Learn how to make your own croutons to perk up that lunch salad! Perfectly crisp and crunchy and filled with garlicky-herb flavors.
The sequel from yesterday. The stuff I promised you last week. Guys. The long-awaited homemade croutons are H-E-R-E!!
*insert girl-ish screaming and happy dances*
Okay, so it’s salad-season right? Yeah, did you just cringe there like I did? I know this time of the year definitely isn’t as popular as cookie-time, but hear me out! Your sad lunch salad is about to get a delish kick in the pants.
Salads, you shall no longer be lonely! Not with your BFFs the croutons around.
We’re going back to the wonderful grains yet AGAIN for recipe #4 in 12 Days of Superfood Recipes. Homemade croutons are complete health-food so I’m sticking to that. 😉
So first things first: Let’s talk about the bread. I prefer and highly recommend choosing a rustic, hearty bread such as whole wheat or omg-this when I’m making croutons. Whatever bread you choose it’s got to be very sturdy and preferably somewhat dry and stale in order for your croutons to be crisp and crunchy.
That being said, these croutons are definitely the thing to make when you’re trying to use up old bread that’s been sitting on the kitchen counter!
Roughly cut up your bread into 1-in cubes to equal about 4 cups and then you’re gonna toss ’em with fresh minced garlic, plenty of seasonings, and a nice dousing of extra-virgin olive oil.
Gahh. Can you say DROOL?!
Spread the cubes in a single layer on a lightly-greased baking sheet and now we’re going to bake them super-slow at 300F for about 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. What we’re doing right now is evenly drying out the croutons so they’ll have that fantastic crispy texture.—I know that having to stir them every 10 minutes is kind of a pain, but it’s crucial in making sure that each of your gorgeous little croutons bake up evenly. ♥
40 of the longest minutes of your life later….grab those greens and ALL the ranch…
I myself, like a little salad with my croutons and ranch. 😉
And yeah, the ranch is NOT pictured here because, well. I forgot it this time, ok? I shame myself…
Would you guys judge me if I went so far as to say that these croutons are even amazing by the handful? My family thinks I’m the weirdest person ever….
Dear Croutons,
Thank you for making my otherwise-boring salads fan-freaking-tastic.
Love your #1 fan,
Sarah-The-Salad-Lover
Now then, how ’bout some healthy cookies on the side of your uber-healthy crouton-filled salad? Balance, people. 🙂
Easy Garlic-Herb Salad Croutons
This recipe may included paid links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
Ingredients
- 4 cups 1-in dry bread cubes
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salad for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300F. Lightly grease a baking sheet. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, toss bread cubes with seasonings, Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Spread in a single layer on baking sheet. Bake croutons at 300F 40 minutes or until a deep golden brown, stirring every 10 minutes.
- Cool croutons slightly then serve with salad.
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
These croutons look incredible, Sarah! These have been on my bucket list to make for a while, so I’m happy to have found your recipe! These cuties definitely jazz up plain ‘ole salads. I eat them a lot, so this is just what I need. Yum!
Sarah says
They’re seriously so easy to make you won’t believe it! I hope you get around to trying these, Gayle! 🙂
Sarah @ The Gold Lining Girl says
This is such a great idea! I’ve never made my own croutons before, but have always wanted to! There are pretty limitless possibilities when it comes to seasonings and flavors. I’d eat a whole bowl all on their own!
Sarah says
Thanks Sarah! You totally need to give homemade croutons a go! 😉
Jen @ Baked by an Introvert says
When I was younger I worked in a deli that made their own croutons and they were the best. I’ve never made them myself though. Definitely going to have to try your recipe! Homemade is SO much better. Pinning!
Sarah says
That’s pretty cool that the deli you worked in made their own croutons! 🙂
Thanks for pinning, Jen!
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
Yes! I have been eating salads nonstop after the holidays and they are definitely lonely without these yummy croutons! Love the flavors in here, I could totally snack on these all by themselves!
Sarah says
Yay for fun salads now! 😉 Glad I’m not the only one who could eat these by themselves!
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
Homemade croutons are the best and yours look delicious! Such a great way to make a plain salad seem more special. 🙂
Sarah says
Thanks Christin!! 🙂
Kelly // The Pretty Bee: Cooking & Creating says
We have definitely been eating more salads over here lately! These croutons would help make the salads even tastier!
Sarah says
I’ll bet you could definitely use a gluten-free bread to make these croutons, Kelly! 😉
Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen says
OMGosh, don’t you love homemade croutons? SO much better than store bought. They’re fresh and flavored just right and they make a world of difference. Great recipe Sarah!
Sarah says
Yes! Storebought just isn’t cutting it for me anymore in the crouton-department. 😉 Thanks Kristi!
Joanne says
Storebought croutons don’t even stand a chance in the face of these! I want to nosh on them by the handful.
Sarah says
I’m glad I’m not alone in the “by-the-handful” thing! 😉
Melanie @ Carmel Moments says
We just ate salad last night and my little guy was complaining about not having croutons. That definitely has to change…and quick. They look perfect!
Sarah says
These croutons are SO kid-friendly! I’ll bet your family would love them, Melanie! 🙂
Manali @ CookWithManali says
I have never made my own croutons before..I definitely need to! looks fantastic Sarah!
Sarah says
Thanks Manali!!
Liz @ Tip Top Shape says
Oh, these look delicious!!!!
Sarah says
Thank you Liz!
Renee @ Two in the Kitchen says
What a great idea Sarah! I love the look of these croutons!! I’ve never made them before.
Sarah says
Thank you Renee! You totally need to give homemade croutons a go!
Ashley says
I love making my own croutons!! These sound so good with the garlic and herbiness! Huge kick in the pants for any salad! 🙂
Sarah says
Right?! Nothing beats ’em!
Thanks Ashley!
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
I am such a crouton lover. A salad just isn’t a salad without them. These sound delicious, and so easy!
Sarah says
Haha! I can’t have my salads without ’em either! It’s just not the same. 😉 Thanks Nat!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
love homemade croutons!!! and I agree. . the BEST way to use up bread if you need to use it up fast! ok, so I need to make your multi-grain bread and these salad croutons!! 🙂
Sarah says
Haha YES! You’ve got a lot of stuff to cross off your baking bucket list now, girl! 🙂
Sarah @ SnixyKitchen says
Hello from another Sarah-The-Salad-Lover! 😉 I agree – homemade croutons are FANTASTIC. I usually just use some olive oil and salt but now you’re inspiring me to get more fancy with my seasoning! (I also eat croutons by the handful…shhhhh 😉
Sarah says
Haha thanks Sarah! No shame in the whole “by-the-handful” thing. 😉