Drain well on paper towels, sprinkle with the sea salt and store in an airtight container if not using immediately.
  • To serve, place ice cubes in soup bowls, ladle the soup on top and then top with your garnishes and croutons, or let your guests add their own.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 261.1, Fat 21.1, SaturatedFat 3, Sodium 73.3, Carbohydrate 16.8, Fiber 3.1, Sugar 6.9, Protein 3

SOUTH PHILLY CHILI WITH HOMEMADE “WHIZ WIT” AND PRETZEL CROUTONS



SOUTH PHILLY CHILI WITH HOMEMADE “WHIZ WIT” AND PRETZEL CROUTONS image

Categories     Soup/Stew     Pork     Kid-Friendly     Tailgating     Simmer

Yield 12 bowls

Number Of Ingredients 34

South Philly Chili:
1 tbsp .Olive Oil
2 ½ tsp. Garlic, minced
1 ½ lbs. Sweet Italian Sausage, thinly sliced
1 ½ lbs. Spicy Italian Sausage, thinly sliced
1 Hot Cherry Pepper, minced
1 medium Eggplant, cut into bite sized cubes
1 large Zucchini, cut into bite sized cubes
1 can White Beans, drained and rinsed
1 ½ c. Sweet Roasted Yellow and Red Peppers, chopped
2 cans Crushed Whole Tomatoes
1 can Beef Broth
3 tbsp. Tomato Paste
1 ½ tsp. Chili Powder
1 tbsp. Fresh Basil, chopped
¼ tsp. Fresh Oregano, chopped
½ tsp. Salt
¼ tsp. Cracked Black Pepper
Homemade Whiz Wit:
3tbsp. Butter
3tbsp. Flour
2c. Whole Milk
1 ¼ c. Sharp Cheddar, shredded
½ c, Sharp Provolone, shredded
½ tsp. Salt
1/8 tsp. Cracked Black Pepper
1 tbsp. Olive Oil
1 lg. Spanish Onion, chopped
¼ c. White Cooking Wine
Pretzel Croutons:
3 Soft Pretzels, cut into bite sized cubes
2 tbsp. Olive Oil
¼ tsp. Garlic Powder
¼ tsp. Mustard Powder

Steps:

  • South Philly Chili Preparation: In a large soup pot heat olive oil over medium high heat, saute garlic and sausages until golden brown. Add cherry peppers, eggplant and zucchini and saute until tender. Drain off excess oil and add beans, roasted peppers, crushed tomatoes, beef broth and tomato paste and stir to incorporate. Bring chili to a simmer, reduce heat to low and add chili powder, basil, oregano, salt and pepper. Cook chili for 25-30 minutes stirring occasionally. Keep hot until ready to serve. Homemade Whiz Wit Preparation: In a medium sauce pot melt butter over medium heat, add flour and stir to create a roux. Pour in whole milk, whisk and bring to a simmer. Whisk in cheddar and provolone cheese half a cup at a time until completely melted and sauce begins to thicken. Season with salt and pepper and reduce heat to low, making sure to stir occasionally to keep sauce from browning on the bottom. In a large skillet heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add onions add saute until caramelized, stirring frequently. Deglaze pan with cooking wine and continue to cook until wine has evaporated. Stir caramelized onions into cheese sauce. Keep hot until ready to serve. Pretzel Croutons Preparation: Preheat oven to 400 F. Toss pretzel cubes in a large metal bowl with olive oil, garlic powder and mustard powder. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until pretzels are crunchy and golden brown . To serve ladel chili into bowls, spoon cheese sauce over top and garnish with pretzel croutons.

HOMEMADE CROUTONS



Homemade Croutons image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     condiment

Time 25m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 4

Day old French bread
Olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Cut bread into cubes and place in a large bowl. Drizzle cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Mix well.
  • Spread seasoned bread onto a sheet pan and bake for about 15 minutes.

BREAD CRUMBS OR CROUTONS HOMEMADE (SALLYE)



BREAD CRUMBS OR CROUTONS HOMEMADE (SALLYE) image

It is so easy to make your own bread crumbs, and you save a ton of money while you're doing it. Using up all those bits and pieces of bread that you might have thrown out, and the bonus is, there's not additives to wonder about. You control what goes in/on them.

Provided by sallye bates

Categories     Other Breads

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 3

stale or leftover bread***
herb/spice seasoning mix****
cooking spray, olive oil or your choice

Steps:

  • 1. Line a large cooking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Turn oven to 325º
  • 2. ***Any kind of leftover bread will work. I've used hamburger or hot dog buns, white bread wheat bread, homemade bread and other kinds. It's okay to mix kinds of bread in the same batch.
  • 3. Cut or tear bread into 1-1/2" cubes (approximately. Spread the bread pieces out in a single layer.
  • 4. Spray bread generously with cooking spray (again your choice....I always use olive oil), Gently mix the bread so that all surfaces are covered with oil.
  • 5. ***** HERBS AND SPICES. Use your choice of herbs/spice seasoning mix to coat the bread. https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/main-course/other-main-course/homemade-italian-seasoning-mix-sallye.html https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/non-edible/other-non-edible/herb-de-provence-mix-sallyeo.html https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/non-edible/other-non-edible/southwestern-seasoned-salt.html https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/sauce-spread/sauce-spread-seasoning-mix/diy-mrs-dash-seasoning-mix-sallye.html These are some I use at different times, but use your favorites. Sometimes I add Kraft Parmesan cheese to the seasoning mix.
  • 6. Place baking sheet in preheated oven and turn timer on to 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, check bread. Stir and continue baking until bread is a toasty brown. (about 10 more minutes)
  • 7. Remove from oven and allow to cool. NOTE: FOR CROUTONS, STOP HERE.
  • 8. FOR BREAD CRUMBS, ADD THE FOLLOWING STEPS: Place bread pieces in food processor and process on medium to high speed until desired coarseness is reached. Dependent on the amount of bread you've toasted, you may need to process more than one batch.
  • 9. You can also reserve some of the bread pieces for croutons. So easy and so much better and cheaper than "store bought" bread crumbs.

HOMEMADE CROUTONS



Homemade Croutons image

Provided by Jean Anderson

Categories     Bake     Gourmet

Yield Makes 1 cup

Number Of Ingredients 3

3 slices stale firm-textured white bread
1 tablespoon or more softened unsalted butter, or 1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon crushed garlic (optional)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 300°F.
  • Trim crusts from bread and discard.
  • Lightly butter both sides of each slice (or, if you prefer, first blend butter with crushed garlic). I often substitute fruity extra-virgin olive oil for butter, sometimes plain, sometimes mixed with 1/4 teaspoon crushed garlic. Because bread absorbs more oil than softened butter, 1 1/2 tablespoons oil is about right.
  • Cut each buttered slice into 1/3-inch cubes and spread in a single layer, not touching, on an ungreased large baking sheet.
  • Slide onto the middle oven shelf and toast about 15 minutes until pale tan.
  • Use croutons as the recipe directs.

Tips for Making Perfect Croutons:

  • Use stale bread: Stale bread is less likely to absorb too much oil and become soggy.
  • Cut the bread into uniform cubes: This will help them toast evenly.
  • Toss the bread cubes with oil and seasonings: This will help them flavor evenly.
  • Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet: This will help them toast evenly.
  • Bake the croutons at a high temperature: This will help them brown and crisp quickly.
  • Keep an eye on the croutons while they are baking: They can burn quickly.

Conclusion:

Croutons are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. They add a crunchy texture and flavor to salads, soups, and casseroles. They can also be used as a topping for bruschetta or crostini. Making croutons at home is easy and affordable. With a little planning, you can have a batch of fresh, delicious croutons on hand whenever you need them.

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