Buttery Garlic Sourdough Croutons (Crispy, Homemade & So Easy)

ByChelsea Updated
Jump to Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links, please read my disclosure policy for details.

Quick, crispy, garlicky goodness—these homemade buttery garlic sourdough croutons are better than store-bought!

buttery garlic sourdough croutons in a white bowl on a cutting board with a bread knife, plaid bowl, and extra bread next to it

There’s just something about a recipe that comes together quickly and makes such a big difference at the table—and these sourdough croutons are exactly that. I created this recipe as a simple way to use up leftover sourdough and turn it into something truly special. Made with just a handful of real, pantry-staple ingredients, these buttery garlic croutons add the perfect crunch and flavor to salads and soups—or end up getting snacked on straight from the pan while dinner’s cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make with simple, real ingredients you already have on hand
  • Packed with buttery, garlicky flavor that makes everything taste better
  • A perfect way to use up sourdough bread before it goes to waste
  • Made with clean ingredients — no preservatives or unnecessary additives

Ingredients Breakdown

a flatlay of the ingredients needed for the recipe: sourdough bread boule, butter, garlic powder and salt on a piece of parchment paper
  • Sourdough bread: Use your homemade sourdough or favorite store-bought brand. Day-old bread works best
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps with crisping. I prefer a grass-fed butter.
  • Garlic powder: Brings bold garlic flavor
  • Salt: Enhances all the flavors

How to Make Delicious Buttery Garlic Sourdough Croutons

Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full recipe details.

bread cut up in a glass clear bowl, with bread knife, garlic powder and salt in measuring spoons, butter in a white bowl, and the rest of the bread on a cutting board

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Cut the bread into ¾-inch cubes.

Bread coated in the butter, garlic powder and salt in a glass bowl on a cutting board with a bread knife next to it.

2. In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes with the melted butter, garlic powder, and salt until evenly coated.

bread covered with butter mixture on a round baking sheet with parchment paper

3. Spread the croutons in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden brown and crispy.

Croutons in a mason jar on cutting board with bread knife and extra bread next to it.

4. Let the croutons cool completely before using. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Recipe Tips

Use slightly stale sourdough bread for the crispiest, chewiest homemade croutons

Cut sourdough into even cubes so the croutons bake evenly and don’t burn

Toss thoroughly with butter and garlic to coat every piece for maximum flavor

Stir halfway through baking to help the croutons crisp on all sides

Let croutons cool completely before storing so they stay crunchy and fresh

How to Store

Let croutons cool completely before storing to keep them crisp

Store in an airtight container at room temperature

Keep for up to 1 week for best flavor and texture

Avoid refrigerating, as moisture can make croutons soft

Make it Your Own

  • Sprinkle in Italian seasoning or paprika to boost flavor
  • Swap butter for olive oil for a deeper, savory taste
  • Add freshly grated parmesan before baking for cheesy sourdough croutons
  • Customize with what you have on hand — there are so many easy ways to make them your own

Serving Suggestions

  • Toss over crisp green salads for extra crunch and flavor
  • Sprinkle on creamy soups like tomato, chicken, or potato soup
  • Use as a topping for Caesar salad or any classic vinaigrette salad
  • Add to roasted vegetables for a buttery, garlicky crunch
  • Serve alongside pasta dishes or use to finish a simple pasta salad
  • Enjoy as a crunchy snack straight from the jar
Croutons in a mason jar on cutting board with bread knife and extra bread next to it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Make sure the croutons cool completely before storing and keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. Moisture is the biggest enemy of crispy croutons.

Absolutely. Freshly grated parmesan added before baking makes delicious cheesy croutons. Keep an eye on them so the cheese doesn’t brown too quickly.

Yes. You can use olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option with a deeper, savory flavor.

Yes, but slightly stale sourdough works best for crispy croutons. If your bread is fresh, let it sit out for a few hours or toast it lightly before baking.

More Sourdough Recipes You’ll Love

buttery garlic sourdough croutons in a white bowl on a cutting board with a bread knife, plaid bowl, and extra bread next to it
5 from 2 votes

Buttery Garlic Sourdough Croutons

Quick, crispy, garlicky goodness—these homemade buttery garlic sourdough croutons are better than store-bought!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Total Time:20 minutes
Course: Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 cup

Ingredients

  • 4 cups sourdough bread cut into ¾-inch cubes
  • 4 tablespoons butter melted
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Cut the sourdough bread into cubes.
  3. Melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, then stir in the garlic powder and salt.
  4. Toss the bread cubes in the butter mixture until evenly coated.
  5. Spread the cubes in a single layer on the baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 12–15 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  7. Cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

Notes

  • Store cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Re-crisp in the oven if needed.
  • Use bread that is slightly stale.

Did you make this recipe?

I’d love to see! Tag @simplychelseahome on Instagram and leave a comment below!!

Tag @simplychelseahome on Insta

You'll Also Love...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




7 Comments

  3. These sound so good and simple. I always have a ton of sourdough in my freezer and we love salads! Thanks!

    Reply