Hey there, my friend 👋. These cheezy garlic croutons will make you question why you ever bought the store-bought ones. They are crunchy, garlicky, and packed with cheesy goodness.
The best part? You can make them in just 15 minutes with simple ingredients you already have in your kitchen. And oh, I have a little trick that makes them extra crispy while keeping that soft bite inside. Let me show you how.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe:
- Baking sheet
- Large mixing bowl
- Bread knife
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Important Info
- Servings: Makes about 3 cups of croutons
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: Around $3
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 15 minutes
- Calories per serving: 120 per ½ cup
- Cook method: Baking
- Season: All seasons
- Courses: Salad topping, Side Dish, Snack
- Cuisine: International
- Diets: VegetarianDiet
How to Make Cheezy Garlic Croutons
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 4 cups of stale bread (cubed)
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Stale bread | Fresh bread (lightly toasted first) |
| Butter | More olive oil |
| Parmesan cheese | Cheddar cheese (finely grated) |
| Garlic cloves | Garlic powder (½ tsp) |
| Oregano | Italian seasoning |
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the bread into small cubes, about ½-inch in size. If using fresh bread, toast them for 5 minutes first.
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave, then mix it with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
- Toss the bread cubes in a large bowl with the garlic butter mixture until fully coated.
- Spread the bread cubes evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Do not overcrowd them.
- Bake for 8 minutes, then remove the tray and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the croutons.
- Bake for another 2 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Let them cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Use day-old bread for the best crunch. Fresh bread can get soggy.
- If you like extra crispy croutons, bake them for an extra 2-3 minutes but keep an eye on them.
- Want more garlic flavor? Rub a garlic clove on the warm croutons before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- If you like spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes before baking.
What to Serve with Cheezy Garlic Croutons
These croutons go well with:
- Caesar salad
- Tomato soup
- Pasta dishes
- Roasted vegetables
- Snack on their own (because why not?)
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
These croutons are best served warm for the ultimate crunch. Use a wooden bowl or a clean napkin-lined basket to serve them at the table. If adding to soup or salad, toss them in right before eating to keep them crispy.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
These are perfect for casual family dinners, picnics, and parties. They travel well, and since they don’t need refrigeration, they are a great on-the-go snack.
They also make a great holiday appetizer when served with dips. If you’re making a big batch, these work amazingly well for Thanksgiving stuffing.
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- Let the croutons cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
- Keep in a cool, dry place for up to 1 week.
Refrigeration
- If you live in a humid area, store them in the fridge to prevent sogginess.
- Place in an airtight container and store for up to 2 weeks.
- Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes before serving.
Freezing
- Spread croutons in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Freeze for 30 minutes, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.
- Label with the date and store for up to 3 months.
- Reheat straight from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread?
Yes, but you need to toast it lightly first so it doesn’t turn soggy when baked. Stale bread works best because it holds up better to the butter and cheese.
Can I make these croutons gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free bread. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How do I make them extra cheesy?
You can double the Parmesan cheese or even mix in some finely grated cheddar. If you like stretchy cheese, sprinkle mozzarella in the last 2 minutes of baking.
Can I use store-bought croutons and just add cheese?
You can, but homemade tastes much better. If using store-bought, sprinkle cheese over them and bake for 3-4 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Are these kid-friendly?
Yes! Kids love the cheesy, garlicky flavor. You can even let them toss the bread cubes in the butter mixture.
Meta Description
Cheezy garlic croutons recipe that is crunchy, garlicky, and packed with cheese. Perfect for salads, soups, or snacking. Ready in just 15 minutes.