Homemade Sourdough Croutons Recipe: Crunchy, Flavorful, and Perfect for Fall
As the crisp autumn air settles in, there’s nothing quite like the warmth of a hearty soup paired with golden, crunchy croutons. This recipe for homemade sourdough croutons are not only a delightful addition to your favorite fall dishes but also make for a thoughtful homemade gift that friends and family will cherish.
Whether you’re topping creamy soups, adding crunch to a salad, or turning them into breadcrumbs for casseroles, these croutons are simple to make and incredibly versatile.
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Why You’ll Love This Sourdough Croutons Recipe
- Versatile Use: Ideal for adding a crunchy topping to soups and salads or for grinding into breadcrumbs for casseroles and stuffing.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a batch of croutons in no time.
- Great for Gifting: Packaged in a mason jar with a rustic ribbon, they make a charming and edible gift for the season. You can even add these little spoons which I think add a lot of vintage charm!
- Less Waste: This is a great way to use up old stale sourdough bread or a gummy and dense loaf. Rather than toss it, repurpose it!
Ingredients
- 4 cups of sourdough bread cubes (preferably a day or two old)
- 1/4 cup olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika for a smoky flavor
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the bread: Cut your sourdough bread into cubes, aiming for uniform pieces to ensure even baking. I aim to cut mine into 1″ cubes.
- Season the bread: In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil or melted butter, ensuring each piece is lightly coated. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Toss again to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Bake: Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then stir the croutons to ensure even browning. Continue baking for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the croutons are golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and store: Allow the croutons to cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to a month.
Homemade Sourdough Croutons Recipe: Crunchy, Flavorful, and Perfect for Fall
Ingredients
- 4 cups sourdough bread cubes (preferably a day or two old)
- 1/4 cup olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika for a smoky flavor *Optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil or melted butter and all seasonings until evenly coated.
- Spread the cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Let cool and store in an airtight container. Perfect for soups, salads, or snacking!
Notes
Serving Suggestions
- Soup Topping: Sprinkle over homemade chicken noodle soup, broccoli cheddar soup, or any of your favorite fall soups for added texture and flavor. If you are needing ideas, check out our Savory Soup Sundays recipes.
- Salads: Toss into leafy green salads or grain-based salads like quinoa or farro for a satisfying crunch.
- Breadcrumbs: Pulse the cooled croutons in a food processor to create homemade breadcrumbs for use in casseroles, meatballs, or as a topping for baked dishes.
Croutons as a Homemade Gift
These croutons make for a delightful homemade gift. Package them in a mason jar, tie a rustic ribbon around the neck, and attach a handwritten tag with serving suggestions. It’s a thoughtful and practical gift that friends and family will appreciate during the fall and holiday season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sourdough Croutons
1. Can I use any type of bread for croutons?
While sourdough adds a wonderful flavor, you can use any leftover bread you have on hand. Rustic breads, whole wheat, or even crusty French bread all work well. Just make sure it’s a little stale so the croutons crisp up nicely in the oven.
2. How do I store homemade croutons?
Store croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag or container for up to a month. They re-crisp beautifully in a warm oven before serving.
3. Can I make croutons without oil or butter?
Yes! You can bake the bread cubes plain for a lower-fat version. They will still get crunchy, though they may be less golden and flavorful. You can also experiment with sprays or brushing lightly with broth for extra flavor without added fat.
4. How can I make flavored croutons?
The possibilities are endless! Add herbs like rosemary or oregano, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, or garlic powder. Sweet croutons with cinnamon and sugar are also delicious for salads with fruit or yogurt.
5. Can I use sourdough discard for these croutons?
Yes! Using sourdough discard is a great way to reduce waste and add a subtle tangy flavor. Simply cut the discard loaf into cubes and follow the same seasoning and baking instructions.
6. What dishes pair best with sourdough croutons?
They’re perfect on soups like creamy tomato, butternut squash, or chicken noodle. Toss them into salads or grain bowls for crunch, or grind them into breadcrumbs for casseroles, stuffing, or topping baked dishes.
With just a few simple ingredients and a little leftover sourdough, you’ve turned something ordinary into a little pantry treasure. These crunchy croutons are perfect for topping soups, salads, or even just snacking straight from the jar. Make a batch, store them in an airtight container, and you’ll always have a little homemade magic ready to elevate any meal. Trust me, once you start keeping these on hand, they’ll become a staple you reach for again and again, especially during cozy fall evenings.
XO,
Bri
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f you loved this sourdough croutons recipe, you’ll adore these other homemade pantry staples that make everyday meals feel effortless and delicious.
Keep Your Bread on Hand
From sourdough to baguettes, these loaves are perfect to have in your kitchen. When they get a little stale, they make the most delicious homemade croutons or breadcrumbs.
