For the longest time, I thought homemade croutons would be really complicated to make. Turns out they're one of the easiest things you can make in your kitchen! All you need is a loaf of bread, a little olive oil, and a few seasonings.
I usually make these with homemade bread, but store-bought bread works just fine, so use whatever you have on hand. In this recipe, I'll show you how to make crispy, flavorful croutons in both the oven and the air fryer, so you can choose the method that tickles your fancy.
If you love salads, or just snacking, you're going to want to keep a batch of these on hand. Once they've cooled, store them in a cookie tin (my favorite way), an airtight container, or even in the freezer so they're ready whenever you need them.
Let's get cooking!
Looking for more a an easy salad to make? Try this Cobb egg Salad.
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Recipe Ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients to make these Easy Homemade Croutons
Ingredient Notes
Bread: I recommend a sturdy bread like a baguette, sourdough, ciabatta, or a rustic country loaf. They hold up better to toasting and add way more texture and flavor than soft sandwich bread. That said, regular sandwich bread, including homemade bread (which I used for this recipe), whole-grain, or gluten-free works just fine if that's what you've got.
Olive Oil: Helps the bread cubes brown and crisp without drying out too fast. You can use olive oil spray, melted butter on its own or mix it with oil for a richer, more buttery flavor.
Italian Seasoning: This blend (usually basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme) adds depth and flavor to the croutons. If you don't have Italian seasoning, use oregano and thyme, rosemary alone, or even herbes de Provence.
Garlic Powder: Gives the croutons a savory kick without burning the way fresh garlic can during toasting. Skip it if you don't have it, or swap in ½ teaspoon of granulated garlic.
Onion Powder: Adds a subtle, savory sweetness that rounds the flavors out. You can leave it out if needed.
Salt: Brings all the flavors to life. I used sea salt for this recipe but kosher salt or table salt works too. Just cut back a little if you're using table salt so you don't oversalt your delicious croutons.
How To make Homemade Croutons Step-By-Step
Check out these step-by-step instructions with images. Just so you know, you'll find all the details and exact ingredients of this recipe on the printable recipe card below!
Step 1. Cut the Bread: Place the bread on a cutting board, slice it into strips, then cut the strips into cubes. I like mine around ¾ to 1 inch for that perfect bite, but if you want them extra crispy, go smaller (about ½ inch). Just keep in mind smaller ones tend to cook faster.
Step 2. Season: Add the bread cubes to a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil over them, and toss them until everything is lightly coated. Add the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt, then toss again until they are all evenly seasoned. You may need to work in batches if your bowl's not big enough.
Step 3. Cook
Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the bread cubes out in one even layer and bake them for 15–20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they're golden and dry to the touch.
Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F, then add the bread cubes to the basket, working in batches. Cook them for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through, and pull them once they're golden and crisp.
Step 4. Cool: Let the croutons cool for a few minutes. They'll crisp up even more as they sit.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
Cut uniform cubes: Even-sized pieces toast more evenly. If some are bigger or smaller, the smaller ones will burn before the bigger ones are done.
Don't overcrowd: Whether you're using an oven or air fryer, give the cubes some space so that the hot air can circulate and crisp each side.
Watch the color, not the clock: Ovens vary, so look for golden edges and firm texture instead of just going by time.
Cool completely: Don't store them warm or the trapped steam will make them soft.
Storage and Reheating
Storage & Reheating
Room Temperature: Once they're completely cool, store the croutons in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay crisp for about one week. Don't refrigerate them, the humidity in the fridge will make them soggy.
Freezing: For longer storage, flash-freeze your cooled croutons on a sheet pan until they're firm, then move them to a freezer bag or container. They keep well for up to two months in the freezer.
Your Questions Answered
Toss them on salads, float them in soups, or use them as a crunchy topping for pasta, casseroles, or roasted veggies.
They weren't dry enough before cooking or were stored while still warm. Let them cool completely on a rack before storing them.
The air fryer will air fry them faster and give you evenly crisp croutons with less babysitting. I typically use the oven when I have big batches. Either way, the croutons will turn out delicious.
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Recipe
Easy Homemade Croutons
Ingredients
Method
- Place the bread on a cutting board, slice it into strips, then cut the strips into cubes. I like mine around ¾ to 1 inch for that perfect bite, but if you want them extra crispy, go smaller (about ½ inch). Just keep in mind smaller ones tend to cook faster.
- Add the bread cubes to a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil over them, and toss them until everything is lightly coated. Add the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt, then toss again until they are all evenly seasoned. You may need to work in batches if your bowl's not big enough.
- OvenPreheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the bread cubes out in one even layer and bake them for 15–20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they're golden and dry to the touch.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F, then add the bread cubes to the basket, working in batches. Cook them for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through, and pull them once they're golden and crisp.
- Let the croutons cool for a few minutes. They'll crisp up even more as they sit.
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