Nick Why make Croutons At Home?
Homemade croutons are delicious, easy, and economical to make. Of course, you can buy croutons to use in a salad and no one will judge you. However, if you have a couple slices of bread that are going stale, making them at home will taste so much better. There are a extra benefits too, such as no preservatives or additives and you get to flavour them exactly how you like them,
Types of Bread to Use
Most types of bread will do, but avoid breads that have seeds or nuts in them. Sourdough or Italian bread work really well for homemade croutons. Additionally, you don’t want to use fresh bread in this recipe. Use the leftovers from a loaf that is at least 2 days old. This will ensure your croutons are crunchy.
Add in Some Seasoning
Some people choose only to season with salt and pepper. I, on the other hand, like my croutons to be tasty in each bite. I add the following seasoning and spices to my croutons:
- Garlic – crush 1 or 2 garlic cloves and put them into your olive oil before starting. This will impart a delicious flavour into the oil that will be sprinkled onto your croutons before cooking.
- Italian herbs – use an Italian herb mix, or make your own. Either way, adding these herbs to croutons will increase the flavour and make them way more of a hit with your family.
- Paprika – I like to add a little bit of paprika too as it gives the croutons a ever-so-slight sweet taste to them and adds some great colour.
- Salt and Pepper – add salt and pepper to taste to bring out all the flavours of the croutons.
Bake in an Oven or Air Fryer!
My two primary methods of making croutons are either to put them into the oven or put them into my air fryer. The oven is great if you are batch cooking as there is obviously more room. However, if you’re making a smaller amount, try tossing them into the air fryer.
Regardless of how you cook them, they will need to be tossed with the oil and seasoning before so. I use a large mixing bowl and put my crouton pieces in there. Then I add some olive oil (garlic removed now) and sprinkle with seasoning. Toss together and you’re ready to cook.
Both the oven and the air fryer will take about 10 minutes, but keep an eye on them as they crisp up. If in an air fryer, toss frequently. If using the oven, flip halfway through the cooking process.
How to Use Croutons
Croutons can be used in many different meals, not just a Caesar Salad. Here are some ways I incorporate croutons in my meals:
- Salads – not just Caesar salad with a delicious Caesar dressing. Adding crunchy croutons can make an average salad amazing.
- Soups – top your favourite soup with croutons.
- Chicken – serve croutons alongside chicken or mix them into a vegetable medley after cooking.
How to Store Homemade Croutons
Croutons can be stored easily after cooking. Regardless of the method chosen, let the croutons cool completely before putting them in a container. There are three main methods of storing croutons for later use.
- Countertop: Store in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for up to 7 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the croutons on a baking tray, and then put them into an airtight freezer bag.
Use the recipe below to make your own homemade croutons. Feel free to experiment with different flavours. I would love to hear how you made these croutons your own – leave a comment to keep me updated.
Easy Homemade Crunchy Croutons to for Your Family
Equipment
- 1 Airfryer optional
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic crushed
- 4 slices bread at least two days old, sourdough, white or Italian work well
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Peel the garlic, then crush it with the side of a knife. Don't mince it up.1/3 cup olive oil, 2 cloves garlic
- Add the oil and garlic to a small bowl and set aside for at least 5 minutes.
- Cut the bread slices into bite sized chunks, about 3/4" square and place in a medium mixing bowl.4 slices bread
- Pour the oil and garlic over the pieces of bread. Toss to coat.
- Mix together the Italian seasoning, paprika salt and pepper. Sprinkle half of the mixture over the pieces of bread. Toss to coat the pieces evenly. Now repeat with the other half of the seasoning.1 tbsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper
Oven Method
- Preheat the oven to 375℉.
- Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread out the bread mixture over the parchment paper, ensuring the pieces are in a single layer.
- Bake for approximately 10-12 minutes, flipping the mixture halfway. Depending on the size of your pieces, this may take longer. The croutons will be done when they are nicely golden-brown and are not spongy.
Air Fryer Method
- Place your mixture into the basket of an air fryer. Air Fry at 390℃ for approximately 8-10 minutes. Toss the basket frequently.
- Check your air fryer frequently as times may vary by model. The croutons will be done when golden-brown and crispy.
