Homemade Croutons with Garlic & Parsley

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 easy homemade croutons with King’s Hawaiian rolls, garlic, and parsley. Perfect for topping salads, soups, or casseroles.

homemade croutons recipe in bluw bowl 2025

If you’ve been here before, you know I only share recipes that are simple, quick, and made with easy-to-find ingredients. These homemade croutons check all the boxes. They come together in just 20 minutes, and the star of the recipe is King’s Hawaiian rolls, which give the croutons a soft, buttery texture that’s hard to resist. They’re the perfect finishing touch for any soup or salad.

What Makes These Croutons So Good

These homemade croutons come together quickly with just a handful of simple ingredients. Garlic and parsley add just the right amount of flavor, and the King’s Hawaiian rolls give them a soft, buttery texture that’s hard to beat. Making your own croutons is also a great way to use up leftover bread and avoid waste. You can easily switch up the seasonings, or try different types of bread to suit your taste. They can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to a week, so they’re ready whenever you need a flavorful crunch.

homemade croutons recipe in pyrex bowl 2025

Ingredient Notes + Variations

Bread Options: King’s Hawaiian rolls give these croutons a soft, buttery flavor, but just about any bread will work. Try sourdough, French bread, whole grain, white sandwich bread, or even stale hamburger and hot dog buns. Leftover artisan bread is another great choice. Gluten-free bread works too, if needed.
Herbs & Seasonings: fresh parsley is classic, but basil, thyme, rosemary, or oregano can be used for a different flavor. You can also use Italian seasoning for convenience. Add a pinch of paprika, onion powder, or cayenne pepper for a little extra kick.
Cheesy Twist: before baking, sprinkle the bread cubes with grated Parmesan, cheddar, or Gouda for cheesy croutons that are hard to resist.
Vegan Option: place the melted butter with a plant-based version, or stick with just olive oil for a vegan-friendly batch.
Sweet Version: for something completely different, skip the garlic and herbs, and toss the bread cubes with cinnamon and sugar. These sweet croutons are delicious on yogurt, fruit, or even ice cream.

homemade croutons recipe on baking sheet with parchment paper

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 recipe in pyrex bowl revised

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.

close up chicken caesar pasta salad recipe

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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.

homemade croutons recipe for chicken caesar pasta salad revised

The next time you serve soup or salad, add a special touch with these homemade croutons. They’re buttery, flavorful, and just the right amount of crisp. Your family and guests will be impressed…and only you’ll know how simple they were to make.

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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