This Garlic Croutons recipe is my go-to when I want to add crunch and flavor to soups and salads. They’re golden, crispy, and full of garlicky goodness.
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Why This Recipe Stands Out
These garlic croutons are my favorite way to make any salad or soup extra special. They are golden, crisp, and full of flavor in every bite.
- Crispy and Light: Each cube of bread bakes up toasty on the outside while staying just a little tender in the center for the perfect crunch.
- Garlic-Infused Flavor: Cooking fresh garlic in oil before drizzling it over the bread gives these croutons a rich and aromatic taste that stands out.
- Quick and Easy: You only need a few minutes of prep time before the oven does all the work. They are ready in less than 20 minutes.
- Versatile: They work beautifully as a topping for salads, soups, pasta, or casseroles, and they are tasty enough to enjoy as a snack on their own.
- Better Than Store-Bought: Made with simple ingredients and no preservatives, these croutons are fresh, flavorful, and customizable with your favorite herbs and spices.
Key Ingredients
- French Demi-Baguette (or Any Bread) – Light and airy with a crisp crust, baguette cubes bake into perfectly crunchy croutons that hold their shape in soups and salads.
- Garlic – Infused into the oil for bold, savory flavor that coats each bread cube without burning during baking.
- Avocado Oil (or Olive Oil) – Acts as the carrier for the garlic flavor, helping the bread toast evenly to golden perfection.
- Salt – Enhances all the flavors and gives the croutons a well-balanced, savory finish.
Substitutions and Variations
Here are some of my favorite substitutions and variations:
- Bread Options: Any bread works for croutons - French baguette, sourdough, rye, or even multigrain. For gluten-free croutons, use gluten-free bread for the same crispy result.
- Oil Choices: Avocado oil gives a mild flavor, but olive oil or melted butter can be used depending on your preference for richness.
- Herb Variations: Add dried Italian seasoning, thyme, or oregano to the bread cubes for a Mediterranean twist.
How to Make Garlic Croutons
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Heat avocado oil in a small saucepan over very low heat. Add pressed garlic and stir for 10–15 seconds without burning.
Step 3: Remove from heat, strain through a fine mesh sieve, pressing to extract oil. Discard garlic and set oil aside.
Step 4: Slice baguette into small pieces, then cut into ½-inch cubes. Place in a bowl.
Step 5: Drizzle bread cubes with garlic-infused oil and sprinkle with salt. Stir to coat evenly.
Step 6: Arrange bread cubes in a single layer on the baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway.
Step 7: Test for crispness; bake 5 more minutes if needed. Cool completely and store in an airtight container.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
What to Serve with Garlic Croutons
Toppings for Soups
- Garlic croutons add crunch and flavor to creamy soups like vegan tomato soup, Ukrainian mushroom soup, or potato leek. Drop them in right before serving so they keep their crisp texture.
- They also work well with brothy soups such as minestrone or vegetable soup, adding a satisfying bite to lighter recipes.
Salad Additions
- Toss croutons into a green salad with lettuce, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette for extra flavor and crunch.
- They are also a classic addition to a Caesar salad, pairing perfectly with romaine, Parmesan, and a creamy dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use your favorite gluten-free bread. The recipe works the same way, and you will still get crunchy, flavorful croutons.
Stale bread works great for croutons and may need less baking time. Start checking them at around 10 minutes instead of 15, as they can toast faster.
Keep them in a covered jar or airtight container at room temperature for 5 to 7 days. Make sure they stay dry so they keep their crunch. If you’ve made garlic-infused oil, store it separately in the fridge for up to 4 days.
More Recipes You'll Enjoy
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Recipe
Homemade Oven-Baked Garlic Croutons
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz) French demi-baguette or any other bread
- 1 large garlic
- ¼ c avocado oil or olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Prepare a garlic-infused oil
- Preheat the oven to 350 F and line a large baking sheet with a parchment paper. Add avocado oil to a small saucepan and bring to a very low simmer. Do not boil. Add garlic pushed through a garlic press and stir it for 10-15 seconds making sure not to burn it.
- Promptly remove the saucepan from the heat and strain the oil through a fine mesh sieve. Use a teaspoon to press on the garlic ensuring all oil has been extracted from it. Set the oil aside and discard the garlic.
Chop the bread
- Using a sharp knife slice the baguette crosswise into small pieces.
- Cut each slice crosswise in half.
- Then cut each half into ½ - inch cubes. Place the cubes into a bowl.
Season the bread and bake
- Sprinkle bread cubes with salt and drizzle with garlic-infused oil.
- Mix well with a spoon making sure all bread is coated in oil.
- Arrange bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake the croutons for 15 mins stirring halfway. Test one crouton to see if it's nice and golden brown. If necessary, bake for 5 more minutes.
- Remove from the oven, cool and store in a clean jar.
Notes
Nutrition
Iryna Bychkiv is the founder and writer of the culinary website Lavender & Macarons, where she shares clean, European-inspired recipes that are delicious, easy to prepare, and made with wholesome ingredients. Iryna loves creating meals that are simple yet healthy and unique, including vegan and vegetarian recipes.
Iryna is also a freelance writer for MSN and Associated Press Wire.
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