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Homemade Italian Croutons

Print Recipe
Crispy, flavorful, and perfect for salads, soups, or snacking!
Course Salad
Prep Time 5 minutes

Equipment

  • 1 oven
  • 1 baking pan

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf bread (10-12 oz), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Cut your bread into 1-inch cubes. Almost stale bread works best—it soaks up the seasoning without becoming soggy.
  • In a large mixing bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  • Spread the seasoned bread cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes.
  • Carefully switch to the broiler on high for 1-2 minutes to get a golden-brown, crispy finish. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  • Allow croutons to cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.

Notes

  • Use sourdough, baguette, or gluten-free bread for different textures and flavors.
  • Add dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil for a custom twist.
  • Sprinkle with vegan parmesan after baking for extra indulgence.