This is the easiest recipe to make delicious, crunchy olive oil and herb sourdough croutons, that makes perfect use of sourdough bread and makes for the best garnish!
What are sourdough croutons?
This is a really straightforward simple recipe. You don’t need to make your own homemade croutons with sourdough starter. Just take whatever store-bought or homemade sourdough loaf you have, and oven bake. You just need to add some olive oil and herbs until crispy and delicious.
Why should I make these zaatar croutons?
They are so simple to make, and a great way to use up leftover bread.
You can customize these however you like, with any dried herbs and seasoning you like.
The sourdough bread gives a really lovely distinctive tang to these croutons. They last up to a week or two, and they can be used on a bunch of different things!
Kids LOVE these. Mine like to take the plain croutons and dip them in labneh or yogurt.
What ingredients do I made for easy homemade croutons?
Sourdough bread: You need a small loaf of bread, that you’ll cube into crouton sized pieces. Keep the crust on!
Olive Oil: I use only olive oil instead of an olive oil/ melted butter mixture and it gives the croutons such a lovely flavor.
Garlic Powder
Italian seasoning
Salt
Pepper
Zaatar: This is a Middle Eastern herb mix that has zaatar herb, as well as sumac and toasted sesame seeds. It’s so yummy, and lends itself so well to croutons. Completely optional!
How do I make sourdough croutons?
- Preheat the oven so it’s at 350 F when the sourdough bread cubes go in. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the sourdough bread into cubes, and place them in a large bowl.
- Add all the other ingredients, from the olive oil to the herbs and spices and toss really well to combine. The aim is to have all the little cubes of bread glistening with olive oil so they crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown and crunchy. Halfway through baking time, use a spatula to toss the cubes around a little.
- Let the croutons cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
What are other variations of croutons?
Try tossing the croutons with Parmesan cheese once they come out of the oven. Delicious!
You can also toss fresh minced garlic with the croutons before baking to really enhance that garlic flavor.
Use any bread you like, this doesn’t necessarily have to be made with sourdough.
FAQS:
No! Use any leftover bread you have. Bread doesn’t have to be stale to use it, this works great with any type of bread whether it’s fresh or not.
Leftover croutons can be stored for a week or two in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating or freezing, because then they’ll start to moisten.
Of course any type of salad, these will instantly make your salad game strong. You can also top soups with these croutons, or use them on top of a casserole or as a stuffing.
If you liked this recipe, you might like:
Sourdough Whole Wheat Pancakes
Sourdough Croutons
Ingredients
- 4 cups cubed sourdough bread 12 oz or 360g
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon zaatar, optional
- 1/4 tsp salt
- freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 F (180C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add the sourdough bread cubes (crust and all) to a large bowl. Drizzle in the olive oil,and add all the remaining ingredients. Toss to combine thoroughly and evenly coat the bread with the oil.
- Spread the coated bread cubes out onto the parchment paper lined baking sheet, spacing them out so they aren't touching each other.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown and crunchy. Halfway through baking time, use a spatula to toss the cubes around a little.
- Cool completely, then store in an air tight container at room temperature. Enjoy!
Natalie says
I love that you used zaatar here. I can’t wait to give this a try. We use croutons a lot with our soups for dinner.
Farah Abumaizar says
Great hope you try and like Natalie!
Toni says
These are really perfect croutons! I love how easy it is!
Farah Abumaizar says
Thanks so much Toni!
Danielle says
These came out amazing! They were so easy to make and so good we just ate them as s snack LOL> Guess I’ll have to make another batch.
Farah Abumaizar says
I’m so glad to hear her that! Thanks Danielle!
Helen says
Love the zaatar on these croutons – such a great flavour!
Farah Abumaizar says
Thanks so much Helen!
Kristen says
These came out perfectly crispy and delicious!
Farah Abumaizar says
Glad to hear it Kristen!