Easy homemade croutons are cubes of firm bread tossed with oil, garlic powder, oregano, and salt and baked at 180°C (356°F) for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and crisp. They take 10 minutes of preparation and 15 minutes of baking, and serve 4.
A great way to use day old bread and add crunch to salads, soups, and cream soups.
How to Make Bread Croutons?
Cut good bread, such as baguette or whole wheat, into cubes, season it with a balanced mix of oil, herbs, and spices, and bake until golden.
Nutritional Information
Each 30 g serving of homemade croutons contains approximately 120 kcal, 3 g of protein, 5 g of total fat (1 g of saturated fat), 0 mg of cholesterol, 15 g of carbohydrates, 1 g of sugars, and 150 mg of sodium. These values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.
Easy Homemade Croutons Recipe
Preparation: 10 minutes
Cooking: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 slices of firm bread
- 3 tablespoons of oil
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of oregano
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F) and line a tray with parchment paper. Cut the bread into small, even cubes. In a bowl, toss the cubes with the oil, garlic powder, oregano, and salt until well coated.
- Spread the cubes on the tray, leaving space so they brown evenly. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring halfway so they brown on all sides. Let cool before serving.
Additional Tips
Size them for the dish
Make larger cubes for soups so they do not fall apart, and smaller ones for salads.
Use day old bread
Slightly dry bread absorbs the oil evenly and turns crisper.
Store them dry
Keep them in an airtight jar at room temperature for up to a week.
| Original ingredient | Substitute | Ratio | Flavor note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oregano | Rosemary or thyme | 1 teaspoon | Different herb |
| Garlic powder | Grated parmesan | 2 tablespoons | Cheesy |
| Oven | Skillet | Medium heat, stirring | Faster |
| White bread | Whole wheat bread | 4 slices | More fiber |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make them in a skillet instead of the oven?
Yes, brown them in a skillet over medium heat with a little oil, stirring constantly until crisp.
2. How long do homemade croutons keep?
Up to 1 week in an airtight jar at room temperature.
3. Can I freeze croutons?
Yes, once cool, for up to 2 months. Warm them briefly in the oven before using.
4. What other seasonings can I use?
Rosemary, thyme, sweet paprika, curry, grated parmesan, or Italian herbs.
History of Croutons
Croutons come from French cooking as a way to use stale bread. The name comes from the French croûton, from croûte, meaning crust.
Did You Know?
Croutons are not only for salads; they also go well with cream soups such as pumpkin or spinach, or as a snack with hummus or guacamole.
How to adapt this recipe to a vegan or vegetarian version?
How to adapt this recipe to a gluten-free version?
How to adapt this recipe to a keto (ketogenic) version?
Recommended
- Chilean Pumpkin Cream Soup Recipe
- Homemade Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe
- Chilean Wine Cookies Recipe
- Chilean Grape Arrope Recipe
