Croutons
Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free
Croutons
Gluten Free Croutons are a delightful addition to any meal, elevating homemade soups or serving as a crunchy snack alongside cold meats and salad during lunchtime. When that loaf of gluten-free bread finds itself squashed at the bottom of your shopping bag or starts to turn stale, don’t fret! Crafting your own gluten-free croutons is a simple and effective way to minimise food waste. Plus, they can be easily stored and enjoyed throughout the week, making them a versatile component of your gluten-free lifestyle. Embrace the joy of creating these tasty morsels and add a satisfying crunch to your dishes!
Makes as many as you like!
Ingredients:
Bread
Oil
Herbs and spices of your choice
Method:
Preheat the oven to 180°C / 160° Fan / 350°F / Gas Mark 4.
Lightly grease or line several baking sheets.
Cut the bread up into squares. I like chunky croutons so normally cut about 2 cm square.
Place the bread pieces onto the baking sheet and drizzle over a tablespoon or two of oil over the bread.
Toss the bread gently with your hands to ensure they are evenly coated in oil.
Sprinkle your choice of herbs or spices over the bread and toss again to mix.
Bake in the oven until the croutons are crispy and golden, which should take around 10 to 15 minutes.
I like to check on them every 5 minutes, giving them a gentle turn on the baking sheet to achieve an even golden colour.
Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. Store the cooled croutons in an airtight container, where they will stay fresh for up to two weeks. Enjoy!
Additional Notes:
Prefer spicy croutons? Simply toss in some chilli or paprika for an extra kick! Homemade croutons are perfect because you can customise them exactly to your taste.
Need breadcrumbs? Just grab a rolling pin or a food processor to break them down into breadcrumbs.
Made a little too many? No problem! Just pop them in the freezer to use another time.
Equipment Used:
Mixing bowl
Spoon
Baking sheet
Airtight storage container
Gluten-Free Crouton Ideas
Here are some delightful ideas on how to enhance your gluten-free croutons with flavour. Such a simple recipe that can have so many flavours added and can be used in a variety of ways in your meals and snacks. I always ensure I have a stash of these in the cupboard, and they tend to vanish remarkably quickly! Some of these flavours include dairy but feel free to substitute for vegan alternatives.
Classic Herb Infused Croutons
Toss your croutons in a mix of olive oil and your favourite dried herbs – think rosemary, thyme or oregano. Add a touch of garlic powder for an aromatic kick. These herbal delights make a perfect topping for salads or soups.
Flavours: Dried oregano, thyme, basil, garlic powder
How to Use: Toss croutons into soups, salads, or pasta dishes for a crunchy finish. Perfect with a classic Caesar salad.
Cheesy Goodness Croutons
For those who enjoy a cheesy flavour, sprinkle your croutons with some grated dairy cheese before baking them until crisp. If you're vegan or dairy-free, a generous dusting of nutritional yeast will give you that savoury, cheesy taste without compromising your dietary preferences.
Flavours: Grated Parmesan or cheddar
How to Use: Ideal for elevating creamy soups like tomato or potato leek. Sprinkle on top of baked casseroles for added crunch.
Cheese and Garlic Croutons
For those who enjoy a cheese and garlic flavour, sprinkle your croutons with some grated dairy cheese mixed with garlic and parsley before baking them until crisp. If you're vegan or dairy-free, a generous dusting of nutritional yeast will give you that savoury, cheesy taste without compromising your dietary preferences.
Flavours: Grated Parmesan or cheddar, garlic powder, dried parsley
How to Use: Ideal for elevating soups like tomato or potato leek. Sprinkle on top of baked casseroles for added crunch. Delicious with a salad.
Spicy Surprise Croutons
Add a sprinkle of chilli powder or cayenne pepper to your croutons before toasting them. This spicy twist works wonders when combined with a creamy soup or a fresh green salad to give your meal an exhilarating lift.
Flavours: Chilli, cayenne pepper, black pepper
How to Use: Great for topping spicy noodle bowls or Asian-inspired salads. Adds a kick to roasted vegetable dishes and salads.
Spicy Sriracha Croutons
Add a sprinkle of sriracha sauce, smoked paprika and black pepper to your croutons before toasting them. This fiery twist works so well that you may find them addictive! Combine with a creamy soup or a fresh green salad, or snack on them!
Flavours: Sriracha sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper
How to Use: Great for topping spicy noodle bowls or Asian-inspired salads. Adds a kick to roasted vegetable dishes.
Sweet Cinnamon Croutons
Add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, sugar and nutmeg for a sweet and delightful crouton. They are perfect for those sweet cravings! These can be used with yoghurts, salads and toppings for many gluten free desserts!
Flavours: Ground cinnamon, sugar, nutmeg
How to Use: Mix into yogurt, parfaits, or salads with fruit for a sweet twist. Also delicious as a topping for gluten-free desserts.
Lemon and Dill Croutons
An addition of lemon zest, dried dill and garlic powder to your croutons will make your taste buds zing! Strangely addictive, they are perfect when paired with seafood and salads.
Flavours: Lemon zest, dried dill, garlic powder
How to Use: A refreshing addition to seafood salads or light vegetable soups. Pair well with a lemon vinaigrette.
Savoury Italian Croutons
These Italian croutons are easy to make and are the favourite combination in our family. They always quickly disappear, but when they do hang around in the cupboard, they are great with minestrone soup!
Flavours: Italian seasoning blends (e.g., rosemary, thyme, oregano), garlic powder
How to Use: Perfect as an addition to minestrone soup or as an accompaniment to antipasto platters.
Smoky Barbecue Croutons
Smoky barbecue croutons. As I write this I suddenly have an urge to make myself some. Beautiful tasty flavour and one that adds a smoky flavour to any of your dishes. It's also great for snacking on!
Flavours: Barbecue seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper
How to Use: Fantastic in southwestern salads or served alongside grilled meats. Great for adding a smoky flavour to any dish.
Mediterranean Olive Croutons
Chopped olives, olive oil and herbs de Provence make these croutons a wonderful addition to your summer salads!
Flavours: Chopped olives, olive oil, herbs de Provence
How to Use: Pair with Greek salad or toppings for ratatouille. Adds a briny punch to your dishes.
Sweet and Savoury Croutons
Experiment with an intriguing combination by coating your croutons in a mixture of olive oil and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, then adding a pinch of brown sugar. This mix brings out a sweet yet tangy flavour that pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables and mixed greens.
Flavours: Olive oil, balsamic vinegar and brown sugar
How to Use: Pair with roasted vegetables and mixed greens.
Mediterranean Bliss Croutons
Combine croutons with a topping of sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and a sprinkle of feta cheese (or a vegan alternative) for a Mediterranean-inspired crunch. This combination can turn a simple salad into a vibrant feast.
Flavours: Sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil and feta cheese
How to Use: Pair with salads.
Mustard Magic Croutons
Mix a tablespoon of Dijon mustard with olive oil and toss in your croutons. The mustard adds a zesty tang that complements hearty salads and veggie dishes beautifully.
Flavours: Dijon mustard, olive oil
How to Use: Pair with salads and vegetable dishes.
By incorporating these fun flavour ideas, you can elevate your gluten-free croutons and enjoy them in a variety of creative ways, ensuring they never stay in the cupboard for too long!
Quick Reminder on How to Make Gluten-Free Croutons:
Choose Your Bread: Use gluten-free bread of your choice (sourdough, whole grain, or a baguette).
Cut: Slice bread into cubes.
Toss: In a bowl, combine cubed bread with olive oil and chosen seasonings.
Bake: Spread onto a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes or until golden and crispy, tossing halfway through.
Cool and Store: Let cool completely before storing in an airtight container for freshness.
Enjoy the crunch and flavour of these gluten-free croutons as a delicious and versatile topping for a variety of dishes
