Learn how to make easy homemade croutons on the stovetop with a few simple ingredients. Golden and crispy on the outside, slightly chewy inside, and seasoned to perfection — perfect for soups, salads, and more.

Easy Homemade Croutons on a wooden cutting board with a loaf of bread.

Some years ago I discovered a delicious Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Salad with fresh basil dressing. What really won me over were the homemade croutons that top the salad — crunchy, flavorful, and so much better than store-bought cubes.

These croutons are quick and simple to make. Using artisan or day-old bread, they toast in olive oil and butter with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. A final toss with grated Parmesan adds a savory finish. They take only minutes to prepare and keep for up to two weeks in an airtight container.

The result is golden-brown, crisp outside with a slightly tender interior. They’re addictive on salads, make soups more interesting, and can even stand in for breadcrumbs in recipes. Once you try them, you’ll wonder why you ever bought the dry, bland versions from the store.

What You’ll Need to Make This Recipe

1 loaf of bread (about 12 ounces), cut into ¾-inch cubes
2 tablespoons salted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Ingredients for Homemade Croutons on a white board.

How To Make Croutons on the Stove Top

In a large, deep skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and stir until combined.

Large skillet with melted butter, olive oil, seasonings.

Add the cubed bread to the hot, seasoned butter and oil. Stir to coat each piece evenly. Continue stirring frequently with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until the cubes start to toast and turn a golden brown, about 5–10 minutes depending on your stove and pan.

Tip: Day-old bread works great for croutons. Many bakeries and sandwich shops sell day-old loaves at a low price — they’re ideal for toasting.

Cubed bread in a hot skillet being toasted with seasoned olive oil.

Finishing Homemade Seasoned Croutons

When the bread cubes are an even golden brown — think the color of a nicely toasted grilled-cheese sandwich — turn off the heat. Immediately sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the croutons and toss while still in the skillet so the cheese melts and adheres to the cubes.

Transfer the croutons to a large baking sheet or plate to cool completely. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container. Properly stored, they will keep up to two weeks.

Croutons in the skillet toasted a golden brown with Parmesan Cheese.

Homemade Skillet Croutons in a bowl and on a cutting board.

Questions, Answers, and Tips

Can homemade croutons be made in the oven or air fryer? Yes. Melt the butter and oil with the seasonings in a small saucepan, toss the bread cubes in the mixture, and arrange them in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden. For an air fryer, use the same coated cubes and cook in a single layer until crisp.
Are croutons just stale bread? They can be made from fresh or stale bread. Using older bread is a great way to reduce waste and yields especially good texture.
How long will homemade croutons last? When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay crisp for up to two weeks.
How can I use croutons? Croutons are excellent on salads and in soups, and you can crush them to use as seasoned breadcrumbs. They’re also a tasty snack on their own.
Can I use fresh minced garlic? Fresh garlic will add bright flavor but can burn during toasting and become bitter. If you prefer fresh garlic, add it toward the end on lower heat or use garlic powder for consistent results.

Great Soup and Salad Recipes for Croutons

Best Traditional New England Clam Chowder
Easy Classic Loaded Wedge Salad
Instant Pot Creamy Butternut and Pumpkin Squash Soup
Caesar Wedge Salad with Avocado
Easy Delicious Cheeseburger Soup
Ham and Bean Soup

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you give these easy homemade croutons a try — they elevate salads and soups and are a great way to use leftover bread.

Happy nesting!

Printable Recipe

How To Make Homemade Skillet Croutons

Easy stovetop croutons: golden and crispy outside, tender inside — perfect for soups and salads.

Print Recipe
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Prep Time
5

Cook Time
10

Total Time
15

Servings
4 –6 cups

Calories
107 kcal

Ingredients

1 loaf of bread about 12 ounces, cut into ¾-inch cubes
2 Tablespoons Butter salted
2 Tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning homemade or store-bought
1 teaspoon garlic powder
¾ teaspoon fine sea salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
4 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese optional

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the butter and olive oil. Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until combined.
Add the bread cubes and stir to coat. Continue stirring until the cubes are toasted and golden brown, about 5–10 minutes. Turn off the heat and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, tossing to coat.
Transfer croutons to a baking sheet to cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 /4 cup
Calories: 107 kcal
Carbohydrates: 16 g
Protein: 3 g
Fat: 3 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g
Cholesterol: 3 mg
Sodium: 245 mg
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 2 g

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