Transform your salads and soups with these *Easy Italian Croutons*—crispy, golden bites of flavor-packed perfection! Made with just a handful of pantry staples like olive oil, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and dried Italian seasoning, these croutons infuse every dish with a burst of Mediterranean charm. Perfectly seasoned and baked to crunchy perfection in just 15 minutes, they’re the ultimate way to make use of day-old bread. Whether sprinkled over a Caesar salad, floated atop a bowl of hearty tomato soup, or enjoyed as a savory snack, these homemade croutons are guaranteed to elevate your mealtime experience. Plus, they’re easy to make, store beautifully, and taste better than anything store-bought!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes (approximately), yielding about 4 cups. Use slightly stale bread if possible for best texture.
In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, dried Italian seasoning, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and ground black pepper.
Add the bread cubes to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the seasoned olive oil mixture.
Spread the coated bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the croutons are golden brown and crispy. Stir them halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
Remove the croutons from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Enjoy as a topping on your favorite soups and salads or eat them as a snack!
Serving size | 1007.5 grams (1007.5g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 2992 |
Total Fat 59.30g | 76% |
Saturated Fat 11.40g | 57% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g | |
Cholesterol 10mg | 3% |
Sodium 6094mg | 265% |
Total Carbohydrate 496.40g | 181% |
Dietary Fiber 23.50g | 84% |
Total Sugars 14.30g | |
Protein 90.00g | 180% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 315mg | 24% |
Iron 25mg | 137% |
Potassium 1178mg | 25% |
Source of Calories