Making your own croutons is something I highly recommend you do for TWO main reasons: 1. They are easy & delicious to make. 2. They help eliminate food waste! (If you’re interested in another way to eliminate food waste, check out my article on how to freeze veggies!)

I always use bread that is about to go bad or is going unused. For example, a lot of times we don’t use all of the hamburger buns we buy for that one burger night. So instead of throwing them out, I make them into some yummy croutons! In this particular batch I had bagels, hot dog buns, & hamburger buns.

So, first off, pick your bread. If you’re feeling boujie, just go buy yourself some Texas toast or a loaf of Italian bread. However, I suggest using whatever bread you have in your pantry (especially if you are going to be throwing it out) because food waste is a HUGE issue. Every year in America, 80 billion pounds of food is thrown away (source)! And if I can prevent the waste of food in my own home or yours, I’m all about it.

Ingredients:

• Bread, any type
• Olive Oil
• Spices

Tools:

• Metal Sheet Pan
• Bowl
• Large Spoon (I use a rice paddle!)
• Zipper Storage Bag
• Oven preheated to 350 degrees

Now that you have your bread picked out, tear it into evenly sized pieces & throw in your bowl. How much you make is up to you. Once made, these croutons will keep in a zipper storage bag for up to two weeks! I usually make enough to fit into a quart size bag; about six cups of bread.

Next, add your spices to the bread. My go to blend is salt, pepper, garlic powder, & Italian seasoning. I like a pinch of salt & pepper and two teaspoons of garlic powder & Italian seasoning. Mix it up & make sure each piece has some seasoning on it.

Then add about a tablespoon of olive oil to the bowl and mix well. It should smell amazing at this point and that’s how you know you are ready for the next step.

Lay the mixture in a single, even layer on your metal sheet pan and bake for approximately ten minutes. If you want extra crispy croutons, bake a little longer, checking every minute to make sure they don’t burn.

You can use the croutons immediately, but if you have leftovers or are making them for future use, allow them to cool completely. Once cooled, store them in your zipper bag and use as needed!

Let me know in the comments what spice blend you use for your own croutons!