Recipe Overview
Why you’ll love it: 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. Homemade croutons are so much better and they’re super easy to make.
How long it takes: 15 minutes
Equipment you’ll need: mixing bowl, rimmed sheet pan
Servings: 8
Homemade Croutons are the Best!
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
More Homemade Croutons
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
A must for Caesar salads. 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? It’s such a simple salad: lettuce, parmesan cheese, dressing, and croutons. With only four ingredients, you really can’t omit one.
Ditch the store-bought croutons. So you can either eat those hard dry croutons you buy at the store or you can bite into a perfectly crisp chewy crouton that will elevate your salad to a whole new level. There is truly nothing like it for sale at the store.
Easy to make. The good news is that these croutons are super simple and easy to make. They’ll finish baking basically in the time it takes to make the actual salad. You can make them in your air fryer, too (see air fryer croutons).
Ingredient Notes
- Bread: Like all the other croutons, Caesar croutons are also a great way to use up leftover or day-old bread. I like to use a French baguette because it’s fairly porous and toasts well. Avoid sandwich bread or bread that has a sweet flavor.
- Olive Oil: The bread cubes are tossed with olive oil which adds flavor and helps the bread toast to a golden brown.
- Parmesan Cheese: I find that the shelf-stable Parmesan cheese works just fine for croutons. It sticks in the little nooks and crannies of the bread and adds lots of flavor.
- Pantry Seasonings: To keep things easy and simple, I use seasonings I have in my pantry: dried parsley, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt and pepper.
Cooking Tip
The drier your bread cubes, the faster the croutons 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.
How To Use Caesar Croutons
Classic Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad is made with romaine lettuce. Toss the lettuce with Caesar dressing. (You’ll definitely want to try my recipe for homemade Caesar dressing. It’s healthier, easy to make, and tastes fantastic.) When the lettuce is coated with dressing, top the salad with your homemade Caesar croutons and shredded Parmesan cheese. That’s it!
Chicken Caesar Salad: Simply add cooked or grilled chicken to the salad. I like to grill Italian marinated chicken. It can be served on the side if you prefer.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad: This is the best of two worlds: pasta salad and Caesar salad. Chicken Caesar pasta salad is a hearty main course salad.
Chicken Tenders: Another way to use Caesar croutons is to crush them and use as a coating for homemade chicken tenders. Try my chicken Caesar chicken tenders. They’re especially good dipped in Caesar dressing. The crispy chicken strips can be added to a Caesar salad, too.
Cool the croutons completely before storing. If they’re still warm, condensation will form on the inside of the container and the croutons will get soft and won’t keep well. Store them in an airtight container or bag for up to 2 weeks.
More Salad Toppers
Caesar Croutons
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 4 cups (heaping) cubed white bread (I like to use a French baguette)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper, thyme.⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- Add bread cubes and toss to coat bread cubes with olive oil mixture. Spread the bread cubes into an even layer on a sheet pan. Don’t crowd the pan.4 cups (heaping) cubed white bread
- 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 day-old and dry, it may brown faster, so keep an eye on it!
Notes
- Storage: Allow the croutons to cool completely before storing in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep for up to two weeks.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did You Make This?Share a comment and rating below! I love hearing what you think!
Used whole wheat baguette. Turned out perfectly crisp and flavourful. Will use this recipe again. Thank you.
I’m so glad you liked them! Thank you for leaving a review!
Husband said favorite croutons ever and they were a hit! Thanks for an awesome recipe.
So glad to hear it! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review!
What about storage? Can you make these a day before needing them? Or must use right away?
They should be okay for a few days in an airtight container.
Easy, awesome, I used a mix of breads including rye and and I used my air fryer.
I’m glad you liked them!
There were a hit will all my dinner guests! Excellent!
I’m so happy to hear that!
Just pulled them out of oven! Smells and looks delicious and taste even better!
Thanks for sharing ❤️
You’re so welcome! Glad you liked them!
Hi Rachel! Thank you for a great crouton recipe. Second time to make them! Best ever with Caesar salad. I also use fresh French bread!! Delicious!!!
So happy you like them!
Nothing better than homemade, this is a must if you are making Caesar salad .
Agree! Thank you for leaving a review!
Hi Rachel! These croutons are excellent and very easy to make. Won’t be buying croutons any longer. Thanks for a great recipe!
So glad you liked them! Thank you for leaving a review!
Wow – these are fantastic Rachel. Thank you! I used fresh French Bread and went about 12 min. Perfect.
I’m happy you liked them! Thanks for leaving a review!