Description
These homemade Parmesan croutons are golden, crispy, and packed with rich olive oil, savory garlic, and nutty Parmesan flavor. They’re incredibly easy to make and instantly elevate any salad, soup, or pasta dish. Once you try homemade croutons, you’ll never go back to store-bought again!
Ingredients
-
12 cups bread cubes (about 12 slices of bread, cubed)
-
⅓ cup good quality olive oil
-
4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
-
1 large clove garlic, minced
-
½ teaspoon salt
-
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
-
Preheat oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. -
Season the bread cubes
Place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the cubes. -
Add flavorings
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly until all the bread cubes are evenly coated. Make sure the oil and seasoning reach every piece for maximum flavor. -
Arrange on baking sheet
Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding so they crisp evenly. -
Bake until golden and crisp
Bake for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the croutons are golden brown and crisp on all sides. -
Cool and serve
Remove from the oven and let cool completely. The croutons will crisp even more as they cool.
Notes
Best bread to use:
Sourdough, French bread, or ciabatta work beautifully because they hold their shape and crisp up nicely.
Make ahead tip:
These croutons can be made several days in advance, making them perfect for meal prep.
Serving ideas:
Toss into Caesar or garden salads
Sprinkle over tomato soup
Add crunch to pasta dishes
Use on roasted vegetable salads
Storage
Store croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months and re-crisp in the oven if needed.