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Home » Salad

Published: Apr 11, 2019 · Modified: Jan 28, 2023 by Kathy

Homemade Garlic Croutons

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Croutons with parsley in a roasting pan.

Delicious homemade garlic croutons are full of amazing flavor and are a great way to use up leftover bread.

These croutons have crunch and flavor making them perfect for adding to soup or salads.

Cubed croutons in a metal baking dish.

Use up leftover bread

Garlic croutons can be made with freshly purchased bread or it's a great way to use up bread as it's going just slightly stale. I like to use my homemade bread, but any type of bread works.

Fresh homemade bread doesn't remain fresh for very long. After a couple of days, when it starts to get stale, I save any extra pieces for making croutons. I just throw all the pieces into a gallon freezer bag, put it in the freezer and just keep adding every time I have a piece or two.

When the bag is full, it's time to make croutons! I use slices from my White Whole Wheat Bread that I make regularly. However, you can use any type of bread. Try White sandwich bread, leftover focaccia, french bread, or an artisan style bread.

These crunchy garlicky croutons are perfect for adding to your favorite salad or soup.

The process of making homemade croutons is very similar to making homemade bread cubes for stuffing and homemade breadcrumbs.

Don't want to use your oven? Try these air fryer croutons!

Key ingredients

A cube of butter, fresh parsley and a head of garlic.

This section reviews the best ingredients and substitutions for this recipe. For an exact list of ingredients and quantities, check the recipe card below.

  • Bread - Use whatever you have available. A loaf of french bread, sandwich bread or homemade bread. This is a great way to use up any bread that's not quite as fresh as you like.
  • Butter - I use salted butter
  • Garlic - For this recipe, I use five large cloves of garlic. Feel free to add more if you want extra garlicky flavor.
  • Parsley - Fresh is best, but you can use dried if that's all that's available. Other herbs to use include thyme, oregano or chives.

Steps to make

In this section, I share step-by-step photos, cooking methods, techniques, and a general overview. For detailed instructions, temperatures, and timing, check the printable recipe card below.

  • Cut bread into small cubes
Cubed bread on a cutting board.
  • Place the cubes in a roasting pan and place in the oven to dry. You do need to stir frequently so the ones on the top don't get too dry. I checked them every 10 minutes.
  • Melt butter along with chopped parsley and garlic in a saucepan
Butter, parsley and garlic in a saucepan.
  • When the bread cubes are fully dried, pour the butter mixture over the cubes
  • Stir to distribute and return to the oven until nicely toasted

Recipe tips

  • Cut bread into any size you desire
  • Consistent size pieces dry more evenly
  • Stir bread cubes often to make certain the pieces in the center dry too
  • Once you've added the butter mixture, taste the croutons. Add a bit of salt and pepper to your liking.
  • Croutons can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for one week

Frequently asked questions

How long do homemade croutons last?

Store croutons in an airtight container and use them within one week.

Can I freeze homemade croutons?

Yes, the croutons can be frozen. If thawed croutons are not crunchy, place in the oven for 5-10 minutes on a cookie sheet.

Serving suggestions

Any green leaf salad is perfect for these croutons. I often use these when making Caesar Salad. These croutons would also be delicious sprinkled on tomato soup!

A salad topped with tomatoes and croutons.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop

Be certain to check out all my salad recipes!

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A salad topped with tomatoes and croutons.

Homemade Garlic Croutons

Kathy Berget
Crunchy croutons with butter, garlic and parsley.
5 from 36 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4 cups
Calories 70 kcal

Equipment

  • Chef Knife
  • Cookie Sheet
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients
 
 

  • 4 Cups Bread (cubed)
  • 1 Cup Butter
  • 5 Cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 2 Tablespoons Parsley (fresh )
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F
  • Place bread cubes on a cookie sheet or in a large roasting pan.
    4 Cups Bread
  • Dry at a 350°F oven. Stir bread every 10 minutes until almost completely dry.
  • Meanwhile, melt butter in a sauce pan over low heat. Add garlic. Cook on very low heat for 3-5 minutes. You just want to warm the garlic and release the oils. You will be able to smell the garlic as it warms up. Set aside off heat.
    1 Cup Butter, 5 Cloves Garlic, 2 Tablespoons Parsley
  • When bread is dry, pour butter mixture over dried bread.
  • Add a bit salt and pepper.
    Salt and Pepper to taste
  • Stir and return to oven for about 5 minutes until crunchy
  • Remove from oven and let cool completely. Store in an air tight container for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

  • Cut bread into any size you desire
  • Consistent size pieces dry more evenly
  • Stir bread cubes often to make certain the pieces in the center dry too
  • If using dried parsley, use 1-2 teaspoons 
  • Once you've added the butter mixture, taste the croutons. Add a bit of salt and pepper to your liking.
  • Croutons can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for one week

Nutritional Disclaimer:

Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. To obtain the most precise nutritional information in a provided recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the exact ingredients you are using when preparing the recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.25cupCalories: 70kcalCarbohydrates: 3gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 87mgPotassium: 19mgVitamin A: 180IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 14mgIron: 0.3mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @BeyondTheChickenCoop or tag #beyondthechickencoop!

This post was originally posted in March of 2015. The recipe, photos and post have been updated.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Harshad says

    April 21, 2019 at 10:52 am

    5 stars
    Such a simple and tasty Croutons recipe, Kathy!

    I enjoy making these easy to make recipes at home, as you get to play with different flavors and ingredients of your choice.

    Reply
  2. Stacey @ The Sugar Coated Cottage says

    April 15, 2019 at 6:57 am

    I could eat these like potato chips, cant have just one! These look so buttery and I can just imagine them dissolving in my mouth with each bite 🙂 . Take care.

    Reply
  3. Dawn - Girl Heart Food says

    April 12, 2019 at 5:35 am

    5 stars
    Homemade croutons are thes BEST! I could legit eat them as they are for a snack and be quite happy 😉

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      April 15, 2019 at 5:28 am

      Me too!:)

      Reply
  4. David @ Spiced says

    April 12, 2019 at 4:22 am

    5 stars
    What a great idea to save the ends of loaves of bread! I do love homemade croutons, but I've just used bread that I purposely staled for the purpose. This is a much better route. Homemade croutons can take an average salad to an award-winning salad in seconds! 🙂 Love this recipe, Kathy!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      April 12, 2019 at 5:33 am

      There are times I have to use fresh bread that I cut up just for croutons. Either way works fine.

      Reply
  5. Alix @A Hedgehog in the Kitchen says

    April 12, 2019 at 2:47 am

    These look so so good! We love making soups so it's always great to have a fabulous crouton recipe on hand. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      April 12, 2019 at 5:32 am

      They are perfect sprinkled on soup.

      Reply
  6. Alexandra @ It's Not Complicated Recipes says

    April 12, 2019 at 12:39 am

    5 stars
    Garlic and bread are my two real loves! So I know I will adore this 😉

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      April 12, 2019 at 5:31 am

      Mine too! I love just nibbling on these croutons all by themselves. 🙂

      Reply
  7. Kelly | Foodtasia says

    April 11, 2019 at 9:26 am

    5 stars
    Kathy, these croutons look so crunchy and delicious! They really make a salad special!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      April 11, 2019 at 4:36 pm

      It's all about that delicious crunch!

      Reply
  8. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says

    April 11, 2019 at 8:10 am

    5 stars
    I really dislike store-bought croutons Kathy! Homemade are always the best. Can't wait to try your recipe.

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      April 11, 2019 at 4:35 pm

      I hope you give them a try!

      Reply
  9. Medha @ Whisk & Shout says

    March 20, 2015 at 8:52 pm

    Yum! I eat croutons as a snack rather than in my salads... bad habit 🙂

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      March 21, 2015 at 4:47 am

      Ha! I think that's actually a great idea!

      Reply
  10. Cathleen @ A Taste Of Madness says

    March 19, 2015 at 9:19 am

    I love croutons in my salad, but sadly my boyfriend HATES them! Oh well, more for me!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      March 19, 2015 at 5:42 pm

      I guess he just won't know what he's missing!

      Reply
  11. Jennie @ The Diary of a Real Housewife says

    March 18, 2015 at 2:04 pm

    5 stars
    Yum! I have never made my own croutons. I will be trying these =)

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      March 18, 2015 at 4:42 pm

      They are simple and delicious!

      Reply
  12. Mir says

    March 18, 2015 at 3:57 am

    I love homemade croutons! They completely make the salad. These look delicious!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      March 18, 2015 at 5:03 am

      I agree...they add the perfect crunch and flavor booster!

      Reply
  13. celyn says

    March 18, 2015 at 2:32 am

    great recipe! I've never tried making croutons, thanks for sharing!

    styleandchocolates

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      March 18, 2015 at 5:02 am

      Thanks, I hope you give these a try!

      Reply
  14. Kimberly @ KimRidge Farm says

    March 17, 2015 at 4:49 pm

    5 stars
    You may not believe it, but I have been making your bread sticks since you posted that recipe a while ago. Like I mentioned in my comment back then, we like bread crust and your bread sticks were just perfect for that. I've been making them ever since and we love them.

    Now, I think I made too much of a batch and I have some extra sitting on the counter. I was planning on making croutons out of them to have with homemade tomato soup. But now that you mentioned garlic and butter, I think I am going for it.

    Thank you for the recipe and great ideas.

    Kimberly

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      March 17, 2015 at 5:43 pm

      Wow, Kimberly! I'm so pleased that those bread sticks have become a favorite! It's a great idea to use these for the croutons!
      Thanks!

      Reply
  15. Keri @ Fashionable Foods says

    March 17, 2015 at 1:02 pm

    Homemade croutons are SO much better than store bought and super easy. I've made them hundreds of times using all different flavorings, but never used fresh garlic! They look and sound amazing!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      March 17, 2015 at 5:44 pm

      Fresh garlic is really great, but you can use almost anything with these. Adjust the seasoning to match a salad or your personal tastes.

      Reply
  16. Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg says

    March 17, 2015 at 3:22 am

    Such a good idea, Kathy! I hate wasting food, but love buy fresh bread from the store. We usually eat about half or a quarter of a loaf with dinner, but then it goes unnoticed on the counter for the rest of the week. I'm looking forward to being able to safe it for some salad toppings now. 🙂

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      March 17, 2015 at 4:44 am

      Sounds like perfect bread for making croutons!

      Reply
  17. Rachelle says

    March 16, 2015 at 7:48 am

    What a clever way to use leftover bread! Homemade croutons are the best and bring on the garlic!

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      March 16, 2015 at 4:48 pm

      Thanks Rachelle! The more garlic, the better!

      Reply
  18. Laura says

    March 16, 2015 at 5:24 am

    I love the idea of making my own croutons! And they are so cheap to make. The bagged ones at the store are actually pricy when you consider how easy they are to make and freeze for later. This is a little project I need to get on asap!!! Thanks for the inspiration.

    Reply
    • Kathy says

      March 16, 2015 at 5:55 am

      You are right...they are so much cheaper. This makes a huge batch and storing in the freezer is a great idea. They will certainly last longer.

      Reply
5 from 36 votes (28 ratings without comment)

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I'm Kathy, and I love to create delicious recipes from scratch utilizing many ingredients that we grow and raise. I'm a recipe creator, food photographer, and cookbook author!

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