Garlic-butter croutons with olive oil

Garlic-butter croutons are crunchy bits of baguette infused with garlic, olive oil, and butter, perfect for enhancing salads or soups. This simple baking method brings out rich flavors while keeping the texture delightful.

15 Feb 2026
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 10 min

Ingredients:

1 garlic clove
1 cup olive oil
16 oz baguette (french bread)
1/3 cup salted butter
Garlic-butter croutons with olive oil
(Image via: pexels.com)

Garlic-butter croutons are a delightful addition to any salad or soup, adding a crunchy texture and rich flavor. This recipe combines the robust flavors of garlic and butter with the subtle tones of olive oil to create a perfectly balanced, homemade crouton experience.

Instructions:

1. Preparation:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Mince the garlic clove finely and set aside.
2. Bread Preparation:
- Cut the baguette into bite-sized cubes, approximately 1-inch pieces. Aim for uniformity to ensure even cooking.
3. Garlic-Butter Mixture:
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the olive oil and minced garlic. Heat gently for about 2-3 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Once the garlic is fragrant, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the melted salted butter. Stir well to combine.
4. Coating the Bread:
- Place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the garlic-butter-olive oil mixture over the bread cubes, tossing as you pour to ensure each piece is well-coated. Use a spatula or your hands for even distribution.
5. Baking:
- Spread the coated bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Ensure they are not overcrowded to allow even browning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the croutons are golden brown and crisp.
6. Cooling:
- Once baked, remove the croutons from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. This will help them become even crunchier.
7. Serving and Storing:
- Once cooled, these delicious garlic-butter croutons are ready to be served. Add them to your salads, soups, or enjoy them as a crunchy snack.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

By following these simple instructions, you’ll have delicious garlic-butter croutons that will elevate any dish. Enjoy the crispy texture and mouth-watering flavor that these homemade croutons bring to your favorite salads and soups!

Garlic-butter croutons with olive oil FAQ:

What is the ideal baking time for croutons?

Croutons should be baked for 15-20 minutes at 350°F (180°C). Stir them halfway through to ensure even browning.

How do I know when the croutons are done?

The croutons are done when they are golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes of baking to prevent burning.

Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other types of bread, like sourdough or whole grain, but adjust the baking time if the bread has a different moisture content.

How should I store leftover croutons?

Store leftover croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain their crunchiness.

What can I substitute for salted butter in this recipe?

You can use unsalted butter, but be sure to add a pinch of salt to the garlic-butter mixture to maintain flavor.

Tips:

- Use fresh baguette for the best texture, but slightly stale bread will work too.

- Make sure to evenly coat all the bread pieces with the garlic butter mixture to ensure consistent flavor and crispiness.

- Monitor the croutons closely while baking to avoid burning; they should be golden brown and crunchy.

- For extra flavor, consider adding some dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the butter mixture.

- Store any leftover croutons in an airtight container to keep them crunchy for a few days.

Nutrition per serving

12 Servings
Calories 150kcal
Protein 4.13g
Carbohydrates 20g
Fiber 0.84g
Sugar 1.79g
Fat 24g

More recipes

French onion soup with swiss cheese and baguette

Enjoy a classic French onion soup topped with melted Swiss cheese and crispy baguette.

12 Nov 2025

Vanilla-infused whole-grain crepes with butter and milk

Delicious vanilla-infused whole-grain crepes perfect for breakfast.

01 Dec 2025

Salmon rillettes

Creamy smoked salmon spread with fresh herbs, perfect for bread.

13 Nov 2025

Asparagus vichyssoise with spearmint and leeks

Chilled asparagus vichyssoise with spearmint for a refreshing treat.

26 Jan 2026

Cauliflower mornay with cheese

Enjoy a creamy and cheesy Cauliflower Mornay bake.

02 Feb 2026

French onion cheese puffs

Light and cheesy French onion puffs, perfect as a snack.

27 Nov 2025

Classic chocolate swirl meringues

Light chocolate swirl meringues, simple and elegant.

11 Feb 2026

Passionfruit yoghurt millefeuille

Delightful Passionfruit Yoghurt Millefeuille with layers of pastry and cream.

21 Nov 2025

Posts