Easy Homemade Croutons
- PREP 5min
- COOK 15min
- TOTAL 20min
Making your own homemade croutons is so easy! They can be made in minutes and made with your favorite herbs and spice blends. Both dried and fresh herbs can be used in this recipe. See the notes section below for our tips.
You Will Need
4 cups torn or cubed day old bread, about 1-inch pieces
3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
Salt and fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon dried herbs or 2 tablespoons chopped fresh fine herbs, see notes
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Toss the bread with olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper in a medium bowl.
Add dried herbs, if using, and toss well. Transfer to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
Bake, stirring once, until crisp and lightly golden around the edges, 10 to 15 minutes.
If using fresh herbs, chop them small and toss them with the croutons after baking while they are still warm.
Cool and then store in an airtight bag for 2 to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Adam and Joanne's Tips
- We typically reach for dried herb blends like Italian seasoning, chili powder (see our homemade chili powder), Za’atar, and Mediterranean/Greek blends. For fresh herbs, try finer herbs like chopped fresh oregano, dill, basil, tarragon, chives, parsley and cilantro. If using woodier herbs like rosemary or thyme, you can toss them in before baking as if they were dried herbs.
- The nutrition facts provided below are estimates.