Tangy Garlic & Italian Homemade Croutons
Got some stale bread sitting around and hate to throw it away? Don’t toss it just yet! Turn those leftover slices into crispy, flavorful homemade croutons instead.
These easy homemade croutons are a great way to give stale bread a second life, and you control exactly what goes into them. A little olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, and our favorite tangy pickle blend spice turn ordinary bread into crunchy, flavor-packed croutons that are perfect for salads, soups, or just grabbing a handful straight from the bowl.
They’re quick, easy to customize, and a great way to cut down on food waste. Sometimes the best recipes start with what you already have in the kitchen!
Tangy Garlic & Italian Homemade Croutons Ingredients
4 cups stale bread, cut into ¾-inch cubes
1 tablespoon tangy pickle blend spice (or swap with 1 tsp dried dill weed, ½ tsp onion powder, and a pinch of lemon pepper or mustard seed)
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
2–3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more if needed
Substitutions & Variations:
Don't have a pre-made pickle blend in your spice cabinet? You can easily mimic that bright, tangy dill flavor! Mix 1 teaspoon of dried dill weed with ½ teaspoon onion powder and a pinch of celery seed or lemon pepper. Alternatively, whisk 1–2 teaspoons of dill pickle juice directly into your olive oil before drizzling it over the bread cubes for an authentic pickle kick.
Tangy Garlic & Italian Homemade Croutons Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Add the cubed stale bread to a large bowl.
Sprinkle with the tangy pickle blend spice, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Drizzle with olive oil and toss well until the bread is evenly coated with the seasonings and lightly coated in oil. Add a little more olive oil if the bread looks too dry.
Spread the croutons in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Bake for 12–18 minutes, tossing once halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Let cool completely before using. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
Sizzling Lime tip: Don't worry if the bread isn't completely coated in oil. Too much oil can make the croutons greasy instead of crispy.
How to Store Homemade Croutons
Let the croutons cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container or resealable bag and keep them at room temperature for up to 1 week.
For the best texture, avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as the moisture can make them lose their crunch. If they soften over time, pop them back into a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes to crisp them up again.
Ways to Use Homemade Croutons
These croutons are perfect for:
🥗 Caesar and garden salads
🍲 Tomato, chicken, and vegetable soups
🧀 Baked casseroles
🥣 Soup and chili toppings
🥑 Crushing into breadcrumbs for chicken or fish
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