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Home » Blog » Recipes » Bread

Easy Homemade Croutons

by Donya Mullins 1 Comment This post may contain affiliate links.

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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.

Homemade croutons served on a wooden spoon.

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.

Torn bread for seasoned croutons cooked in cast iron.

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.

Bread cubes in butter sautéed in cast iron for croutons.

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.

Homemade croutons in a cast iron skillet with a wooden spoon.

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
Homemade croutons in a white bowl.

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.
Homemade croutons served on a wooden spoon.
5 from 1 vote

Homemade Croutons

Author: Donya Mullins
Course: Extras, Salad
Cuisine: American
Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
Servings: 4
Print Pin Rate
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.

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.
Homemade croutons served on a wooden spoon.
Did you make my Homemade Croutons?I’d love to see! Share on Instagram, tag @asouthernsoul, and use the hashtag #asouthernsoul!
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https://www.pinterest.com/asouthernsoul1/a-southern-soul-recipes/
Homemade seasoned croutons with 2 images for Pinterest.

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  1. Avery Selden

    September 10, 2021 at 9:26 am

    LOVE THIS! Love croutons! Such a simple, easy to follow recipe…tasty!

    Reply

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Donya with A Southern Soul

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