Imagine sinking your teeth into a crunchy, golden crouton that’s bursting with flavor! Made with hearty sourdough bread, these homemade croutons transform any salad or soup into something special. They’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, letting you enjoy that delightful contrast with every bite. All you need are a few simple ingredients from your pantry, a little olive oil, and some garlic powder. Trust me, they’re a total game changer for your meals. You’ll want to keep a batch on hand all the time—perfect for adding that “wow” factor to cozy dinners or side salads.
Why You’ll Love Seriously, the Best Homemade Croutons with Sourdough Bread (Creamy, Easy, and Cozy)
These croutons are everything you want: quick to whip up, versatile enough to jazz up any dish, and downright delicious! They add a satisfying crunch that takes your salads and soups to the next level. You’ll love how easy it is to toss them together, plus, they’re made from common pantry staples. You can personalize them with your favorite herbs or spices to fit your taste. And get this – they can last for days in your kitchen, ready to add a flair to your meals whenever you want!
- Speed: Whip them up in 15-20 minutes.
- Texture: Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
- Pantry-Friendly: Made with ingredients you probably already have.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Perfect for making ahead and storing.
- Dietary Notes: Easily customizable to suit different diets.
- Versatile: Match with soups, salads, or just as a snack!
- Flavor Boost: Add herbs or cheese for an extra kick.
Ingredients for Seriously, the Best Homemade Croutons with Sourdough Bread
- 8 ounces sourdough bread – The star of the show, crispy and tangy.
- 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil – Helps achieve that golden brown crispness.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a yummy savory flavor.
- Kosher salt, to season – Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- Ground black pepper, to season – A touch of spice to elevate taste.
- Optional add-ins:Up to 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh herbs – Like parsley or basil for freshness.
- Cheese – Grated Parmesan for an extra cheesy crunch.
- Up to 1 heaping tablespoon dried herbs and spices – Like Italian seasoning for a flavor boost.
Ready to cook? See the recipe card for exact measurements below.
How to Make Seriously, the Best Homemade Croutons with Sourdough Bread
Phase 1 – Prep
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the sourdough bread into 1-inch cubes.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the cubed bread with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Phase 2 – Cook/Assemble
- Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for about 10-15 minutes, tossing halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
- Keep an eye on them – you want that perfect crunch!
Phase 3 – Serve
- Let the croutons cool slightly before using.
- Toss them into your favorite salad, soup, or just enjoy as a snack!
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Use stale bread: If your sourdough is a bit stale, it’ll work even better. It should soak up the oil and spices without getting too soggy.
- Mix flavors: Experiment with different herbs or even spices like smoked paprika for a unique twist.
- Store properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain their crunch. They’ll last for about a week!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is using fresh bread. This can lead to soggy croutons instead of a nice crunch. Always use day-old or stale bread if you can!
Another mistake is overcrowding the baking sheet. If the croutons are too close together, they’ll steam instead of crisp up. Ensure there’s space for even cooking!
Lastly, don’t skip the tossing halfway through baking. This helps all sides get that perfect golden color and crunch. Set a timer to remind you to give them a flip!
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Swap the sourdough with gluten-free bread.
- Dairy-Free: Omit cheese and stick with herbs for flavor.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne for a kick!
- Herbal: Use fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano for freshness.
- Air Fryer Option: Cook at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes.
How to Serve Seriously, the Best Homemade Croutons with Sourdough Bread
- Best Pairings: Fantastic with creamy soups like tomato or butternut squash.
- Toppings: Sprinkle with cheese, fresh herbs, or even a drizzle of balsamic reduction for extra flair.
- Garnishes: Use fresh greens or slices of avocado for a pretty plating.
Make Ahead & Storage
Can I Meal Prep This?
Yes! You can definitely make these ahead of time.
Storing Leftovers
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Freezing
These croutons freeze well for up to a month. They might lose some crunch, but you can re-crisp them in the oven!
Reheating
To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes or until crispy again. You can also microwave them for about a minute, but they won’t be as crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen sourdough bread?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely before cutting into cubes!
How to make them extra crispy without frying?
Ensure you spread them out on the baking sheet for even cooking and toss halfway through baking.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just use a larger baking sheet to avoid crowding.
How to fix croutons that are too hard?
If they are over-baked, try adding them to a soup or salad where they can absorb moisture.
Enjoy making your own easy and delicious homemade croutons with sourdough bread. They really do elevate any dish with their perfect crunch and flavor. Don’t forget to try making a batch today, and let us know how much you love them!
Homemade Croutons with Sourdough Bread
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces sourdough bread The star of the show, crispy and tangy.
- 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil Helps achieve that golden brown crispness.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Adds a yummy savory flavor.
- Kosher salt To season.
- Ground black pepper To season.
Optional Add-Ins
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh herbs Like parsley or basil for freshness.
- Cheese Grated Parmesan for an extra cheesy crunch.
- 1 tablespoon dried herbs and spices Like Italian seasoning for a flavor boost.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the sourdough bread into 1-inch cubes.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the cubed bread with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Cooking
- Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for about 10-15 minutes, tossing halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
- Keep an eye on them – you want that perfect crunch!
Serving
- Let the croutons cool slightly before using.
- Toss them into your favorite salad, soup, or just enjoy as a snack!