Craving that satisfying crunch in your salads or soups without compromising your vegan lifestyle? Homemade vegan croutons are the perfect solution.
They add a delightful texture and a burst of flavor, transforming any simple dish into something extraordinary. Unlike store-bought options, making your own allows you to customize the seasoning, ensuring a perfect match for your meal and dietary preferences.
This recipe is simple, quick, and requires just a few staple ingredients. Whether you’re using leftover bread or baking fresh cubes, these croutons come out golden, crispy, and irresistibly tasty.
Plus, they’re free from animal products, preservatives, and unnecessary additives, making them a wholesome choice for your table.
Ready to elevate your meals with a crunchy vegan twist? Let’s dive into the world of vegan croutons!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Homemade vegan croutons are incredibly versatile and budget-friendly. You get to control the ingredients, avoiding artificial flavors and preservatives commonly found in store-bought versions.
These croutons also have the perfect crunch and a rich, savory flavor thanks to a blend of herbs and spices that complement any dish.
Whether sprinkled over a fresh green salad, a hearty bowl of vegan soup, or even enjoyed as a crunchy snack, these croutons add that extra oomph to your meals. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to reduce food waste by repurposing leftover bread—making this recipe eco-friendly as well!
If you love experimenting in the kitchen, you can tailor the herbs and spices to suit your taste, making them mild, garlicky, or spicy. This recipe is also gluten-free adaptable, making it accessible for most dietary needs.
Ingredients
- 4 cups of cubed day-old bread (sourdough, whole wheat, or gluten-free bread works great)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or any neutral oil of your choice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or chili flakes for a smoky or spicy twist
Equipment
- Baking sheet or tray
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Oven or air fryer
- Spatula or tongs for tossing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Cut the bread into uniform 1-inch cubes. Using day-old bread is best because it holds its shape and crisps up nicely.
- Prepare the seasoning by combining the olive oil, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and optional smoked paprika or chili flakes in a mixing bowl.
- Toss the bread cubes in the seasoned oil mixture until every piece is well-coated. Ensure the oil and herbs cover the bread evenly to achieve maximum flavor.
- Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure none are overlapping to ensure even toasting.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, turning the croutons halfway through with a spatula or tongs. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning; they should be golden brown and crisp.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet. The croutons will continue to harden as they cool.
- Store your vegan croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage.
Tips & Variations
“For the crispiest croutons, use bread that is at least a day old and slightly dried out. Fresh bread tends to absorb more oil and may become soggy.”
Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. Some of our favorite combinations include rosemary and lemon zest for a fresh twist or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
If you’re short on time, you can make these croutons in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Just monitor closely to prevent burning.
For gluten-free options, simply swap regular bread for your favorite gluten-free loaf. The process and seasonings remain the same.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1/4 cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 kcal |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
Serving Suggestions
These vegan croutons are a fantastic addition to almost any meal. Toss them over a crisp garden salad or a creamy vegan Caesar for a delightful crunch.
They also work beautifully as a topping on vegan creamy soups like pumpkin or tomato bisque.
For a snack, enjoy them on their own sprinkled with a pinch of extra herbs or nutritional yeast. You can even add them as a topping to casseroles or vegan mac and cheese for a textural contrast.
To explore more vegan recipes that pair perfectly with these croutons, check out Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes and Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves. For a vegetable-packed meal, try Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals.
Conclusion
Making your own vegan croutons is a simple yet rewarding way to add texture and flavor to your meals. This recipe is flexible, allowing you to customize the seasoning and bread type to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
Plus, it’s a clever way to reduce food waste by transforming leftover bread into something delicious and crunchy.
Whether you’re enhancing a fresh salad, adding crunch to a creamy soup, or enjoying them as a snack, these croutons are a versatile pantry staple. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll elevate your plant-based dishes and impress your family and friends.
Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Croutons
Description: Crispy and flavorful vegan croutons perfect for salads and soups. Made with simple ingredients and baked to golden perfection.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, toss bread cubes with olive oil.
- Add garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper, nutritional yeast, and parsley; mix well.
- Spread bread cubes evenly on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, stirring halfway through until golden and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let cool before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Carbs: 20g
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