Gluten Free Croutons
Crunchy, flavorful, and easy to make, these Gluten Free Croutons are the perfect salad or soup topper. Try this quick homemade recipe today!
Ingredients
Gluten Free Bread (4 slices or about 2 cups cubed)
- Any style works—sandwich bread sourdough, or artisan. Stale bread is best as it’s less likely to over-soak with oil.
Olive Oil (2–3 tablespoons)
- Adds flavor and helps the cubes crisp up. You could use melted butter or avocado oil if you prefer.
Salt (¼–½ teaspoon)
- Adjust to your liking. The type of bread you use might already have salt so season accordingly.
Black Pepper (optional, ⅛ teaspoon)
- Provides a little kick. You can skip or add more if you like heat.
Garlic Powder or Onion Powder (½ teaspoon)
- Classic flavor boosters. Some people use dried herbs like rosemary or oregano as well.
Italian Seasoning (optional, ½ teaspoon)
- A blend of dried basil oregano, thyme, and rosemary adds an Italian flair. Perfect for Caesar or garden salads.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional, pinch)
- If you want a spicy twist.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: Cube the Bread
- Cut into Cubes: Take your gluten free bread and slice it into ½ to 1-inch cubes. If the bread is fresh and very soft, consider letting it sit out for a few hours to dry slightly.
- Uniform Size: Try to keep cubes roughly the same size to ensure even baking.
Step 3: Season and Oil
- In a Large Bowl: Place all bread cubes.
- Drizzle with Oil: Start with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. You can add more if the cubes look too dry.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle on salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and any herbs you enjoy. If you want them spicy, toss in red pepper flakes.
- Toss Gently: Use clean hands or a spatula to coat each cube. This helps lock in flavor and crispiness.
Step 4: Arrange and Bake
- Single Layer: Spread the coated cubes on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer, leaving space so they bake evenly.
- Bake: Slide the tray into your preheated oven. Let them bake for 10 minutes.
- Flip or Stir: After 10 minutes, use a spatula to turn cubes or gently stir them around. This step ensures even browning.
- Continue Baking: Bake another 5–10 minutes or until they reach a golden-brown color and crisp texture.
Step 5: Cool and Store
- Cool on Sheet: Remove from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet a few minutes. They crisp up further as they cool.
- Taste Test: If they’re not crunchy enough, pop them back for 2–3 more minutes.
- Store: Transfer cooled croutons to an airtight container. They keep for up to a week at room temperature, though the best texture is usually within the first few days.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 85
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 9g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 1g