Easy Pan-Fried Homemade Croutons
Discover the ultimate homemade croutons recipe that will make you swear off store-bought versions forever. Unlike traditional baked croutons, this method uses pan-frying with a French baguette to achieve an irresistible combination of crispiness on the outside and delightful chewiness inside. Expertly seasoned for perfect saltiness and savory flavor, every single bite bursts with deliciousness.
Prepare a batch of these croutons to instantly upgrade your salads or soups. They’re a hit with the entire family!
What Makes This Recipe Exceptional
Effortless preparation: No need to preheat the oven! These croutons are entirely stovetop-made and ready to enjoy in less than 30 minutes, making them incredibly convenient for busy cooks.
Burst of flavor: The secret lies in our homemade Italian seasoning blend, which elevates these croutons to gourmet status. Prefer a twist? Easily swap it out 1:1 with your favorite spice mix for endless customization.
Ideal texture balance: Achieving the perfect crouton means crispy exteriors paired with a satisfying chew. By incorporating olive oil and pan-frying rather than oven-drying, you get these spot-on, heavenly bites every time.
Selecting the Best Bread
While virtually any bread can work for homemade croutons, certain types yield superior results. Opt for denser loaves with sturdy crusts to guarantee that enviable crisp-outside, chewy-inside contrast. Our top recommendations include:
- French baguette
- Italian loaf
- Sourdough loaf
- Gluten-free alternatives to the above
Step-by-Step Guide to Homemade Croutons
- Prepare the seasoning: Mix together all ingredients for the homemade Italian seasoning in a bowl.
- Prepare the bread: Tear the French baguette into generous bite-sized chunks and set aside.
- Oil and season: Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet, add the bread pieces, drizzle with additional oil, then sprinkle on the Italian seasoning and toss thoroughly to coat.
- Pan-fry to perfection: Cook the bread in the oil until it achieves a beautiful golden brown hue.
- Cool completely: Spread the fried croutons onto a baking sheet to cool before serving, allowing them to reach peak crispiness.
Exciting Flavor Variations
These croutons shine with versatility. Experiment by replacing the Italian seasoning 1:1 with these tested favorites:
- Moroccan spice blend
- Homemade ranch seasoning
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Za’atar seasoning
- Homemade Cajun seasoning
Creative Ways to Enjoy Croutons
For Salads:
- Spring mix salad
- Chicken Caesar salad
- Grilled chicken salad
- Arugula salad
- Grilled Caesar salad
- Garden salad
For Soups:
- Chicken noodle soup
- Minestrone soup
- Broccoli cheddar soup
- Chicken gnocchi soup
- Tomato bisque soup
Storage Tips for Maximum Crunch
Keep leftover croutons in an airtight container in a cool, dark spot for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
If stored croutons lose their crunch and become chewy, revive them by baking at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.
Homemade Croutons Recipe
Crafted from a French baguette and rich Italian seasoning, these pan-fried croutons deliver the perfect crunch-chew duality in every piece.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
Italian Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons dried basil
- 2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried sage leaves
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon paprika
Croutons:
- 1 French baguette
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons homemade Italian seasoning, from above
- ½ teaspoon coarse salt
Instructions
- Combine all Italian seasoning ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Reserve for later use; you’ll have some leftover.
- Tear the French baguette into approximately 1-inch pieces, varying sizes for texture. Set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Once hot and fragrant, add bread pieces and drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss with a spatula to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle the bread with Italian seasoning and coarse salt, then toss again to distribute flavors.
- Fry over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even browning.
- Once golden brown, transfer to a baking sheet and cool for 15-20 minutes. They’ll crisp up on the outside while remaining slightly chewy inside.
- Serve atop your favorite salad or soup.
Tips & Notes
- For best results, use the homemade Italian seasoning featuring garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes. If substituting store-bought, combine 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, and ½ teaspoon paprika.
- No French baguette? An Italian loaf works wonderfully as a substitute.
- Allowing croutons to air out longer enhances their crunchiness.
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 183 kcal, Carbohydrates: 23 g, Protein: 5 g, Fat: 8 g, Fiber: 2 g, Sugar: 2 g
