Ingredients
1 loaf of bread (about 12 ounces or 340 grams), cut into 3/4-inch cubes or torn into small chunks (about 4 to 8 cups depending on bread type)
1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil or melted butter (or a combination, e.g., 1/3 cup olive oil and 3 tablespoons unsalted butter for extra richness)
2 to 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning or a store-bought herbed seasoning blend
1 to 2 teaspoons garlic powder or 2 smashed/halved fresh garlic cloves (oil infused with garlic for a sharper flavor)
3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional herbs for garnish or variation: dried parsley, oregano, dill, or rosemary
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare bread by cutting or tearing into uniform 3/4-inch cubes or bite-sized pieces.
3. If using fresh garlic, gently heat olive oil and garlic cloves in a small saucepan over low heat until aromatic (about 1 minute), then discard garlic. Otherwise, combine olive oil (and butter if using) with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Drizzle the oil mixture evenly over the bread cubes and toss gently to coat all pieces thoroughly. Add Parmesan cheese if desired and mix well.
5. Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, turning once halfway through to brown all sides, or until golden and crispy with slightly soft centers if preferred. Adjust baking time for desired crunchiness and watch carefully to prevent burning; reduce oven temperature if browning too quickly.
7. Remove from oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet to allow croutons to crisp further.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🍞 Use any variety of bread: crusty French, Italian, sourdough, baguette, country bread, or gluten-free options work well. Day-old bread provides better texture than very fresh or too stale bread.
🌿 Seasonings can be customized based on preference—try blackening seasoning, fresh herbs, or different dried herbs like basil or rosemary.
🔥 For a smoky flavor, grill whole bread slices brushed with olive oil, then rub with garlic before cutting into cubes.
- Prep Time: 5 to 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 to 20 minutes
- Category: Snack, Side
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Universal
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg