Easy Homemade Croutons

Easy Homemade Croutons are crisp on the outside with a soft chewy middle. They have a little kick that you'll see pairs great with all kinds of soup and salad recipes. You won't believe how easy they are to make!

Homemade is so much better!

I love making Caesar salad, it's quick, easy, and uses very few ingredients. With a big group coming over for dinner one night, I realized at the last minute I had forgotten to buy croutons.

Well, why not make my own? I found some bread in the pantry and then started throwing in some spices and I never looked back. Homemade croutons are so much better and a great way to use up old bread in your pantry.

These also go great with homemade honey mustard dressing or my lemon vinaigrette!

What kind of bread should you use?

Basically, any bread works great for this recipe. I use the bread I have in the pantry or I recommend purchasing day-old bread from your local bakery.

Ingredients:

• Bread cut into cubes - my preference is sourdough
• Olive Oil
• Butter
• Salt
• Pepper - I prefer fresh cracked pepper, but it is not absolutely necessary. Your table pepper will work just fine.
• Italian Seasoning
• Cayenne Pepper optional
• Garlic Powder - Do not use fresh garlic, it tends to burn .

How to Make Easy Homemade Croutons

Preheat Oven to 350 degrees

Cube bread into 1-inch pieces

Combine melted butter, olive oil and spices in small bowl.

Pour sauce over bread. Gently combine until bread is coated.

On a greased cookie sheet or over parchment paper spread bread into a single layer.

Bake for 15 - 20 minutes turning the bread halfway through.

When the bread is toasted remove it from the oven and cool.

Serve homemade croutons with your favorite salad, soup, or casseroles.

Easy Homemade Croutons Recipe

Storing croutons

Croutons can be stored in an air-tight container for up to a week or store in the freezer for recipes in the upcoming months.