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Learn how to make easy homemade croutons on the stove top with a few simple ingredients. Golden and Crispy on the outside, slightly chewy on the inside and seasoned to perfection! They’re great on soup, salads, and more.

Years ago I found a recipe for a Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Salad with Fresh Basil Dressing! It’s an amazing fresh green salad! One of my favorite things about this recipe are the Homemade Croutons!

They are so easy to make! Why have I spent years eating store bought petrified pigeon food? (I feel like a statue in the park!) Who knew a salad topping could be this delicious!

Made with artisan bread, toasted in olive oil, Italian Seasonings, and Parmesan Cheese! They’re ready in minutes and can be stored up to 2 weeks in an airtight container.

They are golden brown and crispy, slightly chewy inside and heavenly! I’ve fallen in love with a new Carb! (Shhhh…we aren’t telling the other Carbs in my life!)

What You’ll Need to Make This Recipe

• 1 loaf of bread (about 12 ounces), cut into ¾-inch cubes
• 2 Tablespoons of Butter (salted)
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (homemade or store bought)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 Tablespoons grated Parmesan Cheese (optional)

How To Make Croutons on the Stove Top

In a large deep skillet, over medium heat, melt butter. Add Olive Oil, Italian Seasonings, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Stir until well combined.

Add prepared cubed bread to melted seasoned butter in hot skillet. Mix to coat.

Continue to stir, using a silicone spatula, or wooden spoon, until croutons begin to toast to a golden brown.

Tip: I like to purchase day old bread from Jimmy John’s! Did you know they sell if for .50 cents a loaf? It makes the perfect croutons.

Finishing Homemade Seasoned Croutons

Once the bread cubes are crispy and golden brown, think “grilled cheese” sandwich color and texture, turn off the heat.

Quickly add the Parmesan Cheese, toss croutons, in the hot skillet, to coat. Remove croutons from skillet place on a large baking sheet, and cool.

Once completely cooled, place in an airtight container, and store until ready to use!

Questions, Answers, and Tips

• Can homemade croutons be made in the oven or Air Fryer? Yes! You will need to melt the butter and oil in a small sauce pan with the seasonings. Place bread in a bowl and toss with butter mixture. Place coated bread cubes in a single layer on a non-stick rimmed baking sheet in a preheated 375° F oven. Bake for 10–15 minutes until golden brown, flipping the cubes occasionally. Remove from oven and toss with Parmesan Cheese. Use the same method for an Air Fryer.
• Are Croutons just stale bread? Technically croutons can be made out of any loaf of bread, fresh or stale. It’s a great way to prevent waste.
• How long is the shelf life of Homemade Croutons? When stored in an airtight container they will last up to two weeks?
• What are some of the ways to use Croutons? They are great on salads, soups, and in recipes that call for bread crumbs! They’re also a great addictive snack! (Remember my love affair with this carb?!)
• Can I use fresh minced garlic? You can…but…you need to be careful as the garlic can burn and turn bitter during toasting! This is why I prefer to use garlic powder.

Great Soup and Salad Recipes for Croutons

• Best Traditional New England Clam Chowder
• Easy Classic Loaded Wedge Salad
• Instant Pot Creamy Butternut and Pumpkin Squash Soup
• Caesars Wedge Salad with Avocado
• Easy Delicious Cheeseburger Soup
• Ham and Bean Soup from Sweet CS Designs

Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting today! I hope you enjoyed this post for Easy Homemade Croutons and that you’ll give it a try! There’s a free printable recipe card below.

Happy Nesting!

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Yield: 4–6 cups

How To Make Homemade Skillet Croutons

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Learn how to make easy homemade croutons on the stove top with a few simple ingredients. Golden and Crispy on the outside, slightly chewy on the inside and seasoned to perfection! They're great on soup, salads, and more.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of bread (about 12 ounces), cut into ¾-inch cubes
• 2 Tablespoons of Butter (salted)
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (homemade or store bought)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 Tablespoons grated Parmesan Cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add butter and olive oil. Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix to combine.
2. Add bread cubes. Stir to coat. Continue stirring until cubes begin to toast and turn golden brown. About 5–10 minutes. Once golden brown turn off heat. Sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese. Toss to coat.
3. Remove croutons from skillet and place on a baking sheet to cool. Cool completely and store in an airtight container up to 2 weeks.

Recommended Products

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  Vtopmart Airtight Food Storage Containers, 7 Pieces BPA Free Plastic Cereal Containers with Easy Lock Lids, for Kitchen Pantry Organization and Storage, Include 24 Labels
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  Large Salad Bowl with Lid, Bamboo Fiber Salad Serving Bowl Set with Utensils, 9.8inches Mixing Bowl with Servers, Solid Bamboo Wooden Bowl for Salad, Fruits, Vegetables and Pasta(White)
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  Gibson Home Laurel Acacia Wood Salad Bowl Set, 3 - Piece, Acacia Wood
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  Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker's Half Sheet, 2-Pack, Silver
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  Circulon Radiance Deep Hard Anodized Nonstick Frying Pan /Skillet with Lid - 12 Inch, Gray

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

24

Serving Size:

1/4 cup
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 107Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 245mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 3g

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