Cheesy Everything Bagel Croutons: The Ultimate Guide to Perfectly Crispy Homemade Toppings
Get ready to elevate your culinary game with these incredible Cheesy Everything Bagel Croutons! Forget store-bought; these homemade gems are destined to become your new favorite topping for virtually everything, from hearty soups and crisp salads to even a satisfying snack straight from the pan. Baked to golden perfection and seasoned generously with the irresistible blend of everything bagel seasoning and savory nutritional yeast, they achieve an unparalleled crunch that will leave you craving more.
While they are an absolute dream come true as a garnish for vibrant dishes like this spicy sweet green pea soup, we guarantee you’ll find it nearly impossible to resist popping them into your mouth for a quick, cheesy, and crunchy snack. This recipe isn’t just about making croutons; it’s about transforming simple ingredients into a versatile, flavor-packed addition to your everyday meals.
As the colder months roll in, our kitchens naturally gravitate towards comforting bowls of soup and crisp, vibrant salads. And if you’re anything like me, you understand the vital role that crunchy, savory toppings play in making these dishes truly spectacular. We’re talking about game-changers like crispy chickpeas and our beloved savory granola. It was high time to introduce a new champion to this esteemed lineup: the homemade crouton, reimagined with an everything bagel twist.
Why These Cheesy Everything Bagel Croutons Are a Must-Make
There are countless reasons to fall head over heels for these exceptional homemade croutons. Beyond their incredible flavor and satisfying crunch, they offer a simplicity and versatility that make them a staple in any kitchen. Here’s why you’ll be adding this recipe to your regular rotation:
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: You only need a handful of readily available ingredients to create something truly extraordinary.
- Baked to Perfection, Not Fried: Unlike many crouton recipes, ours are baked, resulting in a healthier, lighter, yet still incredibly crispy outcome without the added grease.
- Unrivaled Crunch: The secret lies in using stale bread and the correct baking method, ensuring every crouton is perfectly ultra-crunchy.
- Sustainable and Smart: This recipe is a fantastic way to rescue leftover, stale bread from being wasted, transforming it into a delicious new creation.
- Dairy-Free “Cheesy” Goodness: Thanks to nutritional yeast, these croutons deliver a satisfying cheesy flavor profile without any dairy, making them suitable for vegan and dairy-free diets.
- Customizable: While we love the everything bagel flavor, the base recipe is incredibly adaptable to your preferred seasonings.
Essential Ingredients for Crunchy Cheesy Croutons
Crafting these delectable croutons requires just a few simple, yet powerful, ingredients. Each plays a crucial role in achieving the desired texture and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Stale Sourdough Bread: The star of the show! Stale bread is key for that ultimate crunch. Sourdough offers a fantastic base flavor and a sturdy texture that holds up well during baking.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This provides richness, helps achieve a beautiful golden brown color, and ensures the seasonings adhere to the bread cubes.
- Nutritional Yeast: This is where the “cheesy” magic happens! Nutritional yeast offers a distinct, savory, umami-rich flavor reminiscent of cheese, making these croutons incredibly addictive.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: The iconic blend that brings all the classic everything bagel flavors – sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and sea salt – directly to your croutons.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Perfect Homemade Croutons
Making your own croutons from scratch is surprisingly easy and incredibly rewarding. Follow these simple steps to create a batch of perfectly crispy, cheesy everything bagel croutons:
- Prep Your Bread: The Stale Secret
First and foremost, the secret to truly crunchy croutons lies in using stale bread. We’re not talking about just a day old here; ideally, your bread should be a few days old, slightly firm, and dried out. This ensures that when baked, the bread cubes crisp up beautifully rather than becoming chewy or simply toasting.
- Cube the Bread
Using a sharp bread knife, cut your stale bread into roughly one-inch cubes. Precision isn’t paramount, but aiming for relatively uniform sizes will help them bake evenly. Transfer these bread cubes to a medium-sized mixing bowl.
- Drizzle and Distribute the Oil
Slowly drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the bread cubes. The goal is to coat as many surfaces of the bread as possible. You can use a spoon to gently mix as you drizzle, or if you prefer, an olive oil spray can ensure a more even coating.
- Season Generously
Once the bread is lightly oiled, sprinkle the nutritional yeast and everything bagel seasoning evenly over the cubes. These two ingredients are the heroes that deliver the unique cheesy and savory flavor profile.
- Gentle Toss to Coat
With a gentle hand, toss the bread cubes until they are thoroughly coated with the oil and seasonings. Be careful not to toss too vigorously, as stale bread can be prone to crumbling. You want each cube to be seasoned, but still intact.
- Arrange and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Arrange the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This allows for even air circulation and crisping. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the croutons are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. For even browning, flip them over halfway through the baking time (around 15 minutes).
- Cool for Maximum Crunch
Once golden and crispy, remove the croutons from the oven. The most crucial step for achieving that ultra-crunchy texture is to let them cool completely on the baking sheet. They will continue to crisp up as they cool. Resist the urge to snack on them immediately (if you can!).
Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Croutons
While these croutons can be made with various types of bread, my top recommendation is always stale sourdough bread due to its robust texture and tangy flavor profile that complements the everything bagel seasoning perfectly. However, you can also achieve excellent results with a crusty baguette, a hearty multi-grain loaf, or a classic Italian loaf. The most critical factor, regardless of the bread type, is that it must be stale. This dryness is what allows the bread to toast up crunchy, rather than becoming soft or chewy.
Everything bagel seasoning has become incredibly popular and is now widely available. The most famous version is often found at Trader Joe’s, which popularized the blend. However, many major grocery stores now carry their own versions in the spice aisle. If you can’t find it locally or prefer to make your own, it’s quite simple to whip up at home! You can use this fantastic recipe from Two Peas and their Pod to create your own blend with just a few common pantry spices.
Nutritional yeast, often affectionately called “nooch,” is a deactivated yeast that is renowned for its distinctly cheesy, nutty, and savory flavor. It comes in a flakey or powdered form, making it easy to sprinkle onto foods. It’s a fantastic dairy-free and vegan alternative to cheese, packed with B vitamins. You can typically find nutritional yeast in the organic or specialty foods section of most large grocery stores. Bulk food stores are also an excellent place to purchase it, often at a more economical price.
To maintain their crispness and flavor, it’s essential to store homemade croutons properly. Once they have completely cooled to room temperature (this can take 1-2 hours), transfer them to an airtight container. Storing them at room temperature is ideal.
When stored correctly in an airtight container at room temperature, your delicious homemade croutons should retain their quality and crunch for about 5-7 days. Beyond that, they may start to lose their crispness, though they’ll still be safe to eat for a little longer if not moldy.
Absolutely! To make these Cheesy Everything Bagel Croutons gluten-free, simply substitute the regular sourdough bread with your favorite gluten-free bread. Ensure it’s stale for the best results, and follow the rest of the recipe as directed. The nutritional yeast and everything bagel seasoning are naturally gluten-free.
While it’s possible to freeze croutons, it’s generally not recommended for optimal texture. Freezing and thawing can sometimes make them less crispy. If you must freeze them, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat in a low oven to crisp them up again, but they might not achieve the same initial crunch. For best results, enjoy them within their 5-7 day fresh window.
Pro Tips for the Best Homemade Cheesy Everything Bagel Croutons
Achieving perfectly crunchy and flavorful croutons is easy with a few expert insights. Keep these tips in mind to ensure your homemade batch is a resounding success every time:
- Even Oil Coverage is Key: To ensure every single bread cube is perfectly coated, consider using an extra virgin olive oil spray. This can help distribute the oil more evenly than drizzling, leading to a more consistent crispness.
- Toss Gently: Stale bread can be fragile. When mixing the oil and seasonings, use a gentle hand and toss the bread cubes lightly. Being too rough or over-tossing can cause the bread to break down and crumble prematurely, leading to unevenly sized croutons.
- Embrace Stale Bread: This cannot be stressed enough – stale bread is your best friend for crunchy croutons. Fresher bread contains more moisture, which will extend the baking time significantly and may result in a chewier, less desirable texture. Plan ahead and let your bread sit out for a few days!
- Monitor Bake Time: Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven, the type of bread you use, and how stale it is. Keep a close eye on your croutons, especially towards the end of the baking cycle. They should be golden brown and feel firm and crunchy.
- Don’t Waste the Crumbs: After baking, you’ll likely find flavorful crumbs left on your baking sheet. Do not discard these! They are packed with all the delicious everything bagel seasoning and olive oil. Sprinkle them over soups, salads, or even roasted vegetables for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
- Cool Completely for Ultimate Crispness: Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to croutons. Let them cool entirely on the baking sheet for at least 1-2 hours before storing. This cooling period allows them to fully crisp up and harden, ensuring that satisfying crunch with every bite.
- Uniform Cubes: While not strictly necessary for flavor, cutting your bread into similar-sized cubes ensures that they bake evenly. This prevents some pieces from burning while others are still soft.
- Preheat Your Oven Properly: Always allow your oven to fully preheat to the specified temperature. Placing croutons into a cold oven will impact their texture and extend the cooking time.
Creative Serving Suggestions for Your Cheesy Everything Bagel Croutons
These versatile croutons are so much more than just a soup or salad topping. Their robust flavor and satisfying crunch make them an excellent addition to a wide array of dishes. Here are some inspiring ways to enjoy your homemade Cheesy Everything Bagel Croutons:
- Enhance Creamy Soups: There’s nothing quite like the contrast of a creamy soup and a crunchy topping. These croutons are phenomenal on rich, velvety soups such as this comforting roasted red pepper and butternut squash soup or a warming bowl of roasted sweet potato and carrot soup.
- The Classic Tomato Soup Pairing: Croutons and tomato soup are a match made in culinary heaven! A generous handful of these cheesy cubes will transform this bacon tomato soup by my friend Carmy at One Pot Only into an unforgettable meal.
- Salad Supercharger: Elevate any salad with a textural and flavor boost. These crispy cubes are the perfect companion for a fresh strawberry kale salad or a creamy, indulgent vegan caesar salad. They add a delightful crunch that can’t be beaten.
- Beyond the Bowl: Get creative! Sprinkle them over roasted vegetables for added texture, use them as a crunchy topping for casseroles, or even crush them slightly and use them as a breading for baked chicken or fish.
- The Ultimate Snack: Let’s be honest, these croutons are so good, they barely need an accompanying dish. Enjoy them straight up as a highly addictive, savory snack!
- On Avocado Toast: For an extra layer of crunch and flavor, sprinkle some crushed or whole croutons over your avocado toast. It’s a game-changer!
- Chili Topping: Much like a bowl of soup, a hearty chili benefits immensely from a crunchy element. These croutons offer a unique flavor twist compared to traditional crackers.
We hope you’re inspired to try this simple yet incredibly satisfying recipe. These Cheesy Everything Bagel Croutons are more than just a topping; they’re a testament to how humble ingredients can be transformed into something truly special. If you do make this recipe, we’d absolutely love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
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Print Recipe
Cheesy Everything Bagel Croutons
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5 from 8 reviews
Author: Leanne
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 3 cups
Category: Side Dishes
Method: Bake
Cuisine: American
Description
These Cheesy Everything Bagel Croutons will quickly become your ultimate go-to topping for elevating soups, salads, and so much more! Made with simple ingredients like stale bread, extra virgin olive oil, savory nutritional yeast, and the irresistible everything bagel spice, they bake up perfectly crunchy in the oven. A delicious, easy, and dairy-free way to add a burst of flavor and texture to any meal.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cubed stale sourdough bread (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for easy non-stick baking and cleanup.
- Place the 1-inch bread cubes into a medium-sized bowl. Slowly drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the bread, ensuring an even coating. Sprinkle the nutritional yeast and everything bagel seasoning over the oiled bread. Gently toss all ingredients together until the bread cubes are well coated with the flavorful spices.
- Arrange the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded. This ensures optimal crisping. If there are any remaining seasoned crumbs in the bowl, sprinkle them over the bread cubes and lightly press them in. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the croutons are beautifully golden brown and ultra-crunchy. For even baking, flip the croutons over about halfway through the baking time (after approximately 15 minutes).
- Once baked, remove the croutons from the oven. Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container. This cooling process is crucial for achieving and maintaining their crisp texture. Store at room temperature and enjoy within 5-7 days for peak freshness.
Notes
- Handle with Care: Always toss the bread cubes gently with the seasoning. Being too rough can cause the stale bread to crumble, leading to smaller, less uniform croutons.
- The Stale Bread Advantage: For the ultimate crunchy texture, it’s paramount that your bread is several days old and quite stale. Fresher bread contains more moisture and will take significantly longer to crisp up, often resulting in a chewier rather than crunchy texture.
- Adjust Bake Time: Baking times can vary based on your specific oven, the type of bread you’ve chosen, and its level of staleness. Always keep an eye on your croutons and adjust the baking duration as needed to achieve a perfect golden brown and crunchy result.
- Flavorful Crumbs: Don’t discard any crumbs left on the pan after baking! These little flavor bombs are packed with all the delicious seasoning. I love to add these extra crumbs to soups and salads right alongside the croutons for an intensified taste and texture.
- Complete Cooling: For maximum crunch and to prevent them from becoming soft during storage, ensure the croutons are completely cool—typically 1-2 hours—before moving them into an airtight container.