That’s right croutons are not typically vegan. Even though they are essentially small and crispy pieces of seasoned bread, croutons commonly contain egg or dairy products. So as most off-the-shelf croutons contain milk derivatives, butter or even cheese, anyone who follows a plant-based diet has limited choices. However, as we found out, this situation most definitely has a silver lining, because homemade is better than store-bought and we will always make our own now. So how do you make croutons if you’re vegan?
For starters, we will not be using any milk products to make vegan croutons. We will be using great bread and plenty of seasonings to produce the perfect crisp croutons. We recommend using a fresh loaf of sourdough bread because the vinegar-like sour flavour of it compliments the medley of herbs and olive oil in which it will be coated. Beyond that, to keep it easy, we will be utilizing ingredients which you will most certainly have in your cupboards. And with no prep work other than dicing up the sourdough bread, this recipe is quick to make and tastes great.
Croutons are best used as toppings for a fresh leafy salad or a bowl of your favourite soup. They will of course bring their flavour to any dish, but their texture makes them the ideal accompaniment to any meal which is typically smoother in texture. If you haven’t yet decided what you might use your batch of vegan croutons with, have a read of our vegan chicken Caesar salad recipe.
Vegan Crouton Ingredients
250 g sourdough bread (recommend unsliced loaf)
3 Tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 tsp mixed Italian herbs
1/2 tsp fine sea salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Vegan Crouton Recipe
Start by dicing 250 g of a loaf of sourdough bread into square cubes about 2 cm in size. They aren’t all going to be perfect squares, and it doesn’t matter if some of them have the crust on still, it’s all good. We have found that a bread knife tends to shred the bread cubes when you’re dicing slices up to their final size. So after slicing the loaf into 2 cm sections, use a large sharp chef’s knife to cut them into squares.
You should now preheat your oven to 210°C / 190°C Fan / 410°F / Gas Mark 6.5. In a large mixing bowl throw in all of your freshly diced crouton cubes. On top of them evenly sprinkle the herbs, salt and pepper. Then pour the olive oil over the top of all the diced bread and herbs. Then using a large wooden spoon, keep turning over all of the bread and herbs until you can see that all of the sourdough pieces have turned slightly golden as they take on the olive oil, and then become well coated with the seasonings.
Equally distribute all of your croutons in one or more baking dishes so that they are all on a single layer, and not touching each other in the dish. This will ensure that they bake perfectly crisp on all sides. Place all your croutons into the middle of a preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until they are golden brown in colour and crunchy in texture.
VEGAN CROUTONS
Ingredients
- 250 g sourdough bread recommend unsliced loaf
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp mixed Italian herbs
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Dice a 250 g loaf of sourdough bread into square cubes about 2 cm in size.
- Preheat your oven to 210°C / 190°C Fan / Gas Mark 6.5.
- In a large mixing bowl add all of the diced bread cubes, and evenly sprinkle the 1 1/2 tsp Italian herbs, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper all over them.
- Pour 3 Tbsp olive oil over the top of all the diced bread and herbs. Then using a large wooden spoon, keep turning over everything until you can see that all of the sourdough pieces have turned slightly golden as they take on the olive oil, and become well coated with the seasonings.
- Equally distribute all of your croutons in one or more baking dishes so that they are all on a single layer, and not touching each other in the dish.
- Place the dishes into the middle of a preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until they are golden brown in colour and crunchy in texture.
Recipe FAQs
How long do croutons last?
Homemade croutons have a shorter shelf life than store-bought ones due to the lack of preservatives. Storage and preparation methods can also affect their lifespan. See a list of storage options below:
- They can last 1-2 weeks in an airtight container at room temperature, but their freshness and crunchiness may decline after a few days.
- They can last 2-3 weeks in the fridge when stored in an airtight container, as the cooler temperature slows down staling.
- But to keep them fresh for longer, freeze them in a resealable bag or container. They can last up to 3 months and retain their texture and flavor.
Regardless of how you store them though, check for spoilage signs before eating croutons. Discard if they have an off smell, mould, or unusual appearance. To maximize the freshness and quality of homemade croutons, it’s essential to let them cool completely before storing them and to ensure they are in an airtight container to prevent exposure to moisture and air.
Are croutons healthy?
Homemade croutons can be healthier than store-bought ones if you use sourdough or even wholegrain bread, bake them with healthier oils, and control the amount of salt and seasonings. However, they should still be consumed in moderation as they are calorie-dense.
What dishes are croutons best used in?
Croutons are best used as toppings in salads and soups to add crunchiness and flavour. They can also be used as a garnish in some pasta dishes and casseroles.
