25 minutes
Crunchy and flavorful croutons made from good-quality bread, olive oil or butter, and optional seasonings like garlic and herbs.
Good-quality Bread, sliced or torn into 1-inch pieces
0 oz
Olive Oil, or melted butter
tablespoons
Garlic, minced
cloves
Fresh Herbs, chopped
tablespoons
Flat Leaf Parsley, chopped
tablespoons
1. Prep the Bread
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) for baking the croutons, or prepare the stovetop or grill if using those methods.
2. Arrange Bread Pieces
Spread the bread pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Add Flavor
Lightly brush with olive oil or melted butter. For seasoned croutons, sprinkle with your choice of optional seasonings now.
4. Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven, watching closely, until they are golden around the edges, which could take 10-15 minutes depending on the bread.
5. Heat Butter
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
6. Fry to Crisp
Add the bread cubes and fry, stirring often, until golden brown and crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
7. Grill Bread Slices
Place bread slices on a grill over medium-hot coals. Grill for about 1-2 minutes per side, until you see charred marks and areas turning golden.
8. Enhance Flavor
Once grilled, rub each slice with garlic and drizzle with olive oil for extra taste.
9. Serve Warm
Enjoy the croutons warm atop soups or salads, or with spreads like tapenade, bean purée, or cheese.
10. Store Leftovers
Keep any leftover croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They are great for adding a crunch to future dishes or as a snack on their own.
Toss your bread cubes with grated Parmesan, cheddar, or another favorite cheese along with the oil and seasoning. These croutons are great in a salad or as a topping for a baked pasta dish.
For a cheesy crunch, add a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano to the bread cubes before baking. Alternatively, try Asiago or aged Gouda for a nuttier flavor.
Infuse your olive oil with minced garlic or garlic powder before mixing with the bread cubes. Garlic croutons are a classic addition to tomato soups or salads.
Infuse your olive oil with minced garlic or garlic powder to add a savory punch. For a subtler garlic flavor, rub the bread with a cut clove before cubing.
Add dried or fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the oil or butter mixture before tossing with the bread. These are perfect for a Caesar salad or sprinkled over a creamy soup.
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