How to make crispy croutons from stale sourdough bread at home

Baking your own crusty sourdough loave full of flavour at home can be deeply satisfying. Creating that first tangy slice with the chewy crumb is worth the time taken to build and ferment the dough at home. But with even the most delicious sourdough loaf, there may be a few stale crusts leftover by the end of the week. Don’t throw these away, instead use them to make croutons from sourdough bread at home. 

This quick and simple recipe will transform potential food waste into one of the tastiest (well I think so!) and versatile kitchen staples: crunchy croutons. 

And this recipe can be easily changed to suit your tastes, from simple olive oil and sea salt to adding dried herbs, spices, garlic powder, chilli flakes and much more. So why not take a few minutes to make a tasty treat and reduce your food waste along the way? 

Why make your own croutons at home?

Yes you can buy croutons in the supermarket but they will rarely match the flavour and great crunchy texture of your homemade versions. 

Making your own croutons at home is a lovely treat, plus you can also: 

• Choose your own flavours to suit your meal and your tastes 
• Transform your delicious tangy sourdough loaves into another tasty ingredient 
• Save some money by using up what you already have at home 
• Make extra cruncy croutons using the chewy crumb of your sourdough loaf 
• And reduce your food waste too! 

What flavour croutons will you make?

You need nothing more than olive oil and some salt to create the best crunchy sourdough croutons at home. And of course, your sourdough breads starts out full of flavour from that long, slow fermentation time when you created your dough. The perfect match for making great croutons! 

But, if you like, don’t stop there with the flavours! 

Try out adding garlic powder, dried thyme, oregano or rosemary, salt and olive oil. 

Or rub in chilli flakes and garlic powder with olive oil to add heat to a soup or salad. 

Why not try a smoky flavour using smoked paprika, sea salt and olive oil for a savoury crunch. 

Try out all your favourite flavour combinations with the recipe below. 

Your homemade sourdough croutons recipe

Ingredients 

Several thick stale slices of homemade sourdough bread 

2 – 3 tablespoons olive oil 

1 teaspoon sea salt 

Flavours of your choice – dried herbs, garlic powder, spices, chilli flakes etc 

Method

1. Prepare the bread

Pre-heat your oven to 200C (400F).

Cut the stale sourdough slices into 2cm square cubes. They don’t need to be perfectly square but not too small as they will shrink and crisp in the oven.

2. Add your flavours

Spread the bread cubes out onto a lined baking tray in a single layer that isn’t too crowded – this makes sure your croutons bake crunchy.

Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Add any additional seasonings that you like.

Mix up the cubes and the flavours thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated.

3. Bake your croutons

Bake the croutons for 10 – 12 minutes, stirring once or twice during to ensure they toast evenly and don’t burn.

The exact baking time needed will depend on the size of your bread cubes.

Your croutons are ready when they’re golden brown and crisp all the way through. Keep a close eye on them so they don’t burn.

4. Cool 

Allow the croutons to cool completely and further crisp up before using them up in a variety of ways (see below) in your cooking. Enjoy!

How to use your homemade sourdough croutons

Your sourdough croutons are not just for sprinkling on a salad. There’s plenty of delicious ways you can use them at home, including: 

• Top a hearty soup with some delicious crunch 
• Add to roasted vegetable salads or side dishes 
• Pair with cheese for the ultimate cheeseboard 
• Enjoy on their own as a brilliant savoury snack 

How to store your homemade sourdough croutons

Your sourdough croutons can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, if they last that long! 

During that time, if your croutons soften, return them to a hot oven to re-crisp for a few minutes. 

Enjoy your sourdough croutons! 

Make the most of your homemade sourdough loaf, even if the final slices have gone a bit stale. Drizzled with olive oil, a pinch of salt and your favourite herbs or spices, you can save your loaf from the food waste and instead turn it into the ultimate crunchy snack. 

Let me know if you try out this recipe and especially what toppings you’ve tried – I love to hear what you’ve made.