Got stale bread sitting on the counter? Don’t toss it, transform it into crispy, flavour-packed croutons! These homemade butter croutons are quick, versatile, and so much better than store-bought.
With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have crunchy bites that elevate soups, salads, or even dips. The best part? You can customize the seasoning to match your taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Reduces food waste – a great way to use up leftover or old bread.
- Customizable – swap herbs, oils, or spices to make them your own.
- Quick & easy – ready in just 20 minutes.
- Better than store-bought – fresh, crunchy, and full of flavour.
Homemade Butter Croutons
Ingredients
- 3–4 cups chopped bread (any type: sourdough, baguette, sandwich bread)
- ¼ cup melted butter (or swap for avocado oil or vegetable oil)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the bread – cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Season the croutons – in a large bowl, toss bread cubes with melted butter, salt, and seasonings until evenly coated.
- Bake – spread bread cubes on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
- Cool & enjoy – let cool slightly before serving.
Storage
- Store cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- For longer storage, freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 1 month. Re-crisp in the oven before serving.
Variations & Substitutions
- Cheesy croutons – add 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan before baking.
- Garlic butter croutons – mix in ½ teaspoon garlic powder or use garlic-infused oil.
- Spicy croutons – sprinkle with chili flakes or smoked paprika.
- Oil swap – use olive oil for a lighter option instead of butter.
Serving Ideas
These butter croutons are the perfect crunchy topping for:
- Creamy soups (like tomato, butternut squash, or broccoli cheddar).
- Fresh salads (Caesar salad classic!).
- Snack bowls or dips (hummus or spinach dip).
FAQ: Homemade Butter Croutons
Yes! You can substitute butter with olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil for a lighter option. The flavour will be slightly different, but they’ll still turn out crispy and delicious.
Any bread works—baguette, sourdough, sandwich bread, or even multigrain.
Let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container. If they soften over time, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to re-crisp.
Recipe
Homemade Butter Croutons
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Toss bread cubes with butter, salt, and seasonings.
- Spread evenly on a baking sheet.
- Bake 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crunchy.
- Cool and enjoy on soups, salads, or as a snack.
Comments
No Comments