These golden, buttery, Homemade Croutons are crisp on the outside with just the right amount of chew inside. Coated in a rich garlic onion butter and toasted to perfection, they make any salad or soup extra special.
I've always loved making homemade staples like salad dressings and croutons. There's just no comparison when you taste the difference. These croutons were the perfect touch to my BLT Pasta Salad, and they're also great tossed into creamy Roasted Tomato Soup or used to top my Shrimp Caesar Salad.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Better than store bought: no preservatives, just fresh flavor and texture.
Customizable seasoning: make them cheesy, herby, or spicy.
Perfect use for day old bread: a smart way to reduce waste and boost flavor.
Key Ingredients & Why They Matter
Ciabatta Bread: chewy and airy, perfect for soaking up butter without getting soggy. Any bakery style firm bread like Italian Bread or homemade Sweet Dinner Rolls will also work well.
Butter: I use salted butter for richness and skip adding extra salt.
Garlic Powder: a punch of garlicky flavor in every bite.
Onion Powder: adds a savory depth to complement the garlic.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Use olive oil or avocado oil instead of butter for a dairy free version.
- Swap in ½ tablespoon Homemade Taco Seasoning for a bolder flavor twist.
- Replace garlic and onion powder with oregano, basil, and thyme for an Italian style version.
Flavor Variations
Cheesy Garlic: toss in 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan just before baking for a savory, cheesy bite.
Smoky Paprika: add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika to the butter mixture for a deep, smoky flavor that pairs well with tomato based soups.s
Spicy Chili Lime: stir in ¼ teaspoon chili powder and a splash of lime juice to the melted butter for a zesty kick with heat.
Top Tips
- Use bread that's at least one day old. It holds it's shape and crisps better.
- Toss croutons halfway through baking for even browning.
- Bakery bread gives the best texture. Avoid soft sandwich bread from the bread asile.
- If your bread is very fresh, bake longer, but watch closely to avoid over browning.
Storage
Cool completely and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Re-crisp in a 300 degree F oven if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Use these croutons on top of:
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
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📖 Recipe
Homemade Croutons
Equipment
- Airtight storage container
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Ingredients
- ½ cup Butter
- 4 cups baguette cubed
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Melt the butter In a microwave safe bowl. Stir in the garlic salt and onion powder.
- Place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with the butter mixture and toss to coat.
- Spread the buttered bread cubes out on a 11 x 17 baking pan. Bake for 5 minutes. Stir the croutons and bake 7 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Store in an airtight container.
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