Learn how to make Homemade Croutons with this simple, flavor-packed recipe! Serve these flavorful bites with fresh salad, soup, or nibble on as a snack. They are totally irresistible.
Add something special to Sweet Potato Soup, Healthy Mushroom Soup, or a green salad with Homemade Greek Salad Dressing with these easy-to-make, delicious croutons.
Anybody out there got some stale bread they want to use up? Me! Most of the time, you can find a half-eaten loaf of French bread in my pantry. I really, really hate to throw out good ingredients so, with leftover bread, I make croutons!
Homemade Croutons are one of the easiest things to make. And, more importantly, they give extra flavor, texture, and crunch to so many dishes. Not only are they delicious, but they are easy to customize with your favorite herbs and spices. And, guess what, they only take 10 minutes to make.
Ingredients Needed To Make Homemade Croutons
- Bread
- Butter
- Olive Oil
- Kosher Salt
- Fresh Cracked Pepper
- Fresh Thyme
- Parmesan Cheese
What Kind Of Bread Is Best For Croutons?
To make the best croutons, use good bread. I’ve found that French, Italian, or Sourdough works best. The key is to use bread that is stale or day old. That way, it will crisp up nicely when toasted in the cast iron skillet.
How To Make Homemade Croutons
This is an easy recipe that will become your go-to for homemade croutons.
- First, cube up the bread, then heat butter and olive oil in a cast iron skillet or pan on medium heat.
- Once butter has melted, add salt, pepper, thyme & cheese.
- Next, add the bread cubes and toss to coat. Turn the heat down to medium low. Continue to sauté, tossing the bread, until the cubes are golden brown. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Serve either warm or let cool and store in an airtight container until ready to serve.
- That’s it! Homemade croutons in no time.
What’s The Best Way To Store Croutons?
The best way to store homemade croutons is in an airtight container. They will last about a week. When making a big batch, I keep them in the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature before using them.
Variations On This Recipe
These croutons are the perfect way to add all kinds of flavor to other dishes. You can add all different kinds of herbs, and seasonings to give them your own special twist. Here are some of my favorites to add to this recipe:
- Red pepper flakes
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic
- Dan-O’s All Natural Seasoning
- Fresh rosemary
How To Serve Croutons
- These croutons are perfect for serving in soups! Try them with Healthy Mushroom Soup, Creamy Tomato Soup or Roasted Cabbage Soup.
- Toss in a few homemade croutons to take a salad to the next level of goodness. I love them in Tomato Cucumber Salad or in a fresh green salad with Green Goddess Dressing.
- They are a great addition to Apple Sausage Dressing during the holidays.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cubed day old bread
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat butter and olive oil in cast iron skillet or pan on medium heat.
- Once butter has melted, add salt, pepper, thyme & cheese.
- Add bread cubes and toss to coat. Turn burner down to medium low.
- Continue to sauté, tossing bread until cubes are golden brown.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Serve either warm or let cool and store in an airtight container until ready to serve.
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LOVE THIS! Love croutons! Such a simple, easy to follow recipe…tasty!