Name: Homemade Sourdough Croutons
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 loaf sourdough bread (about 16 oz); ¼ cup extra‑virgin olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; ½–1 tsp salt (to taste); Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)

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Crispy, golden croutons made from sourdough bread—perfect for salads, soups, or snacking straight from the bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade sourdough croutons are easy to make, use up day‑old bread, and offer superior flavor and crunch compared to store‑bought versions. They’re lightly seasoned with garlic, salt, and fresh pepper, and air‑fried in olive oil for a crisp, flavorful finish.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 loaf sourdough bread (about 16 oz)
¼ cup extra‑virgin olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
½–1 tsp salt (to taste)
Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 400 °F (200 °C).

2. Cube the Bread

Use a serrated bread knife to cut the sourdough into approximately 1″ cubes.

3. Season the Cubes

Place the bread cubes onto a parchment‑lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and a generous amount of cracked black pepper. Toss by hand to ensure even coating.

4. Arrange for Baking

Spread the seasoned cubes in a single layer, making sure they aren’t touching—use a second baking sheet if needed.

5. Bake Until Golden

Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the croutons are golden brown and crispy. Toss once halfway through baking if desired.

6. Cool and Serve

Allow croutons to cool completely before serving or storing. They will crisp further as they cool.

Servings And Timing

Makes: About 4 cups croutons
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: 10–15 minutes
Total time: ~25 minutes

Variations

Herbed Crunch: Add 1 tsp dried oregano, thyme, or rosemary before baking.
Cheesy Boost: Sprinkle finely grated Parmesan cheese over cubes before baking.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for heat.
Butter Swap: Substitute olive oil with melted butter for richer flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Re‑crisping: Revive by baking at 350 °F (175 °C) for 3–5 minutes until crunchy again.

FAQs

1. Can I use other bread types?

Yes—hearty breads like ciabatta or French bread work beautifully.

2. Do croutons freeze well?

Absolutely—freeze in a sealed bag for up to 3 months; thaw and re-crisp before use.

3. Can I air‑fry them instead?

Yes—air-fry at 360 °F (182 °C) for 6–8 minutes, shaking halfway through.

4. How do I prevent soggy croutons?

Fully cool croutons before storing and keep them in a dry, airtight container.

5. Can I reduce the oil?

Yes—use 3 Tbsp olive oil instead, though croutons may be slightly less crisp.

6. Can I make them vegan?

Yes—this recipe is already vegan. Feel free to add vegan butter or flaky salt.

7. Can I add garlic cloves instead of powder?

Garlic powder gives even flavor—fresh garlic may burn during baking.

8. What’s the best bread age to use?

Slightly stale bread (1–2 days old) holds its shape best, but fresh works too if cubes dry out before baking.

9. How should I serve them?

Classic with salads or soups, or use them as crunchy toppings for buddha bowls or pasta.

10. Can I double the batch?

Yes—just use additional baking sheets and rotate them during baking for even crisping.

Conclusion

These Homemade Sourdough Croutons are a simple, flavorful addition to your kitchen repertoire. With minimal ingredients and a quick bake, you’ll elevate meals with crisp texture and delicious seasoning—perfect for transforming day‑old bread into something spectacular. Enjoy!

Homemade Sourdough Croutons

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Author: Maggie
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 cups croutons
Diet: Vegan

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Description

Crispy, golden croutons made from sourdough bread—perfect for salads, soups, or snacking straight from the bowl.

Ingredients

1 loaf sourdough bread (about 16 oz)

¼ cup extra‑virgin olive oil

1 tsp garlic powder

½–1 tsp salt (to taste)

Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400 °F (200 °C).
Cut the sourdough bread into 1″ cubes using a serrated knife.
Place cubes on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
Spread cubes in a single layer, using a second baking sheet if necessary.
Bake for 10–15 minutes until golden and crispy, tossing halfway if desired.
Let croutons cool completely before serving or storing.