Homemade croutons are one of the simplest things to make from bread that has gone dry. You need bread, oil and salt, and in a quarter of an hour you have something crisp for your salad or soup.
Black Month pack What you need
- 200 g bread, ideally 1 to 2 days old
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried thyme or oregano
In the oven
- Set the oven to 190 °C.
- Cut the bread into cubes of about 2 cm.
- Toss the cubes in oil, salt and herbs in a bowl.
- Spread them in one layer on a baking tray.
- Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, turning them halfway.
- Let the croutons cool on the tray.
In a frying pan
Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Add the bread, and fry for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring often, until the cubes are golden. Tip them onto a baking tray, and sprinkle with salt and herbs.
Four flavours to try
- Garlic: Stir in finely chopped garlic for the last 3 minutes. Garlic burns quickly.
- Parmesan: Sprinkle over grated cheese for the last 3 minutes.
- Paprika: Mix ½ tsp of paprika into the oil.
- Cinnamon and sugar: Use butter instead of oil, and serve with apple sauce.
Which bread works?
Sourdough and baguette give croutons with chew and flavour. White bread turns light and crisp. Wholemeal gives a nutty taste. Dry bread is best, as long as it smells and looks fine.
What they go with
- Caesar salad and other green salads
- Tomato soup and creamy vegetable soup
- Roasted vegetables
How to store croutons
Put the croutons in an airtight box once they are completely cold. They stay crisp for about 1 week. You can also freeze them. Put them in the oven at 180 °C for a few minutes before use.
When bread is to be eaten as bread
Croutons are perfect for the last pieces. Put the rest of the loaf in the bread bag, and put the bag in the fridge.
Bivoks™ bread bag299 NOKCotton and linen with beeswax on the inside. Measures 30.5 × 43 cm, closes with a clip and can go in the freezer.
Frequently asked questions
Why did my croutons turn soft?
There was too much oil, or the tray was too full. Spread the cubes in one layer, and bake them a few more minutes.
Can I use fresh bread?
Yes, but they will need a few more minutes in the oven.
Can I make croutons without oil?
Yes. Bake the cubes dry in the oven. They turn crisp, but have less flavour.
How many croutons do I need?
Allow a good handful per person for salad or soup.
Do you have a lot of dry bread? See how to refresh dry bread.
Soft bread with the meal, crisp bread in the soup
The Bivoks™ bread bag is made for the bread you bake yourself, and it can go in both the fridge and the freezer.
See the bread bag →- 365-day guarantee
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- Closes with a clip
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- Reusable for 12+ months