Recipe: Homemade Garlic & Herb Croutons

If you’ve ever wondered how to take your salads, soups or even snacking game to the next level, the answer is simple: Homemade Garlic & Herb Croutons. Once you try making croutons at home, you’ll never want to go back to the store-bought kind again.

Why make croutons at home?

While store-bought croutons are convenient, they often come with extra sodium, preservatives and oils you don’t really need. Making them at home lets you:

• Control the seasonings and salt.
• Use high-quality ingredients like extra virgin olive oil.
• Customize the flavor with your favorite herbs and spices.
• Enjoy a fresher, crispier bite.

They also make your kitchen smell absolutely amazing while they bake.

Tips & variations

• Use different bread: Whole wheat, sourdough or gluten-free bread works great too.
• Cheesy croutons: Add grated Parmesan before baking for extra flavor.
• Spice it up: Try cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a little kick.

Ways to enjoy Garlic & Herb Croutons

These croutons are so versatile. Here are a few of my favorite ways to use them:

• Toss them into a Caesar salad (try my Salmon Caesar Salad for the perfect pairing).
• Sprinkle over creamy soups like tomato, butternut squash or potato leek.
• Crush and use as a topping for casseroles or baked mac & cheese.
• Snack on them by the handful (seriously, they’re that good).

Homemade Garlic & Herb Croutons are proof that the simplest things can make the biggest difference. With minimal effort, you can create crunchy, flavorful croutons that elevate any meal. Enjoy.

Homemade Garlic & Herb Croutons

Click here for a printable recipe.

Yield: Makes about 4-6 cups.

Ingredients

•  1 loaf French bread about 12 ounces, cut into ¾-inch cubes
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning homemade or store-bought
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
• In a large bowl, drizzle olive oil evenly over the bread cubes.
• Sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, thyme, parsley, paprika, salt and pepper.
• Toss gently until the bread is well coated.
• Spread the cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for 15–20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden and crisp.
• Watch closely to avoid burning.
• Remove from oven and let cool completely.
• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Recipe notes

Nutrition Information (per ½ cup): calories 142, carbohydrates 18 grams, protein 3 grams, fat 6 grams, saturated fat 1 gram, fiber 1 gram, sugar 1 grams, sodium 171 milligrams.

Andrea Mathis is a registered dietitian and owner of Beautiful Eats & Things. For more great recipes, visit beautifuleatsandthings.com.