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Home » Recipes » Breads » Kitchen Tip: Making Homemade Croutons
how to make croutons
January 11, 2011

Kitchen Tip: Making Homemade Croutons

From the Kitchen of Katie Kick

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I never buy croutons. I think it’s a waste of money and I can make them better at home anyway. The Light Whole Wheat Baguette I baked on Sunday is perfect for homemade croutons. It’s already a little dried out and I don’t want the last bit to go to waste.

how to make croutons

The beauty of making homemade croutons is that you control what is in them. The ingredient quality, lack of preservatives or any other nasties, and the flavor. You don’t have to buy several different varieties depending on your mood. Instead, just change up the seasonings.

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How To Make Homemade Croutons

1. Start with quality bread for quality croutons. Leftover homemade bread is perfect for this, especially if it is a couple days old. Baguette or French Bread are my favorite choices. If you can’t use homemade, use a nice bakery loaf.

2. Cut the bread into 3/4 to 1 inch sized cubes. They won’t all be perfect, but try to get them at least close to the same size so the smaller ones don’t over-cook while you wait for the larger ones to be done.

3. Drizzle the bread cubes with 1-2 tablespoons of melted butter or olive oil per 2 cups of bread cubes, tossing to evenly coat.

4. Add any seasonings you desire. Some ideas are: salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary are great), or dried herbs (basil or Italian seasoning are great).

5. Bake on a cookie sheet in a preheated 375 degree F oven for 10-20 minutes, or until the bread cubes have reached your desired crunchiness. Stir the croutons every couple of minutes to ensure even browning.

  • Alternatively you can toast in a toaster oven.
  • I like them a little crunchier for use in soup since they will soak up a lot of liquid. Less crunchy croutons become soggy faster.

6. Cool completely before storing in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch.

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Homemade croutons can serve many purposes: garnishing a salad, adding crunch to a big bowl of soup (see: Roasted Red Pepper Soup for an example), or to make stuffing. Do you have any favorite uses for homemade croutons?


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Whole Wheat Flour

Meet Katie Kick

My lifelong interest in cooking has shown me that part of the goodness in life is enjoying delicious food with friends and family. I love trying new foods, discovering new places & things that help my family live the good life.

More About Katie
Updated: January 21, 2025

Reader Interactions

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  1. Patty says

    January 16, 2011 at 8:41 AM

    I make mine just like you make your, sometimes I add cayenne making croutons spicy (when in the mood, or making a spicy soup). I also like to eat croutons as a snack.

    Reply
  2. Peggy says

    January 14, 2011 at 7:00 AM

    I’m with you on this one! I think it’s pointless to buy that $3 or $4 bag of croutons, when really, all you need to do it cub up some leftover bread at home (which most households normally have anyway!) Great tips!

    Reply
  3. betsy breuer says

    January 12, 2011 at 12:38 PM

    I want the salad and the croutons! But I do need to make these.

    Reply
  4. Happy When Not Hungry says

    January 12, 2011 at 7:12 AM

    I love homemade croutons! Your salad looks delicious too!

    Reply
  5. Lisa {Smart Food & Fit} says

    January 12, 2011 at 5:25 AM

    I love making homemade croutons, I make gluten free croutons all the time for my gluten intolerant sister.
    I use homemade croutons for my stuffing instead of the store bought stuff. Another beautiful photo!

    Reply
  6. ann says

    January 11, 2011 at 3:36 PM

    Great idea for the croutons. My family loves them.

    Reply
  7. Jen @ My Kitchen Addiction says

    January 11, 2011 at 2:58 PM

    Yum! I love croutons! Great tips 🙂

    Reply
  8. Mindy says

    January 11, 2011 at 12:29 PM

    I use my homemade croutons for gazpacho in the summertime. It adds a nice crunch to the soup!

    Reply
  9. Heather (Heather's Dish) says

    January 11, 2011 at 12:08 PM

    homemade croutons are the bee’s knees…they’re so amazing and i burn my tongue on them every time i try them!

    Reply
  10. Katie says

    January 11, 2011 at 11:25 AM

    I agree! Homemade are the best! You can also make them in a snap by toasting them in a little olive oil in saute pan. I hate the store bought ones because they are way too hard and I feel like they’ll break my teeth!

    Reply
  11. Liz @ Blog is the New Black says

    January 11, 2011 at 11:24 AM

    Love homemade croutons!

    Reply
  12. Wenderly says

    January 11, 2011 at 10:37 AM

    Yet another reason for me to make this wheat baguette!

    Reply
  13. Cookbook Queen says

    January 11, 2011 at 8:19 AM

    mmm….I LOVE homemade croutons but have never actually made them myself.

    Thanks for the tips, I plan on trying them!!

    Reply
  14. Kristen says

    January 11, 2011 at 8:11 AM

    I love making croutons! Kids will eat them like they are going out of style.

    Reply
  15. peggy says

    January 11, 2011 at 8:10 AM

    I too love home-made croutons. My MIL makes the best! Lots of crunch and spice without much fat. Thanks!

    Reply
  16. Tracy says

    January 11, 2011 at 8:06 AM

    I love being able to control what goes into my food. So many times it is packed with preservatives, or worse, unnecessary allergens. Love this!

    Reply
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Katie Kick from Good Life Eats in her kitchen

Meet Katie Kick

Hi, I’m Katie! Thank you so much for visiting my corner of the internet. I am passionate about cooking delicious and beautiful, yet accessible, food for my family and friends. I love tasting new foods, discovering new places and things that help my family live that good life.

More about Katie
Previous Post
Light Whole Wheat Baguette
Next Post
Raspberry Vanilla Bean Bread Pudding

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