Easy Rustic Homemade Croutons

These crispy, golden croutons are made from torn day-old bread and are the easiest way to level up any salad or soup. This simple recipe results in crispy, toasty morsels with a rich, garlicky flavor and a light, crunchy texture that is far better than anything you'll find at grocery stores!

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Flat lay of croutons on a tray with bowls of salt and oil, a wooden spoon, and greens in the corner.

These are the Best Homemade Croutons!

These easy, rustic, homemade croutons are a game-changer! Making croutons at home takes almost no time, and they add so much flavor and crunch to your favorite dishes.

This easy recipe calls for just a few ingredients and gives you total control over the seasoning, texture and type of bread used.

Whether you're using a crusty loaf of sourdough bread, soft sandwich bread or a leftover french baguette, this is the perfect way to turn stale slices into something irresistible.

It's a great way to use up stale or leftover bread and is so much better than any store-bought croutons!

Tearing the bread instead of cutting bread cubes creates all those craggy edges that get extra crisp in the oven. And by baking them in a single layer at a lower temperature, you get an even texture and color without any burnt bits.

The result? Garlicky homemade croutons that are golden and crunchy throughout, never dense or chewy.

Close-up of crispy homemade croutons scattered on a baking sheet.

Want more easy bread recipes? Check out this fluffy and chewy homemade no knead focaccia recipe, a classic Catalonian pan con tomate, or this savory chickpea flour pancake called farinata di ceci.

Why This Recipe Works

Tearing the bread gives extra surface area for more crisp and flavor.
Baking at a lower temperature ensures even browning and avoids burnt edges.
A simple seasoning adds flavor without overpowering to complement any salad.
Comes together in under 30 minutes with very minimal effort.

Ingredients for homemade croutons including crusty bread, olive oil, garlic powder, and salt arranged on a marble surface.

Ingredient Notes

Rustic Bread - A crusty artisan bread, like ciabatta bread, french bread, or sourdough bread, works best. Ideally, use day-old or leftover bread, which crisps up better than fresh bread.

Olive Oil - Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for both flavor and even toasting. For more info on selecting the right kind, see my guide to Italian olive oil.

Garlic Powder - Gives a subtle, even garlic flavor that won't burn like fresh garlic can during baking.

Salt - A pinch of kosher salt enhances the bread's natural flavor. You can add black pepper or dried parsley for extra depth.

*Find the full ingredient list in the recipe card below!

Helpful Equipment

Bread knife
Rimmed baking sheet
Parchment paper-lined baking sheet
Large bowl
Measuring spoons
Small bowl (for mixing spices)

How to Make Rustic Homemade Croutons

Slicing crusty sourdough bread on a wooden cutting board, with crust being removed.

Hands tearing soft bread into bite-sized chunks on a cutting board.

Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a prepared baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Use a bread knife to remove the tough outer crust, then tear the bread into bite-sized bread pieces.

Pro Tip: If your bread is still fresh, leave the cubes out overnight to dry, or lightly toast them before seasoning.

Pouring olive oil over a bowl of torn bread pieces before baking.

Coated bread chunks arranged on a baking sheet, ready for the oven.

Spread the torn bread on the sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with garlic powder and salt.
Toss everything directly on the pan (or in a large bowl) to coat evenly, then spread into an even layer.

Golden, crisp croutons just out of the oven on a sheet pan.

Plate of crunchy, golden brown croutons with more spread out across the pan.

Bake for 10 minutes, then stir and rotate the pan.
Continue baking for another 8 minutes, then stir again and continue baking until the croutons are deeply golden brown and crisp, about 5 minutes or more depending on size.
Let cool completely before storing or using.

Tips for Success

Let the stale bread sit out for a few hours if it's too soft. It crisps up better when dry.
Tearing instead of slicing or using cubed bread makes crispy croutons with better texture.
Use a food processor to pulse into bread crumbs if they overbake or if you want a crunchy topping.
Make a double batch and freeze half for later.

Variations

Use a crusty loaf of bread like french bread, old focaccia, or even flavored breads like rosemary, olive or cheddar.
Add Italian herbs or spice blends like Italian seasoning, dried herbs like oregano, or fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary.
Add little grated parmesan cheese, pecorino Romano, Gruyere or aged cheddar before baking.
Toss with melted butter or brown butter for a richer, more indulgent flavor.
Use fresh minced garlic in place of the garlic powder.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a hint of spice or paprika for a more saturated color.
Cook them in the air fryer for a faster bake time and extra crunch!

Overhead shot of baked croutons with sea salt and olive oil, and a wooden spoon holding a few pieces.

Serving Suggestions

These baked croutons are perfect tossed into green salads like this kale caesar salad or this warm spinach salad with pancetta.

Try topping rich and creamy soups, like this silky shrimp bisque, my creamy New England clam chowder recipe or this rustic Tuscan ribollita soup recipe.

It's also a great topping for classic tomato soup!

Storage tips

Once completely cool, transfer the crunchy croutons to an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to a week.

For longer storage or leftover croutons, place in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Just re-toast in the oven for a few minutes to refresh.

FAQs

What's the best kind of bread to use for croutons?

My favorite bread is crusty artisan bread like sourdough, ciabatta or French baguette gives the best texture, but even slice bread or sandwich bread will work.

Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread for this easy homemade crouton recipe?

Yes, but it may take longer to crisp up. Try toasting it first or leaving it out to dry a bit before starting.

How do I make sourdough croutons?

Just follow the same method using sourdough bread-the tangy flavor adds extra depth to these flavorful homemade croutons.

Can I season them differently?

Absolutely! This is a great recipe to customize with different seasonings like smoked paprika, cumin, or fresh herbs.

What if I accidentally overbake them?

Don't toss them! A fantastic way of repurposing them Crush into fine crumbs with a rolling pin or food processor and use as bread crumbs for meatballs or gratins.

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