Easy Homemade Gluten Free Croutons
Learn how to make delicious gluten free croutons to toss into salads and soups. These flavorful croutons also work perfectly for making gluten free breadcrumbs or stuffing.
Croutons tend to inspire either love or indifference, but for many of us they elevate a simple salad or bowl of soup into something special. If you follow a gluten free diet, store-bought croutons can be expensive or limited in variety. Making them at home is quick, economical, and lets you customize the flavor and texture.
These gluten free croutons are straightforward to prepare, bake up crisp and golden, and satisfy that crunchy craving. They also store well and are versatile in the kitchen—perfect for salads, soups, stuffing, or turned into breadcrumbs.
How to Make Gluten Free Croutons
You only need a few simple ingredients to make homemade gluten free croutons:
- One loaf of gluten free bread (use your favorite brand or homemade loaf)
- Seasonings — Italian blend is classic, but dill, garlic, or herbes de Provence are delicious alternatives
- Oil of choice — olive oil, avocado oil, unrefined coconut oil, or melted dairy-free butter
Begin by slicing the bread into roughly ¾-inch cubes. Smaller cubes give bite-sized croutons ideal for salads; you can cut larger pieces if you prefer chunky croutons for soups.
Place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl. In a separate measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together the oil and your chosen seasonings until well combined.
Pour the seasoned oil over the bread cubes and toss gently to coat evenly. Arrange the coated cubes in a single layer on a parchment-lined or silicone mat–lined baking sheet so air can circulate and they can crisp evenly.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8 minutes, stir and flip the cubes, then bake another 8–10 minutes until they are golden brown and crisp. Baking time varies with bread density and cube size, so check for even browning and desired crunch.
Let the croutons cool completely on the baking sheet; they will crisp further as they cool. Once cooled, store in an airtight container at room temperature for everyday use.
How to Make Dairy-Free and Vegan Croutons
This recipe is easily dairy-free when you choose a dairy-free bread and use oil instead of butter. To make vegan croutons, ensure the bread contains no eggs or dairy. Many gluten free breads are both egg- and dairy-free, and homemade gluten free loaves can be adapted to meet vegan requirements.
Using oil rather than butter keeps the flavor neutral and ensures a crisp texture. Olive oil is classic for an Italian-style crouton, while avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point. Unrefined coconut oil can add a subtle richness if you like that flavor profile.
Ways to Use Homemade Gluten-Free Croutons
Once you have a batch of crunchy gluten free croutons, they open up many tasty possibilities. Here are some simple ideas:
- Toss croutons into salads for texture and flavor.
- Add a handful to tomato or vegetable soups for a satisfying crunch.
- Pulse them in a food processor to make fresh gluten free breadcrumbs.
- Use them as the base for homemade stuffing or dressing recipes.
Croutons are a favorite addition to holiday stuffing and side dishes because they soak up savory flavors while adding structure and bite. Preparing your own croutons saves money and lets you control salt and seasoning levels, which is especially helpful for dietary needs.
Can You Freeze Gluten Free Croutons?
Yes. Homemade gluten free croutons freeze well. Place cooled croutons in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 1–3 months. To use frozen croutons, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or add an extra 5–10 minutes to the reheating time if baking from frozen.
To refresh slightly damp croutons after freezing, toast them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5–10 minutes to crisp and remove any excess moisture.
Can You Use Croutons to Make Breadcrumbs?
Absolutely. Fully dried croutons make excellent gluten free breadcrumbs. Place about two cups of croutons into a sealable bag or container, remove excess air, and crush them with a rolling pin or pulse in a food processor until you reach the desired crumb size.
Store fresh breadcrumbs in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to two weeks. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze the breadcrumbs in an airtight container to preserve freshness.
Ingredients
- 1 loaf gluten free bread
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup oil (olive, avocado, unrefined coconut, or melted dairy-free butter)
- Italian seasoning blend (or substitute: 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp dried parsley, ½ tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp dried sage, ¼ tsp dried thyme)
- Or: 2 teaspoons dried dill and ½ teaspoon extra garlic powder for a different flavor
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the gluten free bread into ¾-inch cubes. Adjust size to preference.
- Place bread cubes in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and chosen seasonings. Stir to blend.
- Pour the seasoned oil over the bread cubes and toss gently to coat.
- Arrange cubes in a single layer on a parchment-lined or silicone-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 8 minutes, stir and flip the cubes, then bake another 8–10 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Allow to cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes
Croutons can be frozen for 1–3 months. Reheat or toast at 375°F for 5–10 minutes to restore crispness. To keep the recipe vegan, use oil and an egg-free, dairy-free bread. Adjust seasonings to taste—add smoked paprika, lemon zest, or grated dairy-free parmesan for more variety.
These homemade gluten free croutons are an easy, budget-friendly way to add crunch and flavor to many dishes while keeping meals gluten free and adaptable to dairy-free or vegan diets.