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When it comes to elevating soups and salads, nothing beats homemade croutons. These Cracked Black Pepper & Parmesan Croutons are crunchy, cheesy, and packed with flavor from freshly cracked black pepper and nutty parmesan. Made with day-old sourdough bread, they’re rustic and hearty, with just the right balance of crisp edges and tender centers.

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Why I Enjoy This Recipe 🤎

Homemade croutons that take just 15 minutes, but they make such a big difference as store-bought versions often lack texture or go stale quickly, while these come out of the oven fresh, fragrant, and irresistible. The parmesan adds a salty, nutty bite, while the cracked pepper gives each crouton a warm, zesty kick. They’re so good, my daughter and I will snack on them straight from the pan. l especially enjoy serving these croutons best with brown butter cauliflower soup - the golden richness of the brown butter combined with the savory crunch of parmesan croutons creates a restaurant-worthy pairing right at home.

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Ingredients needed to make Croutons

• 3 cups packed (about 260 g) day-old sourdough bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• ¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

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Step-by-Step Instructions to make Croutons

Step 1: Prep the Bread

Cut your day-old sourdough bread into 1-inch cubes. Day-old bread works best because it’s slightly drier and crisps up beautifully in the oven.

Step 2: Season the Croutons

In a large mixing bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil, parmesan, garlic powder, cracked black pepper, and saltuntil evenly coated.

Step 3: Bake

Spread the seasoned bread cubes evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Cool & Serve

Let the croutons cool for 5 minutes—they’ll crisp up even more as they rest. Serve immediately or store for later.

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Best Ways to Enjoy These Croutons

• With Soup: Perfect for my Brown Butter Cauliflower Soup or roasted tomato soup.
• With Salad: Toss over a crisp Caesar or arugula salad.
• As a Snack: Honestly, they’re addictive on their own!

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FAQ

Q: Can I use fresh bread instead of day-old bread?
A: Day-old bread is best because it’s drier, but you can lightly toast fresh bread cubes in the oven for 5 minutes before seasoning if that’s what you have.

Q: How do I keep homemade croutons crispy?
A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If they lose their crunch, just pop them back into a 350°F oven for 3–5 minutes.

Q: Can I make these croutons gluten-free?
A: Absolutely—just substitute gluten-free bread.

Q: Can I use pre-grated parmesan?
A: Freshly grated parmesan melts and clings better, but pre-grated will still work in a pinch.

Q: Can I freeze homemade croutons?
A: Yes, freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven until crispy.

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