Go Back
Croutons are more than just a topping; they are a delightful addition that can elevate any dish, from salads and soups to casseroles and pastas. These little bites of crunchy goodness add texture, flavor, and a satisfying crunch that transforms your meal. While you can find croutons in various shapes and sizes at the grocery store, nothing compares to the freshness and customizability of homemade croutons. Making your own allows you to experiment with flavors, ensuring that each batch perfectly complements your culinary creations.

Crunchy Garlic Butter Croutons

Elevate your meals with homemade crunchy garlic butter croutons! This simple recipe transforms basic bread into delightful, crispy bites that add flavor and texture to salads, soups, and casseroles. Just a few ingredients—your choice of bread, garlic, butter, and optional herbs or Parmesan—come together to create a flavorful topping that outshines store-bought varieties. Perfect for customizing to your taste, these croutons are sure to become a kitchen staple. Enjoy the crunch!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

4 cups of bread (choose French baguette or sourdough, cut into 1-inch cubes)

1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)

4 cloves of garlic (minced)

2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs (or 1 tablespoon fresh herbs, finely chopped)

1 teaspoon salt (adjust to your taste)

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for an extra layer of flavor)

Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even browning.

    Prepare the Bread: In a large mixing bowl, add the cubed bread. It's ideal to use slightly stale bread to achieve a crunchy texture. If your bread is fresh, consider toasting it lightly in the oven or on a skillet for a few minutes to help it dry out.

      Make the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, dried herbs, salt, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese (if using). Mix until all ingredients are well integrated, creating a fragrant garlic butter.

        Coat the Bread: Pour the garlic butter mixture over the cubed bread. Using a spatula or your hands, gently toss the bread cubes until they are fully coated. Ensure that every piece is covered in the delicious garlic butter mixture.

          Spread on Baking Sheet: Transfer the coated bread cubes to your prepared baking sheet. Spread them into a single layer to allow for even cooking and crisping.

            Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them, stirring the croutons halfway through to promote uniform browning until they are golden brown and perfectly crispy.

              Cool and Serve: Once the croutons are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. If desired, toss with additional chopped parsley for color and freshness. Serve them warm as a delightful addition to salads or soups, or store in an airtight container for later use.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 30 mins | 4-6 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, serve the croutons in a decorative bowl, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added flair.