If you love adding a delightful crunch to your greens or a flavorful topping to warm bowls of soup, then you’re going to adore this Homemade Sourdough Croutons for Salads and Soups Recipe. These croutons bring that perfect balance of crispy texture and savory, herb-infused goodness that only homemade can offer. With just a handful of simple ingredients transforming stale sourdough into a vibrant, tasty addition, this recipe quickly becomes a pantry staple and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward ingredients is the first step to crafting croutons that burst with flavor and texture. Each component plays its role, from the sturdy sourdough bread that offers chewy structure to the olive oil that helps them crisp beautifully while infusing richness and the herbs that bring those irresistible aromas to life.
- 4 cups Sourdough Bread, cubed: Slightly stale bread works best to achieve the ideal crunch and avoid excess moisture.
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its fresh, fruity notes and healthy fats.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Adds a savory depth that complements both salads and soups perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Herbs: Choose thyme, oregano, or rosemary to bring fragrant, earthy tones to your croutons.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt: Enhances all the flavors and makes each bite pop.
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper adds a subtle spicy kick balancing the overall taste.
How to Make Homemade Sourdough Croutons for Salads and Soups Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures your sourdough croutons bake evenly, developing a golden crust while maintaining a satisfying crunch inside.
Step 2: Cube the Bread
Cut your stale sourdough into approximately one-inch cubes. Using slightly stale bread is a little trick that prevents sogginess and gives you croutons with that perfect firmness and texture we all crave.
Step 3: Toss with Olive Oil
Place the cubed bread into a large bowl and drizzle with the olive oil. Toss gently but thoroughly so every piece gets a nice coating. This step is key for turning plain cubes into rich, crispy bites.
Step 4: Season the Croutons
Sprinkle garlic powder, dried herbs, salt, and freshly ground black pepper over the bread cubes. Mixing everything well ensures that each crouton is bursting with savory flavors; it’s like seasoning magic in a bowl.
Step 5: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Spread your seasoned bread cubes evenly across a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This setup prevents sticking and helps the hot air circulate evenly around each piece for uniform crisping.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through. This stir is essential to ensure all sides brown evenly, creating croutons that look and taste irresistibly golden and crunchy.
Step 7: Cool Before Storing
Once the croutons have reached that perfect golden-brown state, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely. Cooling locks in the crunch, making them ready to enjoy or stash away for later.
How to Serve Homemade Sourdough Croutons for Salads and Soups Recipe
Garnishes
These homemade croutons are a game-changer when used as a crisp topping for your favorite green salads or velvety soups. Sprinkle generously over Caesar salad for that quintessential crunch or use them to add texture and flavor to roasted tomato or butternut squash soup.
Side Dishes
Beyond salads and soups, these sourdough croutons make a fantastic side or snack. Toss them with a little parmesan and fresh herbs for an addictive appetizer or scatter them atop a creamy dip to add a satisfying bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not let your creativity shine? Serve these croutons in a small decorative bowl alongside a cheese platter or incorporate them into a grain bowl for contrast. You can even crush them lightly as a crunchy topping for casseroles or baked vegetables.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover croutons, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Properly stored, they remain crisp and fabulous for up to a week, ready to brighten your meals whenever you need a quick crunch.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze your croutons in a sealed container or freezer bag. When sealed tightly, croutons can last for several months in the freezer without losing their texture or flavor.
Reheating
If your croutons lose a bit of crispiness, simply spread them on a baking sheet and pop them back into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes. This quick refresh revives their crunch as if they were freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread instead of sourdough?
Absolutely! While sourdough offers a wonderful tang and sturdy texture, you can substitute with other hearty breads like French, whole wheat, or even rye. The key is to use slightly stale bread for the best crunch.
What herbs work best in the Homemade Sourdough Croutons for Salads and Soups Recipe?
Dried thyme, oregano, and rosemary are classic favorites because they pair beautifully with the sourdough’s tangy flavor, but feel free to experiment with basil, parsley, or a herb mix that suits your palate.
Can I make these croutons without garlic powder?
Yes, you can omit the garlic powder if you prefer, but it does add a lovely savory note that enhances the overall flavor. Alternatively, try fresh minced garlic tossed with the bread cubes before baking for a more intense garlic hit.
How crunchy should the croutons be?
Croutons should be crispy on the outside yet still sturdy enough to hold some chewiness on the inside. Baking them to a golden brown and allowing them to cool completely helps achieve that perfect texture.
Are these croutons suitable for storing and using later?
Definitely! One of the best things about this Homemade Sourdough Croutons for Salads and Soups Recipe is that you can make a batch ahead of time and keep them fresh in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for even longer storage.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about turning humble stale bread into these irresistible, crunchy nuggets of flavor and texture. This Homemade Sourdough Croutons for Salads and Soups Recipe is simple, customizable, and an absolute joy to have on hand whenever you want to elevate your meals. Give it a try — I promise once you’ve tasted these croutons, your salads and soups will never be the same again!
Print
Homemade Sourdough Croutons for Salads and Soups Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crunchy and flavorful homemade sourdough croutons, perfect for adding texture and savory notes to salads and soups. Made with slightly stale sourdough bread, seasoned with garlic powder, dried herbs, and olive oil, then baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Croutons Ingredients
- 4 cups sourdough bread, cubed (Use slightly stale bread for best results.)
- 1/4 cup olive oil (Extra virgin olive oil is recommended.)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (Adds savory depth to the croutons.)
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (Choose from thyme, oregano, or rosemary.)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (Enhances the overall flavor.)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (Freshly ground for best flavor.)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the croutons evenly.
- Cube Bread: Cut the stale sourdough bread into bite-sized cubes, approximately 1-inch pieces, to ensure even crisping and perfect texture.
- Toss with Olive Oil: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed sourdough bread with the olive oil. Toss thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated.
- Season the Bread: Add the garlic powder, dried herbs, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Mix well so all bread cubes are evenly seasoned with the spices and herbs.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned bread cubes evenly over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure the cubes are in a single layer for uniform baking.
- Bake Croutons: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir the croutons halfway through baking to promote even browning and crispiness.
- Cool and Store: Remove the croutons from the oven once they are golden brown and crispy. Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet before storing in an airtight container.
Notes
- Using slightly stale bread is key to achieving crispier and longer-lasting croutons.
- You can experiment with different dried herbs to customize the flavor according to your preference.
- Make sure the bread cubes are not overcrowded on the baking sheet to avoid steaming instead of baking.
- Store cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a spicier twist, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.
