There's nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup, but sometimes it needs a little crunch to make it a meal. That's where these Golden Herb Soup Croutons come in. They're my go-to for turning a simple tomato soup or creamy butternut squash into something special.
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My kids used to turn up their noses at soup night, but when I started topping their bowls with these crispy, herby croutons, they actually asked for seconds. They're that good.
The secret is a generous amount of butter and a mix of dried herbs that toast right into the bread. Plus, they're ready in just 20 minutes, so you can whip them up while your soup simmers.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
4 cups (200g) day-old bread, cubed (about 1-inch pieces)
Sturdy bread like sourdough or French baguette works best. If using fresh bread, toast it lightly in the oven first to dry it out.
1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
For a richer flavor, use olive oil instead. I like a mix of half butter, half olive oil for extra crispness.
2 tablespoons olive oil
Extra-virgin olive oil adds fruity notes. You can use all olive oil if you prefer dairy-free.
2 cloves garlic, minced
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon) works too, but fresh garlic gives a more robust flavor.
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Feel free to use rosemary or oregano. Dried herbs are more concentrated, so adjust to taste.
1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
If using fresh rosemary, use 1 tablespoon finely chopped.
1/2 teaspoon salt
Sea salt or kosher salt is best. Adjust based on your soup's saltiness.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Freshly ground black pepper adds a nice kick.
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
For a cheesy twist, add this after baking. Or skip for a dairy-free version.
Tips & Tricks
Use day-old bread
Fresh bread tends to become soggy quickly. If using fresh, dry it in a low oven for 10 minutes first.
Cut cubes evenly
Uniform pieces ensure even browning. Aim for about 1-inch cubes.
Don't skimp on oil/butter
The coating is key for crispness. Make sure every cube is well coated.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Mix Butter Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir well to distribute the herbs.
3. Coat Bread Cubes
Add the bread cubes to the bowl and toss gently until every piece is coated with the butter mixture. Use your hands for even coating.
4. Spread on Baking Sheet
Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they aren't overlapping to ensure they crisp up evenly.
5. Bake Until Golden
Bake for 10-12 minutes, then shake the pan or flip the croutons with a spatula. Continue baking for another 5-10 minutes, until they are golden brown and crunchy. The edges will look toasted and they'll sound hollow when tapped.
6. Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool on the pan for a few minutes. If using Parmesan, sprinkle it on while still warm. Serve immediately over your favorite soup.
Delicious Variations
Cheesy Garlic Croutons
Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder to the butter mixture.
Spicy Chili Croutons
Add 1/2 teaspoon chili powder and a pinch of cayenne for a kick.
Lemon Herb Croutons
Add the zest of one lemon and swap the rosemary for dill or chives.
How to Store Golden Herb Soup Croutons
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Do not refrigerate, as they can become soggy.
Freezer
Freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven to crisp up.
Reheating
To reheat, spread on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make croutons in an air fryer?
Yes, you can. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Q: What kind of bread is best for croutons?
Sturdy breads like sourdough, French baguette, or ciabatta work best. They hold up well and become extra crispy.
Q: How do I keep croutons crispy?
Make sure they are completely dry before storing. Store in an airtight container at room temperature, and avoid refrigerating them.
Q: Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
Absolutely. Use 1/4 cup of olive oil in place of the butter, or a mix of both for a richer flavor.
These golden croutons are a game-changer for your soup game. Try them this week on your favorite soup, and don't forget to share your favorite combination in the comments. Small steps count.
Golden Herb Soup Croutons
Golden Herb Soup Croutons: crunchy, garlicky bites that turn any soup into a satisfying meal. Ready in 20 minutes!
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 cups (200g) day-old bread, cubed (about 1-inch pieces)
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
📋 Instructions
- 1Preheat Oven — Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- 2Mix Butter Mixture — In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir well to distribute the herbs.
- 3Coat Bread Cubes — Add the bread cubes to the bowl and toss gently until every piece is coated with the butter mixture. Use your hands for even coating.
- 4Spread on Baking Sheet — Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they aren't overlapping to ensure they crisp up evenly.
- 5Bake Until Golden — Bake for 10-12 minutes, then shake the pan or flip the croutons with a spatula. Continue baking for another 5-10 minutes, until they are golden brown and crunchy. The edges will look toasted and they'll sound hollow when tapped.
- 6Cool and Serve — Remove from the oven and let cool on the pan for a few minutes. If using Parmesan, sprinkle it on while still warm. Serve immediately over your favorite soup.
Maya writes about sustainable living and practical zero-waste swaps for busy families. She focuses on small, budget-friendly changes that fit into real life.
