“`html
If you’ve ever wished for a crunchy, flavorful upgrade to your salads or soups, then this Homemade Seasoned Croutons Recipe is exactly what you need. Transforming simple, leftover bread into golden, crispy morsels seasoned with garlic, onion, paprika, and a sprinkle of pepper, these croutons add that perfect bite of texture and a burst of savory goodness. Whether you’re looking to elevate a Caesar salad or add a cozy crunch to your roasted tomato soup, these croutons are a game changer that’s easy to make and absolutely addictive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is key to the balance of flavor and crunch in this dish. Each plays a special role: the bread provides the perfect canvas, olive oil helps crisp and carry the seasonings, and the spices bring that irresistible seasoned kick.
- Bread (8-10 slices, about 4 oz/113g): Use slightly stale bread for best texture and crunch when baked.
- Olive oil or neutral oil (2 tablespoons): Coats the bread cubes evenly and helps achieve that golden crispiness.
- Fine salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances the natural flavors and seasons every bite perfectly.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle sweet and savory depth without overpowering.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Infuses the croutons with rich, comforting garlic aroma.
- Ground paprika (½ teaspoon, optional): Offers a mild smoky warmth and a pop of color.
- Cracked black pepper (generous dash): Provides a fresh, slightly spicy note to round out the flavors.
How to Make Homemade Seasoned Croutons Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by warming your oven to 350°F (180°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This sets the stage for perfectly crisp croutons without sticking or excess oil mess.
Step 2: Cube Your Bread
Cut your bread slices into roughly 1-inch cubes. Using slightly stale bread here is a great tip—it dries out a bit, allowing your croutons to get extra crispy and hold seasoning more effectively.
Step 3: Season and Toss
Transfer the cubed bread into a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle on the salt, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and cracked black pepper. Gently toss everything together until each cube is coated in flavorful seasoning and oil, ensuring each bite is deliciously seasoned.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Spread out the seasoned bread cubes evenly on your prepared baking sheet, making sure to keep them in a single layer for even crisping. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the croutons turn golden and feel crispy to the touch. If you prefer a softer bite, pull them closer to the 15-minute mark.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the croutons from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. Cooling is essential—it helps solidify the crisp texture before you toss them onto your next salad or soup bowl.
How to Serve Homemade Seasoned Croutons Recipe
Garnishes
These Homemade Seasoned Croutons Recipe beauties make exceptional garnishes on Caesar salads, tossed greens, or hearty vegetable soups. Their crunch provides such a contrast to creamy textures, and the seasoning bursts through with every bite.
Side Dishes
Looking for a side with a little extra flair? Sprinkle a handful of these croutons over roasted tomato soup or creamy butternut squash soup for an immediate upgrade. They add texture and savory notes that transform simple soup into a memorable meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Beyond salads and soups, try serving these croutons in a small seasoned bowl as a snack alongside cocktail hour, or mix them into cheesy casseroles before baking for an unexpected crispy topping. They’re incredibly versatile and fun to experiment with!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this Homemade Seasoned Croutons Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep their crunch and flavor beautifully for 2 to 3 weeks, making them perfect for prepping well in advance of entertaining or busy weeknight meals.
Freezing
You can also freeze homemade croutons by placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you want to enjoy their crispiness, simply thaw them at room temperature or bake them briefly to refresh their crunch and taste.
Reheating
To bring homemade croutons back to life after storage or freezing, pop them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. This will restore their irresistible crunch without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use any type of bread for this Homemade Seasoned Croutons Recipe?
Absolutely! While slightly stale white or sandwich bread works great for a classic crouton texture, you can also use whole grain, sourdough, or even gluten-free bread. Just keep in mind that crustier breads tend to yield crispier results.
Is it better to use olive oil or another type of oil?
Olive oil is preferred for its flavor and healthy fats, but neutral oils like canola or vegetable oil work just fine if you want the seasoning to shine more brightly without any added flavor from the oil itself.
Can I adjust the seasoning to suit my taste?
Definitely! The beauty of this Homemade Seasoned Croutons Recipe is how adaptable it is. Feel free to increase or decrease the garlic powder, experiment with dried herbs, or omit the paprika if you prefer. It’s your creation!
How do I know when the croutons are done?
They should be golden brown and firm to the touch. If you prefer a crunchier bite, bake a few minutes longer, but watch closely to avoid burning. After cooling, they will continue to harden slightly.
Can I make these croutons without an oven?
While baking is the best method for even crispiness, you can also toast croutons in a skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently to avoid burning, and cook until they are evenly golden and crisp.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Homemade Seasoned Croutons Recipe a try because it’s such a simple way to elevate your meals with minimal effort and maximum flavor. There’s something so satisfying about crunching down a perfectly seasoned, homemade crouton that store-bought versions just can’t match. Plus, the joy of turning leftover bread into something downright delicious? That’s kitchen magic you’ll want to keep coming back to.
“`
Print
Homemade Seasoned Croutons Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 7 servings (½ cup per serving)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Homemade croutons are a simple and delicious way to transform leftover or stale bread into crunchy, flavorful bites perfect for soups, salads, or snacking. This recipe features seasoned croutons with olive oil, garlic, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper, baked to golden crispness. They store well for weeks, making them ideal for make-ahead use during gatherings or everyday meals.
Ingredients
Croutons
- 8–10 slices bread (about 4 oz / 113 g per 8–10 slices)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or a neutral oil
- ½ teaspoon fine salt (such as table salt)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground paprika (optional)
- Generous dash cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cube Bread: Cut the bread slices into 1-inch cubes and transfer them into a large mixing bowl, preparing them for seasoning.
- Season Bread: Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the bread cubes while gently tossing them. Sprinkle in the salt, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika (if using), and cracked black pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat all the cubes with the seasoning blend.
- Arrange for Baking: Spread the seasoned bread cubes evenly on the prepared sheet pan, making sure they form a single layer to allow for even crisping.
- Bake Croutons: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the croutons turn golden brown and achieve a crispy texture. For softer croutons, reduce baking time to 15 minutes.
- Cool and Store: Remove the croutons from the oven and allow them to cool completely before use. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 to 3 weeks, maintaining their freshness and crunch.
Notes
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread for best texture; fresh bread may yield softer croutons.
- Feel free to substitute olive oil with any neutral oil like avocado or canola oil.
- Adjust seasoning amounts to suit personal taste preferences.
- Add other herbs such as dried thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning for variety.
- Store croutons in an airtight container to keep them crisp longer.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
