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Crispy, cheesy, and garlicky bites of toasted bread perfect for topping salads and soups. These homemade croutons are incredibly easy to make and far superior to store-bought versions.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle evenly with the olive oil.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, fine sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper over the bread.
Toss everything together gently with your hands or a large spatula until each bread cube is evenly coated with oil and seasonings.
Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure they bake evenly and become crispy.
Bake for 10 minutes. Remove the sheet from the oven and toss the croutons with a spatula to promote even browning.
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the croutons are golden brown, crisp, and fragrant.
Let the croutons cool completely on the baking sheet. They will continue to crisp up as they cool. Once cooled, serve immediately or store for later use.
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Crispy, cheesy, and garlicky bites of toasted bread perfect for topping salads and soups. These homemade croutons are incredibly easy to make and far superior to store-bought versions.
This american recipe takes 30 minutes to prepare and yields 8 servings. At 128.46 calories per serving with 3.72g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for snack or side.
Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings for a spicy kick.
Replace the Italian seasoning with 1 tablespoon of dry ranch seasoning mix for a different flavor profile.
Experiment with other hard, aged cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a sharper, saltier flavor.
Making croutons at home allows you to choose high-quality ingredients like extra virgin olive oil and control the amount of salt, avoiding the preservatives and hydrogenated oils often found in store-bought varieties.
This recipe uses olive oil, which is rich in monounsaturated fats. These fats are known to be beneficial for heart health when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
A single serving of about 1/2 cup (27g) contains approximately 110-130 calories, depending on the type of bread and oil used.
Homemade cheese croutons can be part of a balanced diet. Making them at home allows you to control the ingredients, using heart-healthy olive oil and avoiding preservatives. However, they are calorie-dense and should be enjoyed in moderation.
A sturdy, crusty bread like sourdough, ciabatta, or a French baguette works best. These breads have a firm texture that holds up well to baking and results in a satisfyingly crunchy crouton.
Once completely cooled, store the croutons in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and crispy for up to one week.
While you can, fresh minced garlic has a high risk of burning in the oven, which can make the croutons taste bitter. Garlic powder provides a more consistent, evenly distributed flavor without the risk of burning.