The Starter Jar's Guide to Perfect Sourdough Croutons: Crispy, Flavorful, and Zero-Waste
Learn how to make gourmet sourdough croutons from stale bread with The Starter Jar's guide. Optimize flavor, texture, and reduce waste with our expert tips. — Published September 10, 2026 at 6:05 AM UTC.
Ingredients
- 4 cups stale sourdough bread (about 300-400g), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (such as oregano, basil, thyme mix)
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2
In a spacious bowl, combine the sourdough bread cubes with the olive oil, garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, sea salt, and black pepper.
Step 3
Gently toss the ingredients until all the bread cubes are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings. This ensures maximum flavor in every bite.
Step 4
Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer across the prepared baking sheet, making sure not to overcrowd them to guarantee even crisping.
Step 5
Bake for 15-20 minutes, pausing halfway through to flip the croutons. Continue baking until they are uniformly golden brown and wonderfully crispy.
Step 6
Remove the croutons from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet. This step is crucial for achieving peak crispness.
Step 7
Once cooled, store your homemade sourdough croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, ready to elevate any meal.
