Homemade Sourdough Croutons

These mouthwatering sourdough croutons are SO good!! Made from freshly baked sourdough bread, these little nuggets are crunchy on the outside and just slightly soft on the inside. I seasoned them with a touch of salt, garlic and pepper before drizzling generously with olive oil. I promise, once you try them, you'll be hooked!

I always serve them over top of my Kale Caesar Salad!

this idea!

Jump to:

• How do I make sourdough croutons?
• What type of sourdough bread works best for croutons?
• Should I use fresh or stale sourdough bread for croutons?
• What seasonings can I use to flavor sourdough croutons?
• How do I ensure my sourdough croutons stay crispy?
• Can I make sourdough croutons ahead of time?
• How long do sourdough croutons last and how should they be stored?
• What are some creative ways to use sourdough croutons besides salads?
• Salad Recipes To Serve With These Croutons
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

How do I make sourdough croutons?

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.

Grab yourself a loaf, or a boule, of sourdough bread. You do not need to bake the sourdough yourself! I hop over to my local grocery store or bakery and they always have a fresh sourdough loaf ready to go.

Next, using a serrated knife, cut the sourdough into 1" cubes by first slicing in one direction all the way across. Then, take each slice of bread and lay it flat. Cut lengthwise again 1" wide then roate 90 degrees and slice again 1" wide into cubes.

Add cubes of sourdough onto a sheetpan and drizzle well with olive oil. Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder.

Bake in the oven on the TOP RACK for about 10-15 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Let cool and serve over your favorite salad!

What type of sourdough bread works best for croutons?

When selecting your sourdough bread for croutons, consider the robustness of flavors and textures.

I like Country-style sourdough since it provides a hearty base perfect for absorbing spices and maintaining crunchiness after baking.

Whole wheat sourdough adds a nutty undertone and denser texture.

Multigrain sourdough is enriched with different grains and seeds and offers different flavor and textures.

Feel free to experiement making croutons with any sourdough variety to find what works best for you. Some varieties may be better in certain dishes than others.

Should I use fresh or stale sourdough bread for croutons?

Ahh, this question is asked all the time. Truthfully, it does not make a difference.

I have used both fresh off out the oven AND stale (a few days old), bread and don't notice a huge difference. Yes the stale bread is a bit more dry/crunchy but personally, I like a tiny bit of chew to my croutons.

So use what is most convenient for you. If you have a loaf that is going stale and need to repurpose it, perfect. If you don't have time to wait, then use it fresh!

What seasonings can I use to flavor sourdough croutons?

Bread is a blank slate. The seasoning possibilities are ENDLESS!

Here are some seasoning ideas you might want to play around with depending on the salad or soup your using them for.

1. Garlic and Herb: Toss your cubed bread with minced garlic, dried herbs like thyme, oregano, and basil, along with a drizzle of olive oil for a classic flavor.
2. Parmesan and Black Pepper: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper over your croutons before toasting for a savory and slightly spicy flavor. This would go incredibly well over my Caesar salad!
3. Spicy Cajun: Mix Cajun seasoning with a bit of paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a zesty and spicy addition.
4. Everything Bagel: Combine sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and coarse salt to mimic the flavors of an everything bagel.
5. Ranch: Blend powdered ranch seasoning with a bit of olive oil and toss your croutons in the mixture before toasting for a tangy and herby flavor.
6. Italian Seasoning: Use a blend of dried Italian herbs like basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram for a Mediterranean twist.
7. Lemon Pepper: Zest some lemon over your croutons and sprinkle with freshly cracked black pepper for bright and zesty summer croutons.
8. Truffle Oil: Drizzle truffle oil over your croutons for a fancy but earthy flavor that would be delish over lighter salads and in soups.

Feel free to mix and match these seasonings according to your taste preferences, and don't hesitate to get creative with your own combinations.

How do I ensure my sourdough croutons stay crispy?

When your croutons come out of the oven, the first thing you want to do is let them cool completely. If you add them to a bowl or bag while still warm, the heat will create moisture which is not what we want.

Then, once they're completely cooled, you can store them in a bag. I suggest a paper bag if you have one.

Can I make sourdough croutons ahead of time?

Yes! Just let them cool completely and then store in a sealed bag or container until ready to use. You can also freeze your croutons for a few weeks in a sealed freezer bag!

How long do sourdough croutons last and how should they be stored?

Storing croutons properly helps maintain their freshness and crunchiness so don't skip these steps.

1. Cool Completely: Allow your homemade croutons to cool completely after toasting before storing them. This helps prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
2. Air-Tight Container: Transfer the cooled croutons to an airtight container. A resealable plastic bag works well. Make sure the container is clean and dry before adding the croutons.
3. Room Temperature: If you plan to use the croutons within a few days, storing them at room temperature is fine. Just keep them away from direct sunlight and moisture.
4. Refrigeration: You can place your croutons in the fridge if you want to prolong their shelf life for up to a couple of weeks. The only thing is, refrigeration can cause your croutons to become slightly chewy, so it's best to pop them back in the oven to re-crisp before serving.
5. Freezing: Croutons can also be frozen for a much longer time. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen croutons can last for several months. When ready to use, you can thaw them at room temperature or reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.

What are some creative ways to use sourdough croutons besides salads?

Here are some other ways to use croutons beyond salads!!

1. Top soups and stews for an added crunch!
2. Add over top of casseroles before baking for a golden brown crunchy bite.
3. Use in homemade stuffing! (This is the best way to use them!)
4. Mix into your breakfast frittata.
5. Crush into crumbs and sprinkle over pasta dishes.
6. Serve as a dipper for my spinach dip.
7. Pulse in a food processor and turn them into seasoned breadcrumbs to coat chicken or toss into your meatballs.

Salad Recipes To Serve With These Croutons

📖 Recipe