Croutons

N/A (Processed bread product) Garnish / Bread Product

Croutons Garnish / Bread Product

At a Glance

  • Category Garnish / Bread Product

The Forktionary Angle

"The word "crouton" comes from the French "croûton," a diminutive of "croûte," meaning crust. Historically, they were a way to repurpose stale bread."

Definition

Small, seasoned pieces of toasted or re-baked bread, typically added to salads or soups for texture and flavor.

Homemade Method Cube stale bread, toss with oil/seasonings, bake/fry
Primary Use Salad & soup garnish
Shelf Life (store-bought, unopened) 3-6 months

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Croutons are:

Savory crunchy garlicky buttery

Chef’s Secret

For exceptionally flavorful and crispy homemade croutons, use slightly stale artisanal bread, toss with olive oil, minced garlic, and fresh herbs, then bake slowly at a lower temperature until golden brown.

Best Substitutes

Toasted nuts

for crunch
Ratio 1:1

Crispy fried onions

Ratio 1:1

Crumbled tortilla chips

for texture
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Check for freshness and a good "best by" date. Look for whole, evenly sized pieces with good seasoning.

Recipes Using Croutons

Oven Preparation Dietary Time To Make

Bacon Egg And Cheddar Cups Ww

Deliciously cheesy and satisfying, these Bacon, Egg & Cheddar Cups are a Weight Watchers-friendly breakfast or brunch option! Each mini-quiche packs a protein punch with crispy bacon, fluffy eggs, and melty cheddar, all for only 3 points plus (based on the WW PointsPlus program). This quick and easy recipe is perfect for meal prep and busy mornings. Get ready for a guilt-free indulgence!

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Vegetables Preparation Dinner Party Soups Stews

Alton Brown's Butternut Squash Soup

Indulge in the unbelievably creamy and flavorful Alton Brown's Butternut Squash Soup! This recipe delivers a perfectly balanced sweetness and savory depth, guaranteed to become a fall favorite. Easy to follow instructions and simple ingredients make this a must-try for both beginner and experienced cooks. Get ready for a taste sensation!

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Occasion Time To Make Eggs Dairy Dietary

Bacon And Egg Casserole

This easy breakfast casserole recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Crispy bacon, buttery croutons, and a creamy egg custard make this dish perfect for weekend brunch, holidays, or any time you need a comforting and delicious meal. Prep ahead and bake for a stress-free breakfast that everyone will love.

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Tomatoes Soups Stews Course Low In Something

Barefoot Contessa Cream Of Fresh Tomato Soup

Indulge in the warm, comforting hug of this creamy tomato soup, inspired by Ina Garten's recipes! Perfect for a crisp autumn evening, this recipe features fresh, ripe tomatoes simmered to perfection for a luxuriously smooth and flavorful soup. Easily adaptable to your equipment, you can use an immersion blender, food processor, or even a food mill for a perfectly strained soup. Freezes beautifully for future enjoyment! Get ready to savor every spoonful of this delicious, easy-to-make masterpiece.

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Small Appliance Spring Served Cold Tomatoes

Bacon Lettuce Tomato Layered Salad

This easy Bacon Lettuce Tomato Layered Salad is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light dinner! Crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and savory bacon are layered to perfection in a creamy basil dressing, then chilled for maximum flavor. No-fuss assembly and minimal cleanup make this recipe a crowd-pleaser. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Easy Equipment Easy Occasion

Banana Bisque With Cinnamon Croutons

Indulge in this surprisingly healthy and unbelievably delicious Banana Bisque! Creamy, subtly spiced, and topped with crunchy cinnamon croutons, this 10-minute dessert is the perfect guilt-free treat. Easy to make and perfect for a quick after-dinner dessert or a sophisticated yet simple brunch option.

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Seasonal Pasta American Course

Avocado Caesar Pasta Salad

Creamy avocado Caesar dressing coats perfectly cooked pasta and crisp romaine lettuce in this vibrant and refreshing pasta salad. A crowd-pleaser any time of year, this recipe is quick, easy, and bursting with fresh flavor! Get ready for rave reviews!

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Easy Preparation Low Carb 3 Steps Or Less

B L T Lettuce Salad

This B L T Lettuce Salad isn't your average salad! A vibrant blend of crisp bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce gets a serious flavor upgrade with a powerful garlic dressing. The bold garlic flavor shines through, making this a truly unforgettable salad perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying side dish. Get ready for a taste explosion!

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Preparation North American American Winter

Bacon Cheddar Potato Soup

Indulge in this creamy, dreamy Bacon Cheddar Potato Soup! This easy-to-make recipe delivers a thick, satisfying bowl of comfort food, perfect for a cozy night in. The rich cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and tender potatoes create a flavor explosion that's unbelievably delicious. Serve with crusty French bread for a complete meal. Make ahead and reheat for effortless weeknight dinners!

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Grilling Potluck Dietary Main Ingredient

How I Got My Family To Eat Spinach Spinach Casserole

Conquer picky eaters with this unbelievably delicious spinach casserole! Even spinach-haters will devour this creamy, cheesy bake. Inherited from my mother-in-law (who also makes it with broccoli!), this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family gatherings or a weeknight dinner. Hot or cold, it's the perfect comfort food. Get ready for rave reviews!

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60 Minutes Or Less Preparation Course Main Dish

Apple Curry Chicken

This Apple Curry Chicken Bake is a delightful twist on classic chicken recipes! Tender chicken breasts are topped with a sweet and savory apple, raisin, and curry-spiced topping, then baked to perfection. Inspired by a cooking class, this recipe is incredibly flavorful and easy to adapt to your preferred spices and ingredients. A perfect weeknight meal or impressive dinner party dish!

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Dietary Holiday Event Course Low Saturated Fat

Zucchini And Rosemary Soup

Indulge in this vibrant and comforting Creamy Zucchini and Rosemary Soup! This recipe features tender zucchini, fragrant rosemary, and a creamy texture that will leave you wanting more. Perfect for a light lunch or a cozy dinner, this soup is surprisingly easy to make and bursts with fresh, garden-inspired flavors.

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60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Preparation

Baby Frise With Poached Egg And Pancetta

A delightful Cucina Rustica recipe! This elegant yet rustic salad features tender baby frise leaves tossed in a vibrant vinaigrette, topped with perfectly poached eggs and crispy pancetta. A simple yet impressive dish perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner.

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Low Carb 4 Hours Or Less Preparation Low Calorie

Andalusian Condiment Soup

Impress your guests with this vibrant Andalusian Condiment Soup! A hearty and flavorful recipe perfect for parties or using up leftover vegetables. This generous batch is inspired by a Sunset Magazine recipe (1976) and cleverly uses concentrated chicken stock for convenience and rich taste. Get ready for a taste of sunshine!

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Easy Low Fat Healthy Beginner Cook

Thicker Than Pea Soup Pea Soup

This unbelievably creamy and satisfying pea soup is a vegetarian dream! Forget meat – this recipe proves that simple ingredients can create a truly delicious and filling meal. Bursting with fresh pea flavor, its thick, luscious texture is perfect for dipping crusty bread. Easy to make and unbelievably flavorful, this recipe is a new family favorite.

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Ham Equipment Main Ingredient Cuisine

Frittata With Ham And Roasted Pepper

A delightful Frittata recipe inspired by Coup de Pouce (February 2008), perfect for a quick and flavorful Italian-inspired meal. This recipe features savory ham, sweet roasted peppers, and a creamy egg base, creating a dish that's both elegant and easy to make. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet stunning frittata!

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Cuisine 4 Hours Or Less Soups Stews Preparation

30 Cloves Of Garlic And Bean Soup

This hearty and aromatic 30-Cloves-of-Garlic Bean Soup recipe is a family favorite, passed down through generations. While the abundance of garlic might seem intimidating, it simmers to perfection, creating a rich, savory broth without overpowering the other flavors. The secret? Letting it sit for a day or two to allow the flavors to meld. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable – feel free to adjust ingredient quantities to your liking. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion!

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Preparation Technique Vegetables No Cook

Anthony's House Salad With Italian Dressing

A light and flavorful salad inspired by a favorite local restaurant! This recipe features a vibrant mix of crisp lettuce, shredded carrots, and cabbage, tossed in a homemade Italian dressing. Perfect as a side dish or a satisfying light lunch – simply add diced smoked turkey breast for extra protein! Get ready to experience the freshness and deliciousness of this easy-to-make salad.

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