Sourdough Croutons

These croutons are super simple and easy to make, and will be your family’s favorite salad topping, too!

At Ajpal, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. My goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

How to Make Sourdough Salad Croutons

These croutons pack a flavorful punch into just a few steps – plus they are so easy, you can get your kids involved!

Sourdough Croutons Ingredients

First, we will need to assemble the following ingredients:

• Sourdough bread (4 cups) – The tangy flavor and hearty texture of sourdough make for perfectly crisp, flavorful croutons.
• Olive oil (¼ cup) – Olive oil helps the croutons toast up golden and crunchy while adding richness.
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon) – Garlic powder infuses the croutons with a warm, savory depth in every bite.
• Italian Seasoning (1 tbsp) – A blend of herbs like oregano and basil brings a fragrant, Mediterranean flair.
• Sea salt (¼ teaspoon) – Just a touch of sea salt enhances all the other flavors and balances the seasoning.

Prep and Cut Bread

Preheat oven to 375 F (190°C). Prep a large baking sheet or sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup. With a sharp knife, cut your sourdough loaf into about 1-inch cubes. If you prefer larger croutons, make thick slices to cut them into bigger cubes of bread.

Season

In a large bowl, mix the sourdough bread cubes with extra virgin olive oil and seasonings. Be sure each piece of cubed bread is coated to make sure they get crispy.

Bake

Place bread cubes on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Oven times will vary so be sure to check them after 15 minutes and every 1-2 minutes after that. The croutons are done when they are a golden brown color.

My Pro Tip

Seasoning Tip

Try swapping the Italian Seasoning for 1 tablespoon of my Ranch Dressing Seasoning Mix for a big boost of flavor, especially if you are going to use these sourdough croutons on a salad with Ranch Dressing.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Sourdough Bread Croutons

Use day-old bread: Slightly stale sourdough holds its shape better and crisps up beautifully.

Cut uniformly: Aim for evenly sized cubes (about ¾ to 1 inch) so they bake consistently.

Trim or leave crusts: Leave the crusts on for rustic crunch or trim for a more tender bite—totally personal preference.

Spread in a single layer: Give croutons plenty of space on the baking sheet—crowding causes steaming, not crisping.

Flip halfway: Turn them once during baking for even browning on all sides.

Cool completely: Let croutons cool before storing to prevent sogginess.

Store airtight: Keep in a sealed container at room temp for up to a week.

Re-crisp if needed: Pop them in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes if they lose their crunch.

FAQs

Any sourdough will do, but a rustic, crusty loaf (not too soft or sandwich-style) gives the best texture and flavor.

Not necessarily, but slightly stale or day-old bread is easier to cube and holds its shape better during baking.

Yes! Butter adds a rich, savory flavor—just keep the oven temperature a little lower to prevent burning.

They should be golden brown on the outside and completely dry in the center—tap one to check for crunch.

Absolutely! Just sub in your favorite gluten-free sourdough or crusty bread.

Up to a week in an airtight container at room temperature—or freeze for longer storage.

Yep! Let them cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Re-crisp in the oven before serving.

They may have been underbaked or crowded on the pan—make sure they’re in a single layer and bake until dry.

My Favorite Salads to Top with Croutons

Caesar Salad – A classic pairing—crunchy croutons add texture to the creamy, garlicky dressing and romaine.

Garden Salad – Croutons bring a satisfying crunch to this fresh mix of veggies and greens.

Greek Salad – While traditionally bread-free, croutons soak up the zesty vinaigrette and add an extra layer of bite.

Cobb Salad – They balance out the richness of bacon, egg, and avocado with a crispy contrast.

Spinach Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette – Croutons give body and crunch to tender spinach leaves and tangy dressing.

Kale Salad – Bold kale pairs perfectly with garlicky croutons for a hearty, flavorful crunch.

Caprese Salad with Mixed Greens – Croutons add a rustic, toasty element to juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella.

Arugula Walnut Salad – This colorful, balanced, autumn-inspired arugula walnut cranberry salad is packed with sharp cranberries, candied walnuts, creamy gorgonzola cheese, and bitter arugula.

Try these other sourdough recipes next:

Sourdough Granola Bars

Sourdough Peach Cobbler

Sourdough Blueberry Cobbler

Sourdough Croutons

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