Easy Homemade Croutons (Garlic & Parmesan)
If you love adding a crunchy, flavorful touch to your salads or soups, making easy homemade croutons (garlic & parmesan) is the perfect way to do it. This simple recipe transforms leftover or day-old bread into irresistibly crisp bites packed with savory garlic and cheesy parmesan.
The beauty of homemade croutons is that they require just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time. You can customize the herbs and seasoning to match your preference, and the resulting snack is fresher and tastier than store-bought options. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to reduce food waste by using up stale bread.
Why You’ll Love It
These croutons are crunchy, flavorful, and easy to make in your oven. They’re perfect for salads, soups, or even as a snack on their own. Plus, you can easily customize the flavors to fit your tastes or dietary needs.
Ingredients
- 4 cups bread cubes (preferably day-old bread; use sourdough, French, or whole wheat)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil for a neutral taste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (substitute garlic powder if preferred)
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese (nutritional yeast for a vegan twist)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme mixture)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Add the bread cubes to the bowl and toss until every piece is evenly coated with the mixture.
- Arrange the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, stirring halfway through baking to ensure even crisping.
- Remove from oven and let the croutons cool completely before serving or storing.
For more quick & delicious snacks, explore Easy Weeknight Dinners or try some refreshing Summer Salads.
For expert cooking tips and techniques, Food Network offers valuable resources you can check out here.
Expert Tips
To get perfectly crispy croutons every time, make sure the bread cubes are roughly the same size. Use day-old bread to avoid soggy croutons. If you prefer extra garlicky bites, you can add roasted garlic for a mellow flavor. These homemade croutons can be scaled easily by doubling or halving the ingredients. For even crunchier results, bake them a few extra minutes but watch closely to avoid burning.
Storage
Store cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, keep them in a sealed freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To refresh frozen croutons, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
Variations
- Vegan: Substitute parmesan with nutritional yeast and use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic for a milder taste.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread cubes.
- Dairy-Free: Omit parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Herbed: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme instead of dried.
FAQ
- Can I make easy homemade croutons (garlic & parmesan) without an oven?
- Yes, you can toast the bread cubes in a skillet over medium heat with olive oil and seasonings, stirring frequently until crispy.
- What kind of bread is best for croutons?
- Day-old or slightly stale bread works best for croutons. Sourdough, French, or whole wheat are ideal choices.
- How long do homemade croutons last?
- Stored in an airtight container, homemade croutons remain fresh for about one week at room temperature.
- Can I customize the flavor of garlic parmesan croutons?
- Absolutely! Swap herbs, add spices, or use different cheeses to create your own signature crouton flavor.
- Are homemade croutons healthier than store-bought?
- Yes, because you control the ingredients and avoid preservatives, making them a fresher and often lower-sodium option.
Call to Action
Give this easy homemade croutons (garlic & parmesan) recipe a try and let us know how you customize it! Don’t forget to share your feedback, rate the recipe, and save it for your next snack or salad booster.
