Easy Basic Homemade Croutons
Homemade croutons are a delicious, budget-friendly way to elevate any meal. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll enjoy croutons that are fresher, crunchier, and more flavorful than anything store-bought.
Equipment
- Half-sheet pan lined with aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 6 ounces day-old French bread cut into ¾ to 1-inch cubes (about 5 cups) (See Tip 1)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a half-sheet pan with aluminum foil. Set aside. (See Tip 2)
- Add bread cubes, olive oil, salt, and pepper to a large bowl. Cover the bowl and shake to evenly coat the bread cubes.
- Evenly spread the coated bread crumbs on the prepared sheet pan.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown. (See Tip 3)
- Remove from the oven; allow to come to room temperature. Store in an airtight container. (See Tip 4)
- Yield: About 5 cups of croutons.
Video
Tips/Notes
- May substitute sourdough, Italian bread, baguettes, or even sandwich bread for the French bread. Ensure the bread is at least a day old for optimal results.
- Lining the half-sheet pan with aluminum foil helps to minimize cleanup.
- The baking time depends, in part, on the amount of moisture remaining in the bread. The more moisture, the longer the baking time will be.
- I like to store the croutons in a gallon Ziploc bag.
Nutrition
Calories: 118kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 201mgPotassium: 26mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 0.3IUCalcium: 11mgIron: 1mg
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