Elevate your salads and soups with our Vegan Croutons Recipe! Start by cubing day-old bread into bite-sized pieces. Toss them with olive oil, garlic powder, and dried herbs like oregano or thyme. Spread onto a baking sheet and bake until golden and crispy. Sprinkle over your favorite dishes for a crunchy and flavorful addition that adds texture and deliciousness to every bite!
WHY IT WORK?
- They’re made with whole-grain bread, offering a healthier, fiber-rich option.
- Olive oil is used instead of butter, providing heart-healthy fats.
- A mix of garlic and herbs enhances flavor, making them irresistible.
- These croutons are perfect for adding crunch to soups and salads.
- Being animal product-free, they’re suitable for vegans and vegetarians alike.
- Easy to make at home for a fresh, homemade touch.
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Finding the perfect topping for your salads and soups can be challenging, especially when adhering to a vegan lifestyle. This quest often leads to bland options that need more excitement.
My journey into plant-based eating introduced me to this gap in the culinary world, but it also inspired a delicious solution.Enter the world of vegan croutons — a simple yet transformative recipe that will elevate your meals.
By combining pantry staples and a dash of creativity, I discovered a way to add that much-needed crunch and flavor.These croutons are not just a substitute but a game-changer, turning ordinary dishes into extraordinary experiences without compromising taste or ethics.
What Are Vegan Croutons?
Vegan croutons are a plant-based version of the classic salad and soup topping. Unlike traditional croutons, which might be made with butter or cheese, vegan croutons utilize ingredients such as olive oil and nutritional yeast to achieve their signature crunch and flavor.
This makes them suitable for those following a vegan lifestyle, ensuring no animal products are used in their preparation. These croutons can be made from various types of bread, including whole wheat, sourdough, or gluten-free options, and are seasoned with a mix of herbs and spices for added taste.
Quick Fact: Vegan croutons are not only for salads; they’re versatile. Sprinkle them on soups or stews for added texture, or blend them into breadcrumbs for a crunchy coating.
Recipe Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This preparation ensures your croutons will bake evenly and be easy to remove.
- Mix Bread and Spices: Combine your bread cubes with the desired spices in a large mixing bowl. This could include garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. The choice of spices can vary according to taste, offering flexibility to match the flavor profile of your meal.
- Add Oil: Drizzle your choice of oil over the spiced bread cubes. Olive oil is popular for its health benefits and flavor, but any vegetable oil will work. Toss the mixture until each bread cube is evenly coated. This step is crucial for achieving the golden, crispy texture that makes croutons delightful.
- Bake: Spread the oil-tossed bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are evenly spaced to allow for proper air circulation and even baking. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 12-18 minutes. The exact time will depend on the type of bread used and its initial freshness. Periodically toss the croutons a couple of times during baking to ensure they brown evenly on all sides.
- Cool and Serve: Once golden and crispy, remove the croutons from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This rest time helps them achieve the perfect crunch.
Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings
Variations
- Bread Choices: Experiment with different types of bread, such as whole wheat for a nuttier flavor, rye for depth, or gluten-free bread to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Seasoning Mixes: Beyond the basic garlic and herb, try Cajun spices for heat, Italian seasoning for a classic touch, or a mix of nutritional yeast and smoked paprika for a cheesy, smoky flavor.
Add-Ons
- Nutritional Yeast: For a cheesy flavor without dairy, sprinkle nutritional yeast on the croutons before baking.
- Seeds: Add pumpkin, sunflower, or sesame seeds for extra crunch and nutritional value.
- Nuts: Finely chopped walnuts or pecans can offer an unexpected texture and rich flavor.
Toppings
- Fresh Herbs: After baking, toss the croutons with freshly chopped herbs like parsley, dill, or chives for a burst of color and freshness.
- Citrus Zest: Grate a little lemon or lime zest over the croutons before serving for a bright, citrusy note.
- Vegan Parmesan: Sprinkle vegan cheese over the hot croutons for an extra savory element.
Vegetable Substitutions
- Roasted Chickpeas: Seasoned and roasted until crispy, they offer a protein-packed crunch.
- Baked Kale Chips: Tossed in oil and baked, kale chips provide a crispy, nutrient-dense topping.
- Crispy Roasted Broccoli: The edges of roasted broccoli florets become crunchy and flavorful, perfect for adding texture.
- Toasted Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds toasted in spices can add crunch and nutrition.
- Cauliflower Crumbs: Small, roasted cauliflower pieces can mimic the texture and bulk of croutons in salads and soups.
- Brussels Sprout Chips: Leaves separated and roasted until crispy serve as a flavorful, crunchy addition.
Quick Tip: For an extra flavor boost, toss your vegan croutons in a small amount of nutritional yeast and garlic powder before baking. This adds a cheesy, savory depth.
Best Side Dishes
- Classic Caesar Salad In a Caesar salad, swap out traditional croutons for vegan ones and use a creamy cashew-based dressing.
- Tomato Soup A hot bowl of tomato soup topped with crunchy vegan croutons is comforting and delicious.
- Roasted Vegetable Salad For a hearty side, mix vegan croutons with roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant.
- Kale and Avocado Salad The crispiness of croutons contrasts nicely with the creaminess of avocado.
- Vegan Spinach Artichoke Dip Serve this creamy dip with homemade croutons for dipping.
- Panzanella Salad This Italian bread salad perfectly matches vegan croutons tossed with tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette.
How To Serve?
- Top on Salads: Sprinkle over any salad for added crunch and flavor. They pair exceptionally well with leafy greens and vegan Caesar salads.
- Soup Garnish: Float them atop soups like tomato, butternut squash, or vegetable for a satisfying texture contrast.
- Stews and Chilis: Add them to stews or chilis just before serving to maintain their crunchiness.
- Avocado Toast: Place atop avocado toast for an extra crispy element.
- Vegan Casseroles: Scatter on top of casseroles in the last few minutes of baking for a toasty finish.
- Panzanella: Use it as the bread component in a vegan panzanella (bread salad). It absorbs the dressing and vegetable juices beautifully.
- Stuffing Alternative: Crush slightly and mix vegetables and herbs to create a stuffing-like side dish.
Quick Tip: Store vegan croutons in an airtight container at room temperature to keep vegan croutons crisp. If they soften, re-toast briefly in the oven to revive their crunch.
Storage & Make Ahead
- Storage: Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch.
- Make Ahead: Croutons can be made ahead of time, which is perfect for meal prep. They stay fresh for up to a week, making them a convenient addition to quick meals.
Recipe Fact: Did you know vegan croutons can be flavored with seaweed or dulse flakes? This adds a unique umami flavor, making them a surprising and delicious salad or soup topping.
Time-Saving Tips
- Use Pre-Cut Bread: Buy pre-cubed bread or quickly chop a loaf into cubes if you’re short on time.
- Batch Bake: Make a large batch of croutons and store them. This way, you have them ready whenever needed.
- Air Fryer Option: For a faster alternative to oven baking, use an air fryer to crisp the croutons in half the time.
- Shake in a Bag: Toss bread cubes, oil, and seasonings in a resealable bag for even coating without extra bowls to clean.
- Spread Evenly: Ensure croutons are spread in a single layer with space between them on the baking sheet for even crisping, avoiding the need for multiple batches.
- Cooling Hack: Spread out the baked croutons on a wire rack for quicker cooling, which prevents them from becoming soggy from steam.
- Reuse Leftovers: Turn stale bread into croutons instead of throwing it away, saving time and food waste.
Vegan Croutons Recipe- Crunchy, Flavorful, And Delicious!
Vegan croutons are a crunchy, flavorful addition to any dish. They are made from bread seasoned with herbs and spices and baked until golden. They offer a delightful texture and taste and are perfect for topping salads, soups, and more. This plant-based alternative is easy to make and can be customized with various seasonings to suit any flavor profile.
4
servings10
minutes18
minutes150
kcal15
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
4 Cups 4 Bread (cut into 1-inch cubes)
1 Tsp 1 Dried Parsley
1/4 Tsp 1/4 Salt
3 Tsp 3 Oil
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Begin by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. Set this aside as you prepare the croutons.
- Mix Bread and Spices: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 4 cups of bread cubes with 1 tsp of dried parsley and 1/4 tsp of salt. This step infuses the bread with flavor before it crisps in the oven.
- Add Oil: Drizzle 3 tsp of oil over the seasoned bread cubes. Toss everything together with your hands or a spatula until the bread cubes are evenly coated with oil. This helps them crisp up nicely and prevents them from drying out in the oven.
- Bake: Spread the oil-tossed bread cubes in a single layer across the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they’re not too crowded to allow for even baking and crisping. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-18 minutes. The total time might vary depending on the type of bread you’re using and its initial freshness. Toss the bread cubes once or twice during baking for even browning.
Equipment- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula or spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Airtight storage container
Notes
- Bread Type: The recipe works well with any bread, including whole wheat, sourdough, or gluten-free. The choice affects texture and flavor.
- Oil Options: Olive oil is recommended for its flavor, but any vegetable oil or melted vegan butter can be used.
- Seasoning Variations: Feel free to experiment with additional spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika.
- Storing: Store cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Re-Crisping: If croutons soften, re-toast them in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Gluten-Free Bread For Vegan Croutons?
Yes, you can use gluten-free bread to make vegan croutons. The process remains the same; however, the texture might slightly differ due to the nature of gluten-free bread. It tends to be denser and may require a shorter baking time. Keep an eye on your croutons while baking to prevent them from burning.
How Can I Make My Vegan Croutons More Flavorful?
To enhance the flavor of your vegan croutons, consider incorporating a variety of spices and seasonings. Garlic powder, onion powder, nutritional yeast, and smoked paprika are excellent choices.
Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, added towards the end of baking, can also elevate the taste. For a cheesy flavor without the dairy, sprinkle some nutritional yeast over the croutons before baking.
Are Vegan Croutons Healthy?
Vegan croutons can be a healthy addition to your diet when made with whole-grain bread and heart-healthy oils like olive oil.
They are a good source of dietary fiber, especially if you choose whole-wheat or whole-grain bread. However, like all foods, they should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
How Long Do Vegan Croutons Last, And How Should They Be Stored?
When stored properly, vegan croutons can last up to a week. After completely cooling, transfer them to an airtight container and keep them at room temperature.
Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as this can introduce moisture and make them soggy. If they lose their crunch, you can re-toast them in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes.
Can Vegan Croutons Be Frozen For Longer Storage?
Yes, vegan croutons can be frozen for extended storage. Place the cooled croutons in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
This method prevents them from sticking together. When ready to use, spread them on a baking sheet and warm in the oven until they are crisp again. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
