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Homemade Croutons in the Oven
March 25, 2026
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You know those salads that feel a little sad? Toss these Homemade Croutons on top and everything now feels right- crisp edges, light centers, and big flavor that stays crunchy. The seasoning sticks, the texture is spot on, and you get evenly golden cubes every time.
Ingredient Notes
- Day-old bread – Slightly dry bread crisps better. French bread, sourdough, or even sandwich bread works.
- Olive oil – Helps everything toast up golden and gives that rich, slightly crisp bite.
- Garlic powder – Coats evenly and adds that classic crouton flavor without burning.
- Dried oregano or Italian seasoning – Brings in a subtle herby note that makes these feel just a little extra.
- Salt and black pepper – Simple, but necessary. Adjust to taste once you try your first batch.
How to Make Homemade Croutons in the Oven
It’s quick. It’s straightforward. And yes, you’ll find yourself grabbing a handful straight off the pan. For full recipe details, including ingredients and measurements needed, see the printable recipe card down below.
Step 1: Prep the Bread
Cut bread into even 1-inch cubes and add to a large bowl. Be sure to cut in even sizes…that’s how everything bakes evenly.
Step 2: Season
Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle on garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss well.
Make sure every piece gets coated. No dry corners.
Step 3: Bake
Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 375° F for 10 to 15 minutes, tossing halfway, until golden and crisp. Keep an eye on them the last few minutes…they turn fast once they’re close.
Step 4: Cool + Serve
Let cool completely to crisp up fully, then use on salads, soups, or just snack on them.
Tips for Success
- Cut bread evenly so everything bakes at the same rate
- Use slightly stale bread for better texture
- Toss halfway through baking for even browning
- Don’t overcrowd the pan…airflow helps crisping
- Let them cool fully before storing so they stay crunchy
What to Serve with Homemade Croutons
- Caesar salad – Classic pairing, adds crunch and flavor
- Tomato soup – Perfect for dipping and topping
- Chicken salad – Adds texture and a little extra seasoning
- That Good Salad – Instantly upgrades basic greens
These homemade croutons in the oven bring the crunch, the flavor, and the texture your meals have been missing. Once you make them, it just becomes a habit. The printable recipe is below. Have a wonderful day, friends!
Homemade Croutons in Oven
Crispy, golden Homemade Croutons in Oven with simple pantry ingredients. The perfect way to use up leftover bread and add crunch to salads, soups, and more.
Ingredients
for the croutons
- 4 cups bread cubes day-old (about 8 oz | 225 g)
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano dried (or Italian seasoning)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
How to make Croutons in Oven
Instructions
Step 1 – Prep Bread
- Cut bread into even 1-inch cubes. Place in a large bowl.
Step 2 – Season
- Drizzle with olive oil, then toss with garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper until coated.
Step 3 – Bake in Oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet (use parchment if you want easier cleanup).
- Bake for 10 minutes, tossing halfway through, until golden and crisp.
Step 4 – Cool & Serve
- Let cool completely before storing, or enjoy immediately over salads and soups.
Notes
Taste & Texture
Crispy, crunchy, garlicky, and savory with a light herbiness.
Substitutes
- Bread: Use sourdough, baguette, or whole wheat bread.
- Olive oil: Replace with melted butter for richer flavor.
- Seasoning: Try paprika, rosemary, or Parmesan.
- Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
- Reheat: Re-crisp in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 2 minutes if needed.
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread for best crunch.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if needed.
- For cheesy croutons, add grated Parmesan in the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Nutrition
Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 6gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.01gSodium: 556mgPotassium: 93mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 6IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 75mgIron: 2mg
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Variations
- Parmesan croutons – Add grated parmesan before baking for a cheesy finish
- Spicy version – Sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes
- Lemon herb – Add a little lemon zest after baking for brightness
- Garlic butter – Swap olive oil for melted butter and boost the garlic
More Recipes to Try
If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.
