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Home » Recipes

Easy Homemade Croutons

Talk about an extra special and unexpected addition to your dinner salad. My kids go nuts over these homemade croutons, and I honestly have to do what I can to stop them from just eating this crunchy goodness plain so we can actually enjoy them in our salad with dinner!

Easy Homemade Croutons that have been made with whole wheat sandwich bread

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I love making homemade croutons because they help you save money by using up leftover bread or those end pieces that the kids won’t eat. They’re also a great way to revitalize homemade bread that’s a few days old. 

Once you're done, use these homemade croutons immediately with your favorite salad recipe.

Homemade Croutons With Fresh or Stale Bread

Usually homemade croutons are made with stale bread but this recipe can be used with soft bread too! Any moisture in the bread will naturally toast out as it bakes in the oven; perfect if you need croutons in a pinch.

The Best Bread to Use

To keep with our real food mission, we recommend making homemade croutons with whole wheat bread that’s made without refined sugar. Store bought is fine, but these croutons are especially delicious with leftover homemade bread.

If you prefer sourdough croutons, you could also use whole wheat sourdough bread instead. King Arthur flour has a great recipe, but I recommend substituting the canola oil with cold pressed extra-virgin olive oil or an unrefined oil of your choice.

Homemade Croutons FAQs

Will this recipe work with other bread varieties?

Although we recommend using 100% whole grains, this recipe will work with almost any sliced bread you have on hand. 

Can I use stale (or partially stale) bread to make croutons?

Yes! Homemade croutons are a great way to use up bread that’s starting to get stale or a little bit hard. Reduce baking time accordingly, removing the bread crumbs once they crisp up. This will vary depending on the bread’s moisture content so you’ll just have to watch for doneness. 

What is Italian seasoning? 

Italian seasoning is a premade seasoning blend you can find at most grocery stores. To make your own, combine the following dried spices: 2 tablespoons of each basil, oregano, and parsley, 1 tablespoon of each rosemary, thyme, and red chilli flakes, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. 

Can I use this recipe to make homemade breadcrumbs?

If you're looking to make breadcrumbs instead of croutons check out our homemade breadcrumb recipe instead.

Seasoning Alternative: Caesar Croutons

If you typically use your homemade croutons in caesar salad then you might want to swap the Italian seasoning for a more traditional cesar crouton seasoning instead. 

To make cesar salad croutons replace the Italian seasoning with 2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of dried parsley, ½ teaspoon of dried oregano, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon of dried thyme. 

Homemade Croutons

Croutons are just all around good stuff. And thankfully homemade croutons are super easy to make with whole-wheat sandwich bread and SO yummy.
3 Reviews / 5 Average
Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Cook Time: 15 minutes mins
Total Time: 25 minutes mins
Course: Sides
Cuisine: American
Method: Freezer Friendly, Too Easy
Diet: Egg Free, Peanut/Tree Nut-Free, Vegetarian
Print Recipe
Servings: 6 cups
Save Recipe Saved!

Ingredients
  

  • 6 pieces whole-wheat bread (cut into 1-inch cubes (about 6 cups worth))
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • On a large baking sheet, spread out the bread cubes into one layer. Evenly sprinkle the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt over top. Then drizzle the olive oil over top as well.
  • Using your hands, toss to combine thoroughly and then spread back into one even layer.
  • Bake for 14 to 16 minutes or until golden brown. The croutons will harden as they cool. For maximum crispiness, use right away rather than storing for another day.

Notes

  • We recommend organic ingredients when feasible.
  • Use this Whole Wheat Bread for this recipe!
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Homemade Croutons
Amount Per Serving
Calories 86 Calories from Fat 81
% Daily Value*
Fat 9g14%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Sodium 200mg9%
Potassium 14mg0%
Carbohydrates 2g1%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 10IU0%
Vitamin C 0.2mg0%
Calcium 11mg1%
Iron 0.4mg2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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7.3K shares

About Lisa Leake

Lisa is a wife, mother, foodie, blogger, and #1 New York Times Best-selling author who is on a mission to cut out processed food.

Comments

  1. Janice Comeau-Patrizz says

    April 11, 2017 at 7:17 pm

    How can I keep croutons soft not hard when I make them

    Reply
    • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

      April 17, 2017 at 2:26 pm

      Hmmm. Not sure. I've never attempted to make soft croutons.

      Reply
  2. Lyndsay says

    March 15, 2016 at 12:32 pm

    These were delicious! Never buying store bought again!

    Reply
  3. Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

    August 04, 2015 at 11:24 am

    Hi Leah. It will work with white bread, too, though we do recommend sticking with 100% whole grains.

    Reply
  4. Leah says

    July 30, 2015 at 8:42 pm

    What if you just use regular white bread?

    Reply
  5. Bonnie S says

    May 05, 2015 at 3:36 pm

    don't have whole wheat bread. But I do have texas toast that needs to get used. Would it work??

    Reply
    • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

      May 07, 2015 at 10:05 am

      Hi Bonnie. I do not see why that wouldn't work.

      Reply
  6. Tess says

    April 21, 2015 at 8:05 am

    Used pretzel rolls with olive oil and sea salt... Amazing

    Reply
  7. Tashana says

    February 11, 2015 at 10:40 am

    Can I use Italian seasoning

    Reply
    • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

      February 16, 2015 at 10:11 am

      You can season them however you like. ;)

      Reply
  8. Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

    December 01, 2014 at 10:59 am

    Hi Julie. Sure, butter will work. ;)

    Reply
  9. Julie says

    November 26, 2014 at 3:08 pm

    Can I use melted butter instead of olive oil?

    Reply
  10. autum says

    October 27, 2014 at 5:31 pm

    How long are they good for if you put in a jar :-) p.s. They are great

    Reply
  11. Kate says

    March 03, 2014 at 5:18 pm

    These are great. I had everything done my way and just looked up to check how long to bake them and the tempature. My recipe was exactly the same, but I used Johnny's parmensian garlic seasoning! Soooo easy and yummy!

    Reply
  12. Ali says

    February 28, 2014 at 1:46 pm

    5 stars
    big hit for the whole family.

    Reply
  13. Christina says

    December 31, 2013 at 4:46 pm

    mmm. I love making my own croutons, and yes, the kid loves "the little toasty bits" as well. sometimes I add seasonings but sometimes I don't bother. and sometimes I use butter instead of olive oil.

    Reply
  14. Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says

    December 29, 2013 at 8:15 pm

    Hi Kelly. They should be okay for a few days in a jar or zipper bag. Beyond that, I would freeze them. Homemade croutons freeze well. ~Amy

    Reply
  15. Kelly says

    December 29, 2013 at 7:04 pm

    If I make a big batch of these how is best to store them freezer or a jar?

    Reply
    • Silvan says

      January 11, 2020 at 6:02 pm

      5 stars
      Not sure why I haven't made my own croutons before and I may never buy them again. These are delicious, easy to make and a great use of old bread. Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
  16. Motherhiker says

    December 22, 2013 at 7:18 am

    Seemed=seeds

    Reply
  17. Motherhiker says

    December 22, 2013 at 7:17 am

    I quit using croutons all together, I use seemed to give my salads that extra crunch.

    Reply
  18. Melinda says

    December 17, 2013 at 11:01 am

    Where have these been all my life??? Soo much better then store bought! I ate 1/2 of them by themselves. A loaf of bread is usually too much bread for me so now I can use this recipe for all of that extra bread! Thank you!

    Reply
  19. Lenore says

    December 16, 2013 at 8:33 pm

    Here's an idea: after the croutons are toasted, make mini-cheese sandwiches and put them back in the oven for a minute or two. Best tomatoe soup croutons EVER.

    Reply
  20. Kristin says

    December 16, 2013 at 12:51 pm

    Ha, ha, my two oldest girls fight over who GETS to eat the heel, so I'll be making mine with slices of bread. Never heard of Italian seasoning and recipes to make one's own differ vastly, but Penzy's does make a pasta sprinkle (basil oregano, thyme and garlic). I think I'll try that and omit the added garlic. Sounds yummy!

    Reply
  21. Jennifer-Mommy Life After Ph.D. says

    December 13, 2013 at 9:22 am

    My kids are going to DEVOUR these! Can't wait to give them a try. And I loved the advice the other day about getting kids to eat salad. We had to do the same with our third little guy and now he loves it.

    Reply
  22. Mary says

    December 12, 2013 at 7:52 pm

    I just made made these using Ezekiel Bread. I only added olive oil, garlic salt, and Nutritional Yeast. EXCELLENT!! I also only had to bake them for about 6 minutes. The Nutritional Yeast gives it a nutty/cheese taste.

    Reply
  23. Anna says

    December 12, 2013 at 2:13 pm

    We make these with sourdough bread. Amazing! We usually use the prepackaged Italian dressing mix (prepared with the vinegar and oil as directed), but I am so excited to find an alternative! But seriously, try it with sourdough. :)

    Reply
  24. Jennifer says

    December 12, 2013 at 12:08 am

    What is the recipe for the Italian seasoning?

    Reply
    • Jennifer Harvin says

      December 12, 2013 at 9:05 am

      It is just a pre mixed blend of herbs called Italian Seasoning.

      Reply
      • Debbie Ruiz says

        December 12, 2013 at 9:13 am

        Italian seasoning consists of marjoram, thyme, rosemary, sage, oregano and basil.

  25. Courtney @ FamilyGoneHealthy says

    December 11, 2013 at 7:48 pm

    I have just started saving the heels of the bread to try croutons and making my own bread crumbs. Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
  26. laramealor.com says

    December 11, 2013 at 3:37 pm

    5 stars
    Love croutons can not wait to try this! Thanks For sharing.

    Reply
  27. Jessica @ Little Nesting Doll says

    December 11, 2013 at 2:31 pm

    We make our own croutons too--we always just take the heels of the (organic, whole-wheat) bread and set them aside in a different bag and use those for croutons. That way I don't have to hear anyone complain about getting the heel in their sandwich at lunch, either! :)

    Reply

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