Grilled Cheese Croutons
Crunchy, cheesy, and utterly addictive! These easy croutons are made from a classic grilled cheese sandwich, cubed and toasted to perfection. The ultimate topper for your favorite tomato soup.
For 4 servings
Assemble the grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Lay out the 8 slices of bread.
- Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each slice.
- On the unbuttered side of 4 slices, divide the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Season the cheese with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Top with the remaining 4 slices of bread, butter-side up.
TIPUsing softened butter makes it much easier to spread without tearing the bread.Grill the sandwiches until golden.
Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until the bread is golden brown and toasted, and the cheese is fully melted.
TIPPress down gently with a spatula for an even sear and a great cheese melt.Cut the sandwiches into crouton-sized cubes.
Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them cool for a minute so they are easier to handle. Using a sharp knife, cut each sandwich into 1-inch cubes.
Toast the croutons until crispy.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the grilled cheese cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they are extra crispy and golden brown. You can also do this in an air fryer.
TIPFor even browning, you can toss the croutons halfway through baking.Serve immediately.
For the best texture, serve the croutons warm on top of soup or as a crunchy snack.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use day-old bread if you have it; it tends to get crispier when toasted.
- 2Shredding your own cheese from a block results in a better melt compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- 3Don't overcrowd the baking sheet when toasting the cubes; give them space to crisp up on all sides.
- 4Let the croutons cool completely before storing to prevent them from becoming soggy.
- 5These are best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Quick
For a faster version, toast the bread, top with cheese, and broil until melted. Then cube and serve without the second toasting step.
healthyHealthy
Use a light or low-fat cheddar cheese and a light butter or olive oil spray to reduce the overall fat content.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Use a milder cheese like Colby or American cheese and cut the croutons into fun shapes with cookie cutters before toasting.
gluten freeGluten free
Substitute the whole wheat bread with your favorite gluten-free bread to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Provides Whole Grains
Made with whole wheat bread, these croutons contribute dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health and can help you feel full.
Source of Calcium
Cheddar cheese is a good source of calcium, an essential mineral for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Energy Boosting
The combination of carbohydrates from the bread and fat from the cheese provides a quick source of energy.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of these Grilled Cheese Croutons, which is about 1 cup, contains approximately 230-250 calories. The calories come mainly from the bread, cheese, and butter.