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Caesar Croutons – EASY recipe!

4.46
/5
15 mins
53 Comments
Jump to Recipe Video
By: Rachel GurkPosted: 02/12/2018Updated: 06/14/2021

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Caesar Croutons are the crowning jewel on a classic Caesar Salad and once you make this homemade version, you'll find yourself wondering why you ever bought croutons from the store. There is no comparison and they'll quickly take your Caesar Salad game to the next level. Find the easy recipe on RachelCooks.com!

Caesar Croutons are the crowning jewel on a classic Caesar Salad and once you make this homemade version, you’ll find yourself wondering why you ever bought croutons from the store. There is no comparison and they’ll quickly take your Caesar Salad game to the next level.

caesar croutons photograph

Homemade croutons for life! When I first posted the recipe for the best homemade croutons, I had no idea how popular it would become. I absolutely love reading your comments about how making homemade croutons for the first time was a game-changer for you. Here are some of my favorite comments:

  • “JUST made three batches (out of one loaf) an hour before church. My house smells good, it was SO easy – and I’m so glad I found you. Thank you for the detailed images and simple recipe.” – Juanita
  • “Oh my gosh! Why have I bought croutons my whole life?!? This is so easy and so good! I will never serve bagged croutons again!” -Christina
  • “Pretty much the perfect crouton. I don’t think I can ever buy them from the store again!” -Elise
  • “These were unbelievably good. So easy to make.” -Niva
  • “This recipe is simple yet perfect! I used both sourdough and three cheese semolina bread. I left the pieces a bit larger for dipping into a cheese spread. Delicious! ” -Meghan

Caesar Croutons are the crowning jewel on a classic Caesar Salad and once you make this homemade version, you'll find yourself wondering why you ever bought croutons from the store. There is no comparison and they'll quickly take your Caesar Salad game to the next level. Get the recipe on RachelCooks.com!

Since you all love these so much (for good reason!), I’ve gone a little crouton crazy. I compiled a complete guide on how to make croutons, complete with all sorts of variations and ideas for you. There are even a couple of different cooking methods and a video to help you visualize the process! I also developed a copycat recipe for Ruby Tuesday croutons, because I haven’t been to Ruby Tuesday’s in years and years but I still remember those delicious little cubes of bread.

Caesar Croutons are the crowning jewel on a classic Caesar Salad and once you make this homemade version, you'll find yourself wondering why you ever bought croutons from the store. There is no comparison and they'll quickly take your Caesar Salad game to the next level. Get the recipe on RachelCooks.com!

Since we’re riding the crouton train, I thought Caesar croutons also deserved their own feature here. A Caesar salad is not a Caesar salad without the croutons, am I right? So you can either eat those crumbly dry croutons you buy at the store or you can bite into a perfectly crispy chewy crouton that will elevate your salad to a whole new level. There is truly nothing like it for sale at the store, but the good news is that these croutons are super simple to make and they’ll finish baking basically in the time it takes to make the actual salad.

Caesar Croutons are the crowning jewel on a classic Caesar Salad and once you make this homemade version, you'll find yourself wondering why you ever bought croutons from the store. There is no comparison and they'll quickly take your Caesar Salad game to the next level. Get the recipe on RachelCooks.com!

About these Caesar Croutons:

Like all the other croutons, Caesar croutons are also a great way to use up leftover or stale bread if that exists in your house. These garlic Parmesan croutons are flaked with herbs and have so much flavor for the perfect Caesar salad. I opt for garlic powder for a more mild flavor but if you’re a huge garlic fan, feel free to mince a couple of cloves and go garlic crazy!

Caesar Croutons are the crowning jewel on a classic Caesar Salad and once you make this homemade version, you'll find yourself wondering why you ever bought croutons from the store. There is no comparison and they'll quickly take your Caesar Salad game to the next level. Get the recipe on RachelCooks.com!

Tip: The more stale and dry your bread cubes are, the faster these will brown! If your bread is dry, make sure to keep a close eye on it to keep it from burning. If your bread is quite fresh, plan on slightly increasing baking time.

Caesar Croutons are the crowning jewel on a classic Caesar Salad and once you make this homemade version, you'll find yourself wondering why you ever bought croutons from the store. There is no comparison and they'll quickly take your Caesar Salad game to the next level. Get the recipe on RachelCooks.com!

Want to use these croutons but switch it up from the usual chopped romaine? I can’t wait to try this Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad from A Mindfull Mom, Grilled Caesar Salad from The Little Kitchen, and Roasted Asparagus Caesar Salad from Nutmeg Nanny.

PS: Try homemade Caesar Dressing – it’s a healthier version and it’s fantastic!

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!

Caesar Croutons are the crowning jewel on a classic Caesar Salad and once you make this homemade version, you'll find yourself wondering why you ever bought croutons from the store. There is no comparison and they'll quickly take your Caesar Salad game to the next level. Get the recipe on RachelCooks.com!
Recipe

Get the Recipe: Caesar Croutons

4.46 from 73 votes
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
4 cups
Print Rate Recipe
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Caesar Croutons are the crowning jewel on a classic Caesar Salad and once you make this homemade version, you'll find yourself wondering why you ever bought croutons from the store. There is no comparison and they'll quickly take your Caesar Salad game to the next level.

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • 4 heaping cups cubed white bread (I like to use a French baguette)

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  • In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper, thyme.
  • Add bread cubes and toss to coat all bread cubes with olive oil mixture.
  • Spread the bread cubes into an even layer on a sheet pan. Don’t crowd the pan. Bake for 10 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp, stirring once to ensure even toasting. If you’re using super fresh bread, they’ll take a little longer to become golden brown. If the bread is stale and dry, it may brown faster, so keep an eye on it!

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1/2 cup croutons, Calories: 139kcal, Carbohydrates: 10g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g, Cholesterol: 1mg, Sodium: 190mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g

This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.

© Author: Rachel Gurk
Did You Make This?Be sure to upload a photo & tag me at @RachelCooksBlog. I love seeing what you made!
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Verdict: When I tested this recipe, I actually only ate two of these because I was technically doing a Whole30. It was SO hard not to eat more – homemade croutons are one of my favorite things and these were some of the best I’ve had!
Husband’s take: Luckily Ben came to the rescue and took a bag of these to work with him. I think he snacked on them without putting them on a salad – they’re that good!
Changes I would make: None at all!
Difficulty:  So easy, you guys! This recipe will change the way you think about croutons!
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  1. Sue says

    June 11, 2022 at 9:54 pm

    5 stars
    Dinner was almost ready when discovered had not croutons for the Caesar salad. Found your recipe & dinner was saved. Hubby said best ever croutons, so will be making a lot more infuture! Thank you1

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      June 20, 2022 at 12:07 pm

      So glad you liked them! Homemade croutons are a game-changer!

      Reply
  2. Deborah says

    May 8, 2022 at 7:59 pm

    Should have typed hot dog buns!

    Reply
  3. Deborah says

    May 8, 2022 at 7:58 pm

    I made these with hit dog buns that I found in the freezer. Everyone loved them! The older folks in the crowd especially liked that they were easier to eat than crusty bread croutons.

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      May 8, 2022 at 9:51 pm

      I’m so glad they were a hit! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review!

      Reply
  4. Cynthia says

    March 28, 2022 at 11:48 am

    4 stars
    I used this recipe but put them in my air fryer and cut back in the oil. Very good!

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      March 30, 2022 at 10:45 am

      Great idea!

      Reply
  5. Rachel says

    December 25, 2021 at 2:23 pm

    5 stars
    I love homemade croutons! I don’t do the little pebbles in the bag any more!

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      December 28, 2021 at 7:35 am

      Little pebbles is such a great description of them!

      Reply
  6. Laura says

    October 13, 2021 at 6:51 pm

    5 stars
    I made these using keto bread for a low carb alternative and absolutely love them!

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      October 13, 2021 at 10:35 pm

      I’m so glad you like them! And I’m happy to hear it works with keto bread! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!

      Reply
  7. Lynda says

    September 3, 2021 at 1:39 pm

    What is the best means of storing these croutons and for how long?

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      September 5, 2021 at 9:39 am

      In an airtight container at room temp. They should keep for a week or so, but may lose some of their crispness.

      Reply
  8. Phyllis says

    August 16, 2021 at 10:24 pm

    This is the second time to make crouton. I found Rachel’s recipes the best.
    I sampled a couple pieces and soo good I had to pack them quickly
    so I don’t eat them all. I prepared these crouton for my next Caesar salad.
    I’m going to try your other recipes. Thanks for posting your great recipes.

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      August 18, 2021 at 11:49 am

      So happy to hear that! Thanks fore taking the time to leave a comment!

      Reply
  9. Marti says

    June 20, 2021 at 4:34 pm

    5 stars
    I just took some out of the oven. They are delicious! And easy to make, too.

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      June 21, 2021 at 9:36 am

      So glad to hear you liked them! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!

      Reply
  10. Lisa Johnson says

    March 15, 2021 at 7:25 pm

    I had a craving for a Caesar salad and didn’t want store bought croutons. Googled recipes, loved that yours was four ingredients and ten minutes. I used a leftover everything French loaf and the rest is history. I’ll never buy croutons again! 

    Thank you so much for sharing!

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      March 20, 2021 at 8:22 pm

      So glad to hear you liked them! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!

      Reply
  11. Vanessa says

    January 24, 2021 at 3:13 pm

    So easy to make and beyond delicious. Saving this recipe for later.

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      January 25, 2021 at 1:32 pm

      So glad you liked these! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review!

      Reply
  12. Cindysletten@yahoo.com says

    January 17, 2021 at 3:26 pm

    Easy and delicious! 

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      January 17, 2021 at 10:15 pm

      So glad you liked them!

      Reply
  13. Jenny says

    September 15, 2020 at 10:46 am

    Very nice

    Reply
    • Rachel Gurk says

      September 16, 2020 at 6:56 am

      Thanks so much!

      Reply
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