Tear the bread rather than cutting it. Torn edges catch oil and crisp into something craggy, while knife-cut cubes brown flat and evenly like little bricks. The other thing is oil: they need more than looks reasonable, because dry patches stay chewy and never crisp.
The ratioTear, don't cut. 4 cups bread + ¼ cup oil, 400°F for 20 min, tossed halfway.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep5 min
Cook20 min
Makes4 cups
CuisineBasics
Cost$
Vegan
Contains gluten
Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for4cups
Day-old bread
Torn into rough inch pieces, crusts and all. Sourdough or ciabatta are ideal.
Tear by handRough, irregular pieces. The craggy edges are where the crunch comes from.
Toss until glossyIn a bowl, not on the tray, so the oil distributes evenly. Every surface should look wet.
Single layer, 400°FSpread out on a sheet pan with space between pieces. Crowded bread steams.
Twenty minutes, tossed onceGolden and crisp all the way through. Bite one — if the middle is soft, give it five more.
Cool on the panThey crisp further as they cool. Airtight for three days, though they're best the day they're made.
Make it yoursParmesan tossed on for the last five minutes. Italian seasoning or za'atar in the oil. Melted butter instead of half the oil for something richer that suits soup.
Can you make How to Make Croutons in an air fryer? — Not needed
It’s a salad — nothing to air-fry once it’s tossed. You can crisp a topping in one, though: croutons, bacon, or chickpeas in a single layer while you build the rest.
Can you freeze How to Make Croutons? — Best fresh
Not really — the vegetables and dressing turn to mush once thawed. Salads are a make-fresh thing.
Can you make How to Make Croutons ahead of time? — Best fresh
Dress it just before serving — the greens wilt and brown once coated. Wash, cut, and chill the components ahead, then toss at the last minute.
Is How to Make Croutons gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
Is How to Make Croutons vegan? — Yes
Yes — no meat, seafood, dairy, egg, or honey in it as written.
Community Notes
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