Garlic Bread Croutons
Crispy, golden cubes of bread tossed in garlic-infused olive oil and herbs, then baked until perfectly crunchy. These homemade croutons are worlds better than anything from a box—fragrant, deeply savory, and ideal for topping soups, salads, or snacking straight from the tray.
For 4 servings
- prep
Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet.
1.Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).2.Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, or leave it bare. - mix
Toss the bread with oil and seasonings.
1.Place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl.2.Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried oregano over the top.3.Toss everything together with your hands or a spatula until the bread is evenly coated.TIPUsing your hands helps you feel when every cube has a light, even coating of oil. - bake · ~15 min
Bake until golden and crisp.
1.Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid crowding.2.Bake for 10 minutes, then remove the pan and give the croutons a gentle toss.3.Return to the oven and bake another 3-5 minutes, until the croutons are deeply golden and dry to the touch.TIPOvens vary; watch closely in the final minutes. Croutons go from perfectly golden to burnt very quickly. - mix
Add the parmesan and cool.
1.Remove the baking sheet from the oven immediately.2.While the croutons are still hot, sprinkle the finely grated parmesan over them and toss gently to coat.3.Let the croutons cool completely on the baking sheet. They will continue to crisp as they cool.TIPCooling them on the sheet allows air to circulate around every cube, preventing trapped steam that can cause sogginess. - serve
Serve or store the croutons.
Use immediately on salads or soups, or transfer completely cooled croutons to an airtight container for storage.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use day-old bread: stale bread soaks up less oil and turns crunchier than fresh bread.
- 2Cut cubes uniformly (about ¾ inch) so all croutons bake at the same rate without burning.
- 3Spread cubes in a single layer with space between them to ensure even browning and crispness.
- 4Toss halfway through baking to redistribute oil and prevent any side from steaming.
- 5Add Parmesan while croutons are hot so it melts and clings, then let them cool completely on the sheet to stay crisp.
- 6Store fully cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herby-rosemary
Replace dried oregano with 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary and 1 teaspoon dried thyme for an aromatic, Mediterranean-style crouton.
spicy chipotleSpicy-chipotle
Add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika and ¼ teaspoon chipotle powder to the oil for a smoky, mildly spicy kick.
veganVegan
Omit the Parmesan or substitute with 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast flakes for a cheesy, umami flavor that's entirely plant-based.
cheesy garlic herbCheesy-garlic-herb
Increase Parmesan to ¼ cup and mix in 1 tablespoon of dried parsley before baking for an extra-cheesy, restaurant-style crouton.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Whole-Grain Option
Using whole-wheat or sourdough bread provides more fiber and nutrients than white bread, supporting digestive health.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels when used in moderation.
Antioxidant Boost
Garlic and oregano contain antioxidant compounds that may help reduce oxidative stress in the body.
Calcium from Parmesan
A small sprinkle of Parmesan adds calcium and protein, contributing to bone health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but crusty Italian or French loaf works best. Avoid soft sandwich bread, which tends to turn out chewy rather than crisp.
