Cheese Croutons
Crisp, golden cubes of bread tossed with olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, then baked until crunchy on the outside with a satisfying, slightly chewy center. These homemade croutons add instant flavor and texture to any soup or salad, and they come together in just 20 minutes.
For 4 servings
- prep
Preheat the oven and prep the bread.
1.Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).2.Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.3.Place the bread cubes into a large mixing bowl.TIPDay-old or slightly stale bread works best — it's drier and crisps up more evenly. - mix
Season the bread cubes.
1.Drizzle the olive oil over the bread cubes.2.Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.3.Toss well with your hands or a spoon until every cube is evenly coated.TIPUse your hands to toss — it gives you the best feel for coating and prevents dry spots. - bake · ~15 min
Bake until golden and crisp.
1.Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.2.Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the croutons are deep golden brown and crunchy.3.Let them cool completely on the baking sheet — they will crisp up further as they cool.TIPWatch closely during the last 2 minutes — the cheese can go from golden to burnt fast. - serve
Serve or store the croutons.
Use immediately sprinkled over soup or salad, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra crunch, use day-old or slightly stale bread — it absorbs oil better and crisps evenly.
- 2Cut bread cubes into uniform 3/4-inch pieces to ensure they bake at the same rate.
- 3Toss the bread with your hands to evenly coat every cube without crushing them.
- 4Bake in a single layer with space between cubes so they toast, not steam.
- 5Toss the croutons halfway through baking to promote even browning on all sides.
- 6Let croutons cool completely on the baking sheet — they continue to crisp as they cool.
- 7Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days; do not refrigerate.
Adapt it for your goals.
Garlic-Parmesan Herb Croutons
Substitute dried oregano with 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary and 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme for a more aromatic, Italian-inspired flavor.
Spicy Cajun CroutonsSpicy Cajun Croutons
Replace oregano with 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning and add a pinch of cayenne — perfect for topping gumbo or blackened chicken salad.
Vegan Cheesy CroutonsVegan Cheesy Croutons
Use 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free, umami-rich crouton that's still cheesy and crisp.
Everything Bagel CroutonsEverything Bagel Croutons
Swap oregano for 1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning — great for topping cream-of-tomato soup or a green salad.
Gluten Free CroutonsGluten-Free Croutons
Use day-old gluten-free bread (like sourdough or white bread), keeping all other ingredients the same; bake 1-2 minutes longer if needed.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Good Source of Calcium
Parmesan cheese provides calcium, which supports bone health and muscle function.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Olive oil supplies monounsaturated fats, which are linked to reduced inflammation and better heart health.
Moderate Sodium Control
Using just a pinch of salt and no added salty seasoning allows you to control sodium intake better than store-bought croutons.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but fresh bread may turn out less crunchy. Dry it on a baking sheet at 300°F for 10 minutes before adding oil and seasoning.
