Name: Homemade Croutons with Garlic & Parsley
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 6 King's Hawaiian Rolls; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; fresh cracked pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley; 3 tablespoons melted butter; 3 tablespoons olive oil

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Make these delicious oven-toasted, homemade croutons with King’s Hawaiian rolls and basic pantry ingredients. Use them to top any soup or salad!

If you have followed this blog for even a little while, you know that I only share easy and quick recipes. My recipes don’t have hard-to-find ingredients, and they aren’t complicated to make.

All of that can be said for this recipe for homemade croutons. Just 20 minutes from start to finish, and the end result is the best finishing touch to any soup or salad recipe. The main ingredient for the deliciousness of these croutons is the King’s Hawaiian rolls. They add a buttery texture that guarantees these homemade croutons will be a crowd-pleaser for sure.

Why This Recipe Works

These homemade croutons are easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. The combination of garlic and parsley gives them a delicious flavor that complements any soup or salad. By using King’s Hawaiian rolls, the croutons take on a buttery texture that makes them irresistible.

Plus, making your own croutons is a great way to use up stale bread and reduce food waste. You can customize the seasonings to your liking, and have fun experimenting with different bread types. These homemade croutons can be made ahead of time, and stored in an airtight container for up to a week, making them a convenient addition to any meal.

Ingredient Notes + Variations

This homemade croutons recipe with garlic and parsley are already a delightful addition to any dish, but you can always experiment with different ingredients and variations to suit your preferences. Here are some suggestions:

Bread options: Try using various types such as sourdough bread, french bread, whole grain, rye, white sandwich bread, or even gluten-free bread for a unique flavor and texture. The King’s Hawaiian rolls truly make delicious croutons, but any kind of bread can be used. Stale hamburger or hot dog buns work great, as well as any kind of packaged or artisan leftover bread. Basically any type of bread can be used!
Herbs: Swap out parsley for other fresh herbs like basil, thyme, rosemary, or oregano to create a different taste profile or use Italian seasoning.
Spices: Add a pinch of paprika, onion powder, or cayenne pepper for an extra kick or depth of flavor.
Cheesy croutons: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese, cheddar, or Gouda cheese over the bread cubes before baking for a deliciously cheesy twist.
Nutty additions: Toss in a handful of chopped nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
Extra seasoning: Drizzle a small amount of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice on the croutons for a zesty touch.
Vegan alternative: Replace the melted butter with a plant-based alternative or use only olive oil for a vegan-friendly version.
Sweet croutons: For a sweet variation, skip the garlic and parsley, and instead toss the bread cubes with cinnamon and sugar before baking. These croutons are perfect for topping yogurt, fruit salads, or even ice cream.

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How To Make Homemade Croutons

Set your oven to preheat at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with non-stick aluminum foil, and then set it aside.
Cut the Hawaiian rolls into cubes measuring approximately 3/4 inches. Transfer them to a large bowl and season with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chopped fresh parsley.
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and olive oil together. Pour this mixture over the bread cubes and gently toss to ensure even coating on all the pieces.
Arrange the coated bread cubes on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are spaced out and not in contact with one another.
Bake the bread cubes for 10 minutes until golden brown, giving the pan a shake halfway through the baking process. Enjoy the warm baked croutons as a complement to soup or salad.

chicken caesar pasta salad in pyrex bowl

Helpful Tips

A serrated bread knife makes cutting the bread very easy.
Using Reynolds Wrap non-stick aluminum foil guarantees that the croutons won’t stick, and it makes for easy clean-up. If using regular foil, it’s helpful to coat the foil with non-stick spray before placing the croutons. I got the tip about the non-stick foil from my dad…and honestly, nothing sticks to it!
These crunchy croutons are amazing warm and fresh from the oven, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. I’m pretty sure they won’t last that long!
Serving suggestion: top this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad with these homemade croutons.

chicken caesar pasta salad with homemade croutons

Frequently Asked Questions

Store your croutons in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to 1 week. To maintain their crispiness, avoid storing them in the refrigerator.

Yes, you can prepare croutons in advance. Once they have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to use them.

Yes, you can freeze croutons. Place them in a freezer-safe, airtight container or ziplock bag, and they can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use them, simply spread the frozen croutons on a baking sheet and reheat them in the oven for a few minutes.

Croutons are versatile and can be used as a crunchy topping for baked casseroles, macaroni and cheese, or even as a delicious addition to scrambled eggs or omelets. Sweet croutons can be added to yogurt, fruit salads, or ice cream for a fun twist.

Soggy or chewy croutons may be the result of not baking them long enough, not using enough oil or butter, or overcrowding the baking sheet. Ensure that your croutons are well-coated and spaced out on the baking sheet to allow for even cooking and crispiness.

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Large Pyrex bowl
Serrated bread knife (almost 50,000 5-star reviews!)
Baking Sheet
Reynold’s Nonstick Foil
Small wood cutting board

The next time you serve soup or salad, surprise your family and guests with these homemade croutons. I promise they will be delighted and impressed..and only you will know how easy it was!