These are the best Homemade Garlic Croutons and are about to be your new favorite way to level up salads and soups! They’re oven-baked, take just 20 minutes to make, and are a healthier alternative to store-bought. They’re crispy, garlicky, and totally addictive. Don’t be surprised if you start snacking on them straight off the tray!

Golden brown croutons in a speckled bowl – Freshly baked and crispy with visible seasoning.

If you have a stale loaf of bread sitting around, it’s practically begging you to make these homemade garlic croutons!

Okay, even if your bread isn’t stale, you can still totally make these croutons. They’re crispy, crunchy, and packed with garlicky goodness—and way better than anything store-bought.

Plus, you only need a few pantry staples and about 20 minutes to make them!

Another view of creamy soup with croutons – Garnished identically with a swirl of cream and parsley.

Endless Crunch Possibilities

Not only are these the best homemade croutons, but they also completely elevate just about any of my go-to salad recipes (which you know I love as a Registered Dietitian). I’ve even been known to snack on them straight from the bowl—they’re that good.

While they taste amazing on almost any salad, they’re especially perfect with my Vegan Caesar Salad with Crispy Chickpeas for that quintessential Caesar salad crunch!

These crispy-garlicky croutons on creamy tomato soup are insanely good! You’ve got to try it with my Easy & Healthy Dairy-Free Tomato Soup for the ultimate comfort combo.

Croutons on a baking sheet – Toasted and evenly spread out, cooling after baking.

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Grab These Pantry Staples

Luckily we only need a handful of ingredients that you probablyyyy already have on hand to make these garlic croutons!

Crusty bread: I love baguette, but honestly, most breads will do! And it’s totally fine if the bread is kinda stale since we’re baking it!

Olive oil: For crispiness! I’ve also tested this recipe using melted butter and it’s absolutely delicious.

Garlic powder: Because what doesn’t taste better with garlic?!

Salt & pep: For tons of flavor!

Croutons tossed with dried herbs and oil before cooking.

Time to Get Toasty

Cubed bread pieces tossed with herbs and oil, ready to be baked or air-fried.
Step 1: Toss cubed bread with olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic powder.
Croutons on a baking sheet – Toasted and evenly spread out, cooling after baking.
Step 2: Lay evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
Golden brown croutons in a speckled bowl – Freshly baked and crispy with visible seasoning.
Step 3: Serve on salads or soups and enjoy!
Golden brown croutons in a speckled bowl – Freshly baked and crispy with visible seasoning.
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The Best Homemade Garlic Croutons (20-Minutes!)

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Author: Lauren McNeill, RD
These Homemade Garlic Croutons are about to be your new favorite way to level up salads and soups! They’re oven-baked, take just 20 minutes to make, and are a healthier alternative to store-bought. They're crispy, garlicky, and totally addictive. Don’t be surprised if you start snacking on them straight off the tray!
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Ingredients
 

  • 5 cups bread, cubed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground pepper

Equipment

  • 1 large sheet pan

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 425℉ and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, combine the cubed bread, olive oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Toss well to combine and lay evenly on the parchment paper.
  • Bake for 15 minutes, flipping half way through, or until the croutons are lightly golden brown and crispy.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Serving: 0.25of the recipe, Calories: 160kcal, Carbohydrates: 19g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 7g, Sodium: 520mg
Did you make this recipe?Don’t forget to leave a rating and review, it helps so much! And if you snap a photo, tag me @tastingtothrive_rd so I can see your delicious creation!