Why You’ll Love Sourdough Croutons Recipe
This recipe transforms stale sourdough into something delicious and useful, reducing waste while enhancing meals. The tangy flavor of sourdough combined with crispy toasted texture makes these croutons far superior to store‑bought versions. They’re versatile, easy to make, and perfect for salads like Caesar, soups, or even snacking.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
6 cups sourdough bread, torn into 1‑inch pieces or diced into ¾‑inch cubes
3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
¼ tsp fine sea salt
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Optional variations:
garlic powder
herbs de Provence or Italian seasoning
fresh dill
freshly grated parmesan cheese
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Place the sourdough cubes in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil.
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Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings you like, tossing to coat evenly.
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Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
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Bake for about 20–30 minutes, turning once halfway through so they brown evenly.
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Once the croutons are firm and fully crisp, remove from the oven and cool completely before serving or storing.
Servings and timing
Makes about 12 servings (roughly 6 cups of croutons).
Prep time: around 5 minutes
Cook time: about 30 minutes
Total time: about 35 minutes
Variations
• Garlic herb croutons: Add garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
• Cheesy croutons: Toss with grated parmesan before baking.
• Herb blend: Use herbs de Provence or fresh chopped herbs for extra flavor.
Storage/Reheating
• To store: Keep cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature in a dry place for up to about a week.
• To re‑crisp: Spread croutons on a baking sheet and bake at 200°F (95°C) for about 5 minutes until crisp again.
FAQs
What bread is best for croutons?
Day‑old or slightly stale sourdough bread works best because it crisps up well and has great flavor.
Can I use fresh bread?
Fresh bread can be used, but it’s better to dry it out first so the croutons become fully crispy.
Can I freeze croutons?
Yes — after baking and cooling, freeze croutons in an airtight bag to preserve crunch, then reheat in the oven before serving.
How long do homemade croutons last?
Stored properly in a dry airtight container at room temperature, they can keep for up to about a week.
Can I add cheese?
Yes, adding parmesan before baking gives a tasty cheesy crunch.
Can I add herbs?
Absolutely — dried or fresh herbs add extra flavor.
Are sourdough croutons healthy?
They’re a tasty way to add crunch to salads and soups; sourdough bread may be easier to digest for some people, but nutrition varies with portion size.
Can I make them spicy?
Yes — add a pinch of crushed red pepper or chili flakes for heat.
What temperature should I bake them at?
Bake croutons at around 350°F (175°C) until they’re golden and crisp.
Can I air‑fry these croutons?
You can air‑fry cubes at a moderate temperature until crisp, but oven baking is the classic method.
Conclusion
These homemade sourdough croutons are a simple and delicious way to make the most of leftover bread. With crisp texture, rich flavor, and endless ways to customize, they elevate salads, soups, and snacks with minimal effort. Enjoy making them your own with herbs, spices, or cheese.
