Homemade Croutons with Good Seasons Spice Mix
Crispy, savory, and so much better than store-bought
Croutons—those delightful little crunchy nuggets of toasted bread—are often the unsung heroes of many dishes. They can elevate a simple salad, add texture to a creamy soup, or serve as a flavorful garnish for everything from casseroles to roasted vegetables. And while store-bought versions offer convenience, homemade croutons are where the real magic happens.
Making your own is more than just a thrifty kitchen project—it’s an invitation to get creative, experiment with flavors, and breathe new life into bread that might otherwise be tossed. Let’s delve into the art of crouton-making and explore why it’s such a satisfying (and tasty!) endeavor.
Embracing the Basics
At its core, making croutons is a simple process: start with bread—any kind of bread. Stale baguette? Perfect. Day-old sandwich bread? Works great. That crusty sourdough loaf you didn’t finish over the weekend? Ideal. One of the best things about homemade croutons is that they help reduce food waste while turning something ordinary into something crave-worthy.
Just cut your bread into uniform cubes (about ¾ inch) so they toast evenly. From there, you’re in full control—and that’s where the fun begins.
Flavor Infusion: Where the Creativity Begins
This is where you get to make them your own. A drizzle of cold-pressed oil or a bit of melted butter gives the croutons their rich, golden base. Then it’s time to layer in the flavor. You could go classic with garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs—or take it in a bold new direction.
Here are a few ideas to spark inspiration:
Savory & Herby: Italian seasoning, rosemary, thyme, basil, dill
Bold & Zesty: Smoked paprika, chili flakes, lemon zest, mustard powder
Umami-Packed: Parmesan, mushroom powder, nutritional yeast
Sweet & Spiced: Cinnamon sugar, nutmeg, or maple butter (perfect for creamy fall soups)
And of course, my go-to: a spoonful of homemade Good Seasons Italian Dressing mix—it adds bold, herby flavor in one simple step.
The best part? Croutons are incredibly forgiving. Don’t be afraid to play with different combinations and adjust based on what you’re serving. You might just invent your new favorite seasoning blend.
Stovetop or Oven? You Choose.
You can make these on the stove or in the oven—whatever works best for your schedule. Both methods turn out golden, crispy results. The trick is watching for even browning and adjusting your fat level based on how dry the bread is.
I like to use 2 tablespoons of oil and 1 to 2 tablespoons of butter. Start with 1 tablespoon of butter, and add more if your bread soaks it up quickly.
Homemade Croutons with Good Seasons Spice Mix
Ingredients
- 4 cups cubed bread (day-old works best, but fresh bread is fine too)– Use what you have: French, sourdough, rustic country loaves, or even sandwich bread
- 2 tbsp cold-pressed avocado oil or olive oil
- 1-2 tbsp unsalted or salted butter
- 1½ tbsp homemade Good Seasons Italian Dressing Mix
- pinch of kosher salt (if your spice mix is low-sodium)
Instructions
Stovetop Method:
- Prep the bread: Cut bread into ¾-inch cubes and set aside.Melt fats: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter with the oil. Add more butter or oil if the bread seems dry.Season: Toss bread cubes with the seasoning mix and add to the skillet.Toast: Stir every 1–2 minutes for 7–10 minutes until evenly golden and crisp.Cool: Transfer to a tray or plate to cool completely.Note: The dryness of your bread will affect how much butter or oil you need. Start with the base amount and add more as needed for even browning.
Oven Method:
- Preheat oven: 350°F (175°C).Melt fats: Start with 1 tablespoon butter and 2 tablespoons oil. Add more if needed after tossing with bread.Season: In a large bowl, drizzle melted fats over the bread cubes, sprinkle with seasoning mix, and toss to coat.Bake: Spread in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12–18 minutes, stirring halfway through.Cool: Let cool completely before storing.
Parmesan Tip:
- If serving immediately, toss in 2–3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan during the last 1–2 minutes of toasting.⚠️ Skip the cheese if storing—moisture shortens shelf life and can lead to soggy croutons.
Storage:
- Let croutons cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature.When sealed well, they stay crisp for weeks—or even months.If they soften, re-crisp in a 300°F oven for 5–8 minutes.