Homemade garlic croutons couldn’t be easier to make at home! Perfectly crisp, crunchy, and packed with garlicky-herb flavors.
Nothing perks up a lunch salad or bowl of soup better than homemade croutons and this recipe is one you’re going to want to hang onto forever!
I’m talking perfectly-seasoned, light and crunchy croutons that are SO dang easy you could make them in your sleep!
And don’t tell anyone but I definitely end up plucking the majority of these croutons straight off the sheet pan cause they really are that good.
This is one of those recipes that helps use up ingredients you have lying around the house which is my FAVORITE kind of recipe!
Most definitely the thing to make when you’re trying to use up old bread that’s been sitting on the kitchen counter for a little too long.
These Croutons Feature…
- A light and crunchy texture
- A coating of garlic, herbs, and grated Parmesan
- An easy recipe that comes together in minutes
Making the Croutons
(scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full recipe)
Ingredients You Will Need
- Bread
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Olive oil
- Parmesan cheese
Choosing Your Bread
You will need about 4 cups bread cut into 1/2-inch cubes for these croutons. I recommend going with a rustic bread such as French bread, ciabatta, or Italian.
Whatever bread you choose it’s got to be sturdy and preferably a little dry in order for your croutons to be crisp and crunchy.
Tips for Perfect Homemade Croutons
- Cut bread into uniform cubes – I recommend 1/2-inch cubes for even baking.
- Arrange croutons in a single layer – baking the croutons in a single layer will help them toast evenly.
- Toss pan halfway through baking – this will crisp up all sides of the croutons.
Recipe Variations
Try these ideas for a different twist on these croutons.
- Add some heat – add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Try different seasonings – try dried dill, parsley, marjoram, or basil.
How to Use Croutons
These croutons are great as a salad topper as well as for topping bowls of soup. Store croutons in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week.
It’s no wonder I can never go back to packaged croutons ever since these crunchy gems entered my life! Their texture is so perfectly crunchy and you can actually taste the good bread unlike most packaged versions of croutons.
Your lunch salad is gonna thank you later for this one!
Save this recipe using the ‘save to recipe box’ button below. If you make it, please let us know! Leave a comment + star rating below, or take a photo and tag it on Instagram with #wholeandheavenlyoven.
Try these croutons in these salad options!
Homemade Garlic Croutons
This recipe may included paid links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
Ingredients
- 4 cups French bread or ciabatta, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1-1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Finely-grated Parmesan for topping, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F and line a medium sheet pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Combine bread cubes, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and olive oil on prepared sheet pan and toss until evenly combined. Arrange croutons in a single layer on pan and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake croutons at 375F 12-15 minutes, tossing croutons halfway through baking until croutons are golden-brown. Sprinkle croutons with a little Parmesan if desired.
- Allow croutons to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
This post was updated with new recipe adjustments and photos on 2/19/26.
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. 😉