Homemade Croutons (Base Recipe + 6 Flavor Variations)
Crispy, golden homemade croutons that are easy to make in the oven or skillet. This base recipe includes six crave-worthy flavor variations like Garlic Herb, Ranch-Style, and Parmesan Black Pepper. Perfect for salads, soups, casseroles, and more.
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Servings: 6 servings per recipe
Ingredients
Base Crouton Recipe (for all variations)
- 4 cups cubed bread - about ½–1-inch pieces
- 3 Tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
Italian Cheese Croutons
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella or grated parmesan
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
Ranch-Style Croutons
- 1 Tbsp ranch seasoning mix
- ½ tsp dried dill
- ½ tsp dried chives
Lemon Pepper Croutons (skip salt + pepper from base)
- ½ Tbsp lemon zest
- ½ tsp cracked black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic salt
Smoky Paprika Croutons
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ⅛ tsp chili powder - optional
Parmesan Black Pepper Croutons (skip black pepper from base)
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
- ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Garlic Herb Croutons
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
Instructions
Oven Method:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add bread cubes to a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter.
- Add flavor variation ingredients of your choice, plus salt and pepper (unless otherwise noted). Toss until evenly coated.
- Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–18 minutes, tossing halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
- Cool completely before storing or serving.
Skillet Method:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add olive oil or butter, then the bread cubes.
- Sprinkle in flavor variation seasonings, plus salt and pepper (unless otherwise noted).
- Toss frequently, cooking for 7–10 minutes until golden and crisp on all sides.
- Cool completely before storing or serving.
Recipe Notes:
- Day-old bread works best—French, sourdough, or sandwich bread all work.
- Use just enough oil or butter to coat—don’t soak the bread.
- Bake time varies—check at 12 minutes and flip halfway.
- Let croutons cool completely to crisp up fully.
- Store in an airtight container for 1 week or freeze for 3 months.
- Choose one flavor variation to mix into the base.
- Use on salads, soups, casseroles, eggs, or crush into breadcrumbs for meatballs or breaded chicken.
The nutritional information provided is an estimate and is per serving.
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