Chef John's Homemade Croutons

4.8
(106)
83 Reviews
15 Photos

These homemade garlic-Parmesan croutons are the perfect crunchy topping for salads and soups, and they're ridiculously easy to make. Don't let stale baguettes go to waste!

By
John Mitzewich
Chef John
John Mitzewich
John Mitzewich — aka Chef John — has produced more than 1,500 cooking videos for Allrecipes. He's the actor, director, and screenwriter whose hands and voice confidently walk you through techniques.
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Updated on July 31, 2024
Tested by
Allrecipes Test Kitchen
Tested by Allrecipes Test Kitchen
The Allrecipes Test Kitchen staff are a team of culinary pros who make and vet recipes using only equipment you'd find in a home kitchen. Staff credentials vary but include training at the Culinary Institute of America; kitchen stints in fine dining restaurants; and countless hours in the test kitchen itself.
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Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
40 mins
Additional Time:
3 hrs
Total Time:
3 hrs 55 mins
Servings:
4
Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

  • ½ cup olive oil

  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced

  • 1 (8 ounce) loaf French bread baguette, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

  • ¾ cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, divided

  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • ½ teaspoon paprika

  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat.

  2. Stir together olive oil and garlic in a small bowl until combined. Let sit at room temperature until flavors are infused, about 3 hours.

  3. Place bread cubes in a large bowl. Pour garlic oil through a strainer onto bread; toss until bread is evenly coated with oil. Add 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper; toss to coat. Spread bread cubes out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

  4. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Turn croutons and bake for 15 minutes more. Push croutons together with a spatula to form a compact rectangle on the baking sheet. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese over the top. Continue baking until cheese is melted and croutons are crunchy, 10 to 15 minutes more.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

474 Calories
32g Fat
34g Carbs
13g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 474
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 32g 42%
Saturated Fat 7g 33%
Cholesterol 13mg 4%
Sodium 890mg 39%
Total Carbohydrate 34g 12%
Dietary Fiber 2g 6%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 13g 25%
Vitamin C 1mg 2%
Calcium 202mg 16%
Iron 3mg 14%
Potassium 118mg 3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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