How to make croûtons

  • 6 November 2024

About this technique

Skill level

Easy

Equipment

Bread knife (optional)

Mixing bowl

Baking tray

Elly Smart shows you how to easily make croûtons – a fantastic way to use leftover bread. You can use any type of bread you have to make croûtons, if you’re using sliced bread then it’ll be easier to cut it using a knife, or if it’s rustic like sourdough then you can tear it with your hands.

Slice or tear the bread into 3–4cm/1¼in–1½in pieces.

Place into a mixing bowl. Drizzle over enough olive oil to coat the bread generously. For a simple croûton season with salt, for a more elaborate croûton season with salt and pepper and garlic powder, chilli powder or cumin.

Place the seasoned croûtons onto a lined baking tray and into a 220C/200C Fan/Gas 7 oven for 10–15 minutes until crispy. Alternatively place them into an air fryer at 200C for 3 mintues, turn and cook for a further 2 minutes until crisp.

Once cooked you can place the croûtons into an air-tight container and store at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Croûtons are a great way to add texture to soups, salads and dips. Sprinkle over the croûtons just before serving to ensure they stay nice and crisp.

Recipes using this technique