15 Minute Crispy Homemade Croutons
Whether you are making croutons for a caesar salad, soup or let’s be real – snacking – these easy 15 minute homemade croutons are crispy and golden, with just the right amount of garlic powder and can be made with any bread you have on hand.
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A good homemade crouton makes any recipe even more satisfying. Whether it’s a rich and flavourful panzanella, a quick and easy lunchtime salad or a warm and cozy soup, croutons add another layer of texture and flavour that is hard to beat.
It’s hard to believe that I’ve been developing plant-based recipes for a decade now…particularly when you know that my culinary repertoire in my 20s was essentially a Greek salad, macaroni and cheese and stir fry. I am, of course, a dietitian and not a trained chef…so over the years, I had a lot to learn about how to make nourishing meals that are just as delicious and satisfying as more typical fare.
A couple of big AHA moments: that texture is everything…as is salt.
Creating a balance of flavours and textures is what takes a ho hum meal over the top. It’s a technique you’ll see me use again and again in my books, like Good For Your Gut. Whenever I can add a bit of crunch to a softer recipe, or a creamy sauce to a drier one, or another hit of salt, acid or spice, I will.
And I cannot think of an easier – or more delicious – way to get that crunch factor with your favourite salad or soup than to add a good homemade crouton. Croutons couldn’t be easier to make…which means you’ll A) save money and B) never have to eat a stale boxed crouton again.
A bit of a warning: these croutons are so good, I have to fight my family off so the croutons actually make it to dinner time. And by my family, I also mean me.
How to make the best homemade croutons, step by step
Really, you only need 2 ingredients to make croutons: bread and oil. The rest build flavour…and I highly recommend adding a bit of seasoning.
You can make croutons out of any bread…but I do have two favourites: a good bakery sourdough for its wonderful texture, or a sprouted grain sandwich bread that is super high in fibre and has plenty of flavour.
You can make gluten free or even low FODMAP croutons just by using your usual gluten free or low FODMAP loaf! If you’re low FODMAP, watch for higher FODMAP ingredients in gluten free breads. Cob’s Bread makes a low FODMAP loaf. And be sure to ditch the garlic powder for some fresh herbs…or try a low FODMAP garlic-flavoured oil.
Ways to use these homemade croutons
Like I said, I don’t think there is a recipe that isn’t made better with a good crouton. Like how they make a creamy bowl of parsnip soup, or a light lentil vegetable soup, more of a meal. Croutons are right at home on a vegan caesar salad and add heft to a light beet and arugula salad. I love these on my winter pear and kale salad or my roasted tomato soup!
More Soup and Salad Toppers
- Spicy Sriracha Roasted Pepitas (15 min!)
- 5 Minute Vegan Parmesan Made From Almonds
- Crispy Roasted Chickpeas with Everything Bagel Seasoning
15 Minute Crispy Homemade Croutons
Ingredients
- 4 rounded cups cubed bread, about 3 large slices, see notes
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, or avocado oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- freshly cracked pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add cubed bread to the baking sheet and evenly drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle garlic powder, thyme, salt and pepper evenly over the cubes and toss well with hands.
- Bake for 5 minutes, stir and then check every 3 minutes until crispy and golden brown in spots, 5-12 minutes (small cubes cook quickly, larger take longer!).
- Use immediately, or store at room temperature, covered for up to 3 days.
2 Comments on “15 Minute Crispy Homemade Croutons”
Great reminder about what a versatile way to add flavour and texture to soups and salads
Croutons need a resurgence!!