How to Make the Best Ever Croutons
These croutons are the best ever because they are made from scratch and all natural. A much healthier choice and so delicious!
Tools You’ll Need:
Homemade or Store-Bought
I love to make homemade bread and unfortunately I don't have the opportunity to do so very often these days. But when I do, I make an extra loaf designated for making the best ever croutons. They are so easy and so good that you'll be lucky to have any left by the time you get the salad made.
Gotta a loaf of store-brought bread that's gotten stale? That's wonderful, so let's make some crouton. Stale bread should never be thrown away because it works great for toast or croutons.
Prepare the Bread
Whether you're using homemade bread or store-bought bread, it's time to get it cubed up and ready for the a large sheet pan. You can cut the crust off if you like or you can leave it on, it's really your choice. We love to leave it on because it gets so crispy that it just melts in your mouth. Once you've decided crust on or crust off, cut the bread in 1" cubes and place on a large tray.
Season to Taste
Drizzle olive oil over the bread cubes and toss. It's best to start with a little olive oil and work your way up if you need more. You want the bread to be lightly coated. Next, sprinkle the top of the croutons well with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss croutons again to distribute the seasonings and add more if needed. This is where you just let your senses go and add what looks and smells good. Give one a taste and then you'll know for sure if the seasoning is to your liking and adjust as needed.
In The Oven We Go
Place the tray of seasoned croutons in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes has passed, remove from the oven, toss gently with a spatula and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Remove pan from the oven for a taste test but please be careful and allow a crouton to cool slightly before tasting.
Are They Done Yet?
The croutons should be slightly brown and crunchy. If they aren't, place them back in the oven and recheck at 3 to 5 minute intervals until they are where you want them. Different ovens cook differently so you may have to bake them a little longer or a little less. Adjust as needed.
Let cool completely and store.
Watch this!
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Disclaimer:
Some of the links above are affiliate links which means that I receive a small commission on qualified purchases at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products that I would use myself. See my full disclosure here.
If you try this recipe and love it, please give it 5 stars and add a photo of your Best Ever Croutons to Instagram and tag me @simplymadehomestead.
Thank you so much!
Marian
