The Best Homemade Gluten-Free Croutons: Easy, Dairy-Free & Vegan Options!

These crunchy little bites of heaven are the quintessential topping for any soup, salad… or even just for snacking. Bursting with savory herbs, these golden-brown nuggets are not only superior in taste but also significantly more economical than their store-bought counterparts – especially if you struggle to find gluten-free croutons in your local grocery store. What’s more, there’s absolutely no need for stale bread here; you can use fresh bread straight from the package, saving you precious time! This incredible homemade gluten-free crouton recipe also includes fantastic dairy-free and egg-free options, and is naturally free of fish, shellfish, peanuts, and tree nuts. We’ll even guide you through several excellent gluten-free bread options below to ensure your success.

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Why These Homemade Gluten-Free Croutons Are a Game Changer

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a delightful crunch in your food. Beyond just great taste, a pleasant texture is paramount, and these homemade gluten-free croutons deliver exactly that! Take, for instance, a rich and creamy Tomato Basil Soup – while delicious, puréed soups can sometimes feel a bit like baby food without a textural contrast. These perfectly seasoned herbed croutons add that “chef’s kiss,” transforming a simple meal into an elevated culinary experience. They infuse flavor and provide a much-needed bite to anything that calls for an extra punch, from vibrant salads to hearty stews. Honestly, they’re so irresistibly good that you’ll often find yourself just grabbing handfuls to snack on. Who knew that making your own gourmet-quality croutons could be as simple as cutting, pouring, stirring, and baking?

Beyond their incredible taste and texture, making your own gluten-free croutons offers several distinct advantages. Firstly, cost savings are significant. Specialty gluten-free products, especially croutons, often come with a hefty price tag. By utilizing a loaf of gluten-free bread and a few pantry staples, you can create a much larger batch for a fraction of the cost. Secondly, you gain complete control over the ingredients, which is crucial for those managing food allergies or dietary restrictions. You can tailor the herbs, spices, and fat to your exact preferences and needs, ensuring a safe and delicious outcome every time. This customization also means you can experiment with various flavor profiles, from classic garlic and herb to spicy or cheesy variations. These easy homemade croutons truly elevate everyday dishes and make healthy eating more enjoyable.

Choosing the Best Gluten-Free Bread for Croutons

Good news for those navigating gluten-free diets! Several excellent gluten-free breads perform beautifully in this crouton recipe, so you won’t have to embark on a scavenger hunt for a specific brand. For individuals with Celiac disease or a wheat allergy (like our family), finding suitable ingredients can already be challenging, so the flexibility of this recipe is a huge relief. We’ve had fantastic results with a variety of breads, including popular options like Schar, Canyon Bakehouse, and Little Northern Bakehouse. Each offers a slightly different texture, which can influence the final crouton. Below, we’ve outlined some top choices, highlighting their major allergens for those avoiding multiple ingredients, along with common places to purchase them.

Schar Gluten-Free Artisan Baker White Bread, 14.1 oz: This bread tends to be very versatile and toasts up nicely. It contains soy. You can often find it at Walmart and conveniently online via Amazon.
Canyon Bakehouse Country White Gluten-Free Sandwich Bread Loaf, 15 oz: Known for a slightly chewier texture due to the egg content, it still makes excellent croutons with a satisfying bite. It contains egg. Available at Walmart and Amazon.
Little Northern Bakehouse White Wide Slice, 20 oz: This is a fantastic option as it is both gluten-free and vegan, making it ideal for those with multiple dietary restrictions. It offers a soft crumb that crisps beautifully. Look for it at Natural Grocer and Amazon.

When selecting your gluten-free bread, aim for a white or “country white” style loaf rather than a very dense or heavily seeded bread, as these can alter cooking times and final texture. The key is a bread that can hold its shape when cubed and absorb the oil and seasonings effectively for maximum flavor and crispness. Don’t worry about it being too fresh – as you’ll learn, fresh bread is actually preferred for this recipe!

Can I Make These Gluten-Free Croutons Dairy-Free & Vegan?

Absolutely, yes! And we often do, due to my son’s milk allergy. Thankfully, the market now offers a plethora of excellent butter substitutes, making this adaptation incredibly simple. It’s as easy as swapping in your favorite dairy-free butter at the exact same ratio. We personally highly recommend Country Crock Dairy-free Plant Butter with Olive Oil – it melts beautifully and offers such a neutral flavor that you truly can’t tell the difference from traditional butter. The key is to ensure that whatever gluten-free bread you select is also dairy-free, as dairy can sometimes sneak into unsuspecting products. If you opt for the Little Northern Bakehouse bread combined with a dairy-free butter, these will then become perfectly delicious and entirely vegan croutons, suitable for a wide range of dietary needs.

When choosing dairy-free butter, be mindful of other potential allergens. Many plant-based butters are made from a blend of oils, some of which might contain soy or nuts. Always double-check ingredient labels to ensure they align with all your dietary requirements. For a completely top-8-free version, consider brands like Earth Balance Soy-Free Buttery Sticks, which are designed to avoid the most common allergens. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability, allowing everyone to enjoy crispy, flavorful croutons without compromise.

Essential Tools for Making Homemade Gluten-Free Croutons

You don’t need a gourmet kitchen full of specialized equipment to whip up these fantastic homemade gluten-free herbed croutons. In fact, you likely already have all the necessary kitchen tools:

A large mixing bowl: Essential for tossing the bread cubes with oil and spices, ensuring every piece gets thoroughly coated.
Measuring cups and spoons: For precise measurement of ingredients, guaranteeing consistent flavor every time.
Large mixing spoon or spatula: To gently combine the ingredients without mashing the bread cubes.
Cookie sheet/baking pan/sheet pan: The surface where your croutons will transform from soft bread to crispy golden nuggets. A good quality sheet pan ensures even baking.
Spatula or turner: Useful for spreading the croutons in a single layer and for carefully removing them from the hot pan after baking.

Key Ingredients for Perfect Gluten-Free Croutons

This incredibly simple recipe relies on a few core ingredients to deliver maximum flavor and crunch. Each component plays a vital role in creating these irresistible gluten-free croutons:

1 loaf gluten-free bread: The foundation of our croutons! Choose one of the recommended options above for best results, ensuring it aligns with your dietary needs.
Olive oil: Provides a rich, savory base and helps achieve that desirable golden-brown crispness.
Butter (or dairy-free butter): Adds depth of flavor and contributes to the perfect texture. For dairy-free options, refer to our suggestions above like Country Crock Plant Butter.
Lawry’s Coarse Ground Garlic Salt with Parsley: A fantastic all-in-one seasoning that brings a robust garlic flavor with herbaceous notes and the essential saltiness.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and is crucial for that savory crouton taste. I like things salty, so I often add a little extra!
Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and aromatic warmth.
Dried oregano: A classic herb that provides an earthy, slightly bitter, and aromatic flavor profile.
Dried basil: Offers a sweet, peppery, and slightly minty note, complementing the other herbs beautifully.

What if I Don’t Have Lawry’s Garlic Salt?

No Lawry’s Garlic Salt on hand? No problem! You can easily substitute it with a good quality garlic powder. If you go this route, you might want to increase the amount of plain salt slightly to compensate for the missing salt content in the Lawry’s blend. A good practice is to taste the seasoned bread cubes before baking and adjust the salt as needed. Remember, I like my croutons on the saltier side, so feel free to adjust to your personal preference. For an even more complex flavor, you could also add a pinch of onion powder or a mix of Italian herbs alongside the garlic powder, basil, and oregano.

How Do I Store These Homemade Gluten-Free Croutons?

To keep your delicious gluten-free croutons fresh and crispy, proper storage is key. Once they have completely cooled, transfer them to an airtight container or sealable zip-lock bags. Store them at room temperature on your counter or in your pantry. They will maintain their delightful crunch and flavor for 3-4 days. If you find they’ve lost a bit of their crispness over time, a quick refresh in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes can bring them back to life!

What Do These Gluten-Free Croutons Go Well With?

These versatile, herbaceous croutons are a fantastic addition to almost any dish that benefits from a savory crunch. They aren’t just limited to soups and salads; get creative with these golden nuggets! Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy them:

Caesar Salads: The classic pairing! Their garlicky, herby flavor is the perfect counterpoint to the creamy dressing and crisp lettuce.
Tomato Basil Soup: As mentioned, these are an absolute must for my favorite creamy tomato soup, adding essential texture and a burst of flavor.
Greek Tzatziki Salad: Elevate a fresh Greek salad with a handful of these instead of traditional bread, adding a delightful crunch without the gluten.
Creamy Soups of All Kinds: Think butternut squash soup, cream of mushroom, or even a simple chicken noodle. Any puréed or creamy soup benefits from their textural contrast.
Green Salads: From a simple side salad to a hearty main dish salad, these croutons add gourmet flair.
As a Snack: Seriously, they’re so good, you might just eat them straight off the pan!
Topping for Casseroles or Baked Dishes: Crumble them over macaroni and cheese, a savory gratin, or a vegetable casserole for a crunchy crust.
Sprinkled over Roasted Vegetables: A simple way to add flavor and texture to roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.

Do I Need Stale Bread to Make Croutons? (The Stale Bread Myth Busted!)

For years, I was deterred from making fresh croutons because most recipes insisted on stale bread. But let’s be real – with a busy family (hello, family of 6!), stale bread is a rare commodity. And when a craving for croutons hits, you want them *now*, not after waiting for bread to dry out. So, I decided to challenge convention: I simply increased the oven temperature from what traditional crouton recipes typically call for. And BOOM! The results were just as delightful as any store-bought croutons, achieving perfect crispness and golden-brown perfection, all without the hassle of air-drying bread or waiting for leftovers to magically appear. This innovative approach means you can grab a fresh loaf, cube it up, and have delicious homemade croutons in minutes.

Simple Instructions for This Easy Gluten-Free Crouton Recipe

Making these gourmet-quality gluten-free croutons is surprisingly simple and requires only a few straightforward steps. Follow these instructions for perfect, crispy results every time:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200°C). This slightly higher temperature helps to quickly crisp the fresh bread.
Cut your slices of gluten-free bread into 1-inch cubes (or bite-sized pieces). Aim for consistent sizing to ensure even baking. You don’t need stale bread; fresh bread works perfectly!
Pour the cubed bread into a large mixing bowl. Make sure the bowl is large enough to allow for easy tossing.
In a small separate bowl, combine all your spices: Lawry’s Garlic Salt (or garlic powder and extra salt), salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil. Stir them together well. This ensures an even distribution of flavor.
Pour your olive oil and melted butter (or dairy-free butter) evenly over the bread cubes in the large mixing bowl.
Sprinkle the thoroughly mixed spices onto the bread cubes.
Stir everything gently but thoroughly. Use a large spoon or your hands (if clean) to ensure every single bread cube is well coated with the oil, butter, and seasonings. This step is crucial for flavor and crispness.
Coat a baking sheet with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Place the seasoned and coated bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan; use two sheets if necessary to ensure maximum crispiness.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Baking time may vary depending on your oven and desired level of crunch.
For extra browning and crunch, broil for a few minutes at the end. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly under the broiler.
Take out and let cool completely on the baking sheet. They will crisp up further as they cool.
Eat and enjoy! Serve immediately or store for later.

Customizing Your Croutons: More or Less Crunchy?

Everyone has their ideal level of crouton crunch! Some prefer a robust, jaw-exercising crisp, while others enjoy a slightly softer, chewier texture. The beauty of making your own croutons is that you have complete control over this. Whether you desire a light crisp or a deep, satisfying crunch, you can easily adjust the cooking time to achieve your preferred level of doneness. Simply take a single crouton out a few minutes before the suggested bake time, let it cool sufficiently to eat, and assess its crispness. If it’s not quite there, pop the tray back in the oven for a few more minutes. I personally love to finish mine with a minute or two under the broiler. This quick trick gives them an extra golden-brown color and super crispy edges, and it saves me from having to flip them halfway through the baking process!

Can I Use Homemade Gluten-Free Bread for This Recipe?

While I haven’t personally tested this recipe with homemade gluten-free bread, primarily because our delicious gluten-free dairy-free homemade bread recipe gets devoured too quickly to leave any for croutons! However, in theory, it should work well. If you decide to give it a try with your own homemade loaf, I would love to hear about your experience in the comments below. Homemade bread often has a different moisture content and crumb structure compared to store-bought, so keep a close eye on the baking time and crunch level, adjusting as necessary.

Does This Recipe Work with Regular Wheat Bread?

Yes, absolutely! If you don’t require gluten-free bread, this tasty crouton recipe will translate wonderfully with “regular” wheat bread. The method and seasonings are universal. This recipe is optimized for a white-style bread, so if you opt for a whole wheat or denser bread, you might need to slightly adjust the baking time. Always taste-test a crouton as it cools to check for your desired level of crispness. As I haven’t extensively tested it with various wheat bread types, a little experimentation might be needed to achieve perfection.

Video Instructions for Visual Learners

I know how helpful it can be to see a recipe being made, especially for visual learners! A helpful video demonstrating the steps should automatically pop up on the side of your screen. If it doesn’t, you can typically find it embedded at the bottom of the recipe card. Alternatively, you’re always welcome to view the full demonstration directly on my YouTube channel. Watching the process can clarify any uncertainties and boost your confidence in making these perfect gluten-free croutons!

Gluten-free Croutons Recipe

Yield:
1 loaf, cubed

Prep Time:
5 minutes

Cook Time:
20 minutes

Additional Time:
5 minutes

Total Time:
5 minutes

These crunchy little bites of heaven are perfect for soups & salads. Full of herbs these golden brown nuggets are easy to make & gluten-free (vegan and dairy free options too!)

Ingredients

12 ounces of gluten-free bread of choice (see above for options)
4 Tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup melted Country Crock olive oil plant butter (or regular butter if you can do it)
1 tsp Lawry’s Garlic Salt with Parsley
1 and 1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
Cut your slices of gluten free bread into 1-inch cubes (or bite sized pieces). Bread can be fresh from the package and does not have to be stale.
Pour them into a large mixing bowl.
In a small bowl, combine your spices and stir.
Pour your olive oil and melted butter on top of the bread cubes.
Sprinkle the spices onto the bread crumbs.
Stir.
Coat a baking sheet with non-stick spray.
Place seasoned and coated bread cubes in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Bake 18-20 minutes, depending on how crisp you like them.
If you’d like the top more brown, broil for a few minutes, until your desired level of crunchiness is achieved.
Take out and cool.
Eat and enjoy!
Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days.

Notes

If you need a gluten-free vegan crouton, use Little Northern Bakehouse with the dairy-free butter, or any other vegan bread of your choosing.

For a top-8-free version, use Little Northern Bakehouse Bread with soy free Earth Balance buttery sticks.

You’ll notice in the video I pour the spices one at a time. I only did that so you could tell which spices I was using. I do recommend pouring them all into a small mixing bowl, stirring them together and then sprinkling on, so that everything gets coated more evenly.

*Our allergies, while severe and that get re-tested frequently, are such that we can go strictly by what’s on the label. I do not call companies to see what things are derived from, or call manufacturers to see about potential cross contact. If your allergies require you to do so, please do your own homework. I cannot assure you of any ingredient’s safety, only you can do that. I simply share what works for our family

**If you are going to feed this to someone with food allergies, and you yourself do not have food allergies, I HIGHLY recommend having them check every single brand and ingredient you are using, to ensure they’re OK with each part of the recipe. And, to make sure you’ve talked to them about how to avoid cross contamination in your kitchen.

Adapted from: Baked By Rachel’s Homemade Garlic and Herb Croutons

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 439Total Fat: 39gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 31gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 575mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 2gSugar: 5gProtein: 2g