Hey there, my friend 👋. If you’ve never made homemade croutons before, you are in for a treat. These smoky paprika croutons are crunchy, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make. No more boring salads or soups—these little bites add a delicious crunch to anything.
And the best part? You only need a few basic ingredients and about 15 minutes. Let me show you how to make them.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe:
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional, for easy cleanup)
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Important Info
- Servings: Makes about 3 cups of croutons
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: Around $3, depending on your bread choice
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 15 minutes
- Calories per serving: About 120 calories per ½ cup
- Cook method: Baking
- Season: All seasons
- Course: Salad, Side Dish, Snack
- Cuisine: International
- Diets: Vegetarian
How to Make Smoky Paprika 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 day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
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 Option |
|---|---|
| Day-old bread | Fresh bread (lightly toasted) |
| Olive oil | Melted butter or avocado oil |
| Smoked paprika | Regular paprika + a pinch of cayenne |
| Garlic powder | Minced fresh garlic (roasted for mild flavor) |
| Black pepper | White pepper or red pepper flakes |
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
- Add the bread cubes to the bowl and toss until every piece is well coated in the seasoning.
- Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on the baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even crisping.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool completely before using. The croutons will crisp up even more as they cool.
Helpful Tips
- Use dry bread – Slightly stale bread works best because it absorbs the seasoning better.
- Adjust the seasoning – Love spice? Add a pinch of cayenne. Want more garlic? Go for it.
- Store properly – Keep them in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
- Don’t burn them – Check them around the 8-minute mark; they go from golden to burnt fast.
- Make ahead – These croutons last for weeks, so you can prepare them in bulk.
What to Serve with Smoky Paprika Croutons
These croutons go well with so many dishes. Here are some ideas:
- Toss them into salads for extra crunch.
- Sprinkle over soups like tomato soup or creamy potato soup.
- Use them in stuffing for a smoky twist.
- Eat them as a snack—yes, they are that good.
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
Croutons are best served fresh, but if you want them extra crispy, you can re-toast them in the oven for 2–3 minutes before serving.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This recipe is perfect for:
- Holiday meals – Add them to stuffing for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
- Dinner parties – Serve them in elegant soups for a fancy touch.
- Picnics – Pack them in a container for an easy, no-mess snack.
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- Let the croutons cool completely before storing them.
- Place them in an airtight container or resealable bag.
- Keep them at room temperature for up to 7 days.
Refrigeration
- Refrigerating croutons can make them soft, so it’s not recommended.
- If you must refrigerate them, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to crisp them back up.
Freezing
- Freeze croutons in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- When ready to use, bake at 350°F for 5 minutes to restore their crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh bread instead of stale bread?
Yes, but fresh bread has more moisture, so it may take longer to crisp up. You can lightly toast it first to dry it out.
Can I make these croutons in a pan instead of the oven?
Yes, you can. Heat a pan over medium heat, add the seasoned bread cubes, and toast them for about 5 minutes, stirring often.
How do I make them extra crunchy?
Use less oil and bake them a little longer at a lower temperature, around 325°F, for about 15 minutes.
Can I use butter instead of olive oil?
Yes, melted butter gives them a richer flavor. Just keep an eye on them because butter can burn faster than oil.
How do I make these vegan?
They are already vegan! Just be sure to use plant-based bread and oil.
Meta Description
Make this smoky paprika croutons recipe in just 15 minutes. Perfect for soups, salads, and snacks, these crunchy bites add flavor to any meal.