Homemade Garlic Olive Oil Croutons Recipe
Crispy and flavorful homemade croutons made with simple ingredients like fresh bread, olive oil, and garlic. Perfect for adding a crunchy texture to salads, soups, or as a savory snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1.5 cups of croutons 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 4 cups bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 4–5 slices of day-old bread)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes to ensure even baking and a perfect crispy texture.
- Toss with olive oil and garlic: In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes with olive oil and minced garlic, tossing thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly with the oil and garlic flavor.
- Bake the croutons: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the coated bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the croutons are golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and store: Remove from oven and let the croutons cool completely on the baking sheet. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Notes
- Use day-old or slightly stale bread for best results to ensure croutons are crispy.
- You can customize flavor by adding dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or parsley before baking.
- Monitor closely during baking to prevent burning; oven times may vary.
- These croutons can also be toasted in a skillet over medium heat if you prefer stovetop cooking.
Keywords: homemade croutons, crispy croutons, garlic croutons, salad topping, easy bread recipe
