Homemade Sourdough Croutons are the crunchy little nuggets you never knew you needed in your life. Imagine tossing a salad and hearing that satisfying crunch with each bite as if your salad just got an upgrade from a regular car to a sports model. These golden-brown beauties are bursting with flavor and have an incredible texture that makes them irresistible.

Now picture this: you’re sitting at the dinner table, and everyone’s raving about how delicious your soup is. You just sit there with a sly smile because you know the secret ingredient is those homemade sourdough croutons perched on top like little crowns of glory. They’re not just any old croutons; they’ve been lovingly crafted by you, and they take everything from salads to soups to another level of deliciousness.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These homemade sourdough croutons are incredibly easy to prepare and require minimal ingredients
- Their crispy texture adds delightful crunchiness to salads or soups
- With endless seasoning options, they can be tailored to suit any dish
- Perfect for using up leftover bread while creating something delicious!
I remember the first time I made these croutons; my family was blown away by how something so simple could transform our meals into gourmet experiences.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Sourdough Bread: Use stale or day-old bread for the best crunch; fresh bread may not yield the desired texture.
- Olive Oil: A high-quality olive oil brings flavor; extra virgin works wonders for richness.
- Garlic Powder: This adds depth; feel free to increase or decrease based on your garlic love level.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing flavors; sea salt or kosher salt provides a delightful crunch.
- Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds warmth; adjust according to your spice preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Bread: Start by cutting your stale sourdough bread into bite-sized cubes. The uneven edges will create more crispy surfaces when baked.
Toss with Seasonings: In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss until every piece is well-coated and looks like it’s ready for a spa day.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Try not to overcrowd them; they need room to breathe and get crispy.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until they are golden brown and smell heavenly. Give them a shake halfway through for even browning.
Cool Down & Store: Once out of the oven, let your croutons cool completely before storing in an airtight container. They’ll keep fresh for about a week—if they last that long!
Making these Homemade Sourdough Croutons is not just about following steps; it’s about transforming leftover bread into crunchy delights that make every meal special!
You Must Know
- Homemade sourdough croutons are a flavor-packed way to elevate any salad or soup
- The crunchiness and aroma of fresh croutons can transform your meal into a gourmet experience
- Plus, making them at home is super simple and satisfying
Perfecting the Cooking Process
For the best results, toast your croutons in a single layer, turning them halfway through for even crispness. This ensures that they turn golden brown and crunchy without burning.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with different herbs like rosemary or thyme for added flavor. You can also sprinkle some grated cheese before baking for a cheesy twist that will leave everyone wanting seconds!
Storing & Reheating
Store your homemade sourdough croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to re-crisp them, simply pop them back in the oven for a few minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When baking croutons, keep an eye on them; they can go from golden brown to burnt in seconds!
- Use day-old bread for better texture
- Experiment with spices to personalize flavors
Making homemade sourdough croutons reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen, where the smell of toasted bread would fill the air, pulling everyone together for dinner.
FAQ
What type of bread is best for homemade sourdough croutons?
Sourdough bread is ideal due to its robust flavor and great texture.
How long do homemade sourdough croutons last?
They can last up to one week when stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I make croutons without garlic?
Absolutely! Feel free to omit garlic or substitute it with your favorite herbs and spices.
Easy Homemade Sourdough Croutons Recipe
Sourdough croutons are a delightful way to elevate your salads and soups, adding a satisfying crunch and rich flavor to every bite. This easy homemade recipe transforms leftover sourdough bread into perfectly crispy morsels that can be tailored to your taste preferences with various seasonings. Whether you’re looking for a quick topping for a fresh salad or a crunchy companion for a comforting bowl of soup, these croutons are versatile and incredibly simple to make. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll be enjoying gourmet-style dishes in no time. Perfect for impressing guests or simply enhancing your everyday meals, homemade sourdough croutons are an essential addition to your culinary repertoire.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 cups day-old sourdough bread, diced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut stale sourdough bread into uniform cubes.
- In a large bowl, mix olive oil, salt, and pepper; add optional seasonings if desired.
- Toss bread cubes in the oil mixture until evenly coated.
- Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup (30g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, consider mixing in garlic powder, dried herbs, or even Parmesan cheese. - Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.