Stuffing Croutons
Make easy homemade stuffing croutons to replace that dried out bag of store bought croutons. This budget-friendly trick gives your dressing the best flavor and texture ever!
Ingredients
- 1 2-pound loaf of fresh bread Italian bread or your favorite homemade bread machine bread
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F and set out 1 - 2 large baking sheets.
- Slice the bread loaf into 1/2-inch thick slices.
- For a rustic stuffing, hand rip the slices into rough 1/2-inch pieces. For a classic cubed stuffing, use your bread knife to neatly cut the slices into small cubes.
- Spread the croutons on the baking sheets. They should be in a mostly single layer to give the bread room to breathe in the oven.
- Bake the croutons for 10 minutes. Use a spatula to gently toss the croutons and then bake for an additional 10 minutes. Your croutons will likely still have chewy centers and dried out edges. If you want them fully crispy throughout, continue to bake in 5 minute intervals and check on them so they don't burn.
Recipe Notes
How to Make Seasoned Croutons:
If you prefer to season your croutons themselves before adding them to a stuffing recipe, you can enjoy playing with several flavor varieties. First, use either a drizzle of olive oil or melted butter (about 2 - 3 tablespoons) to coat the bread cubes. Toss gently with a spatula so you don't break apart the bread too much. Spread the croutons out and then sprinkle your seasoning of choice over the top. Some delicious options include:- Italian Herb Blend
- Poultry Seasoning
- Dried Rosemary and Thyme with Garlic Salt
- Dried Sage
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (for kick)