Do I need stale bread to make croutons?

Nope, your bread doesn't have to be stale. It may take just a tiny bit longer to cook (since there is more moisture in the bread) and softer, fresher bread can be slightly challenging to cut, but if you don't care what it looks like, just tear it into similar sized pieces.

How to make oil-free croutons?

Just use water in a spray bottle as indicated in the recipe. You'll have to work a little quicker though, since water will absorb into the bread while oil sits on top. I like to mist the bread with water and quickly sprinkle already mixed seasonings from a small bowl. Toss gently to coat and spread out on your baking tray or add to your air fryer basket.

Can I make vegan croutons in the toaster oven?

Yes, but your little cubes of bread may fall through the rack. Either use a solid tray built for your toaster oven, or cut your croutons large enough that they won't fall through.

Are croutons healthy?

These vegan croutons are as healthy as the bread you use. If you're concerned, try a healthier whole grain or sprouted grain bread and use the water method. You can also swap out the bread for chickpeas (they will take a little longer to cook).

Can I use any bread to make croutons?

Yep. I've made vegan croutons with sourdough, French bread, white sandwich bread, whole wheat sandwich bread, even vegan challah works well.

Easy Vegan Croutons

Name: Easy Vegan Croutons
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 slices bread of choice (use gluten-free if desired) (see note 1); 1 teaspoon garlic powder (use spices and herbs of choice); 1 teaspoon onion powder; 2 teaspoons dried parsley; Spray oil or water in a spray bottle (see note 2)

Description

Crunchy and flavorful, these Easy Vegan Croutons are the perfect topping for soups and salads. Make them quickly in the oven, toaster oven, or air fryer.

Ingredients

Scale

4 slices bread of choice (use gluten-free if desired) (see note 1)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (use spices and herbs of choice)
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 teaspoons dried parsley
Spray oil or water in a spray bottle (see note 2)

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Instructions

If you're using the oven method, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (or 180 degrees Celsius). Line a baking tray with parchment paper, or if you can use silicone baking mats. I like them because they are more cost effective and they are reusable!
Oil-free folks: Also, make sure you have your water in a spray bottle (if using water instead of oil).
Prep spices: I also recommend having your spices measured out and mixed in a little bowl. It helps evenly apply the seasoning on the croutons, plus we don't want to be fumbling with spices and measuring spoons when the bread is wet (especially when using the water method.
Now slice up your bread into squares. I find it easier to use a serrated knife for this task so I don’t squish the bread. You can also just tear it into pieces. Leave the crusts on or remove them according to your preference. Add the squares of bread to a large bowl.
Add spices: Using your oil or spray bottle, finely mist the bread a few times, and quickly sprinkle the spices and herbs on top. Use a silicone spatula to gently stir the bread. You can then repeat this process if you wish to cover the unseasoned side of the bread, but I find there’s enough flavor just doing one side, plus I’m usually kind of lazy to be honest.
Oven method: Bake the croutons at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (or 177 degrees Celsius) for approximately 10 minutes. Check on them halfway through, as everyone’s ovens differ.
Air fryer method: Arrange your croutons in a single layer in your air fryer basket and cook for about 4-6 minutes at 350 degrees degrees Fahrenheit (or 177 degrees Celsius) or until they are browned to your liking.
Check halfway through: You may choose how crunchy you want your croutons. Barely browned will be a little softer, while more browned will be crunchier.
Store leftover vegan croutons in an airtight container on the counter for up to 5 days. Mine never last that long though; everyone in my house snacks on them.

Notes

Note 1: Technically any bread will work. I've made vegan croutons with French bread, whole wheat bread, white bread, and sourdough bread. You could even get fancy and make vegan challah bread into croutons. You can also use gluten-free bread if you need to.
Note 2: I recommend a spray oil for evenly misting the bread without soaking it. If using water, I also recommend putting it in a spray bottle to distribute the water evenly without using so much that your bread gets soaked through.
Note 3: Use whatever spices and seasonings you like. I like to use garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley. You could use Italian seasonings or any other spices you like. Everything seasoning is also fantastic for croutons (thanks to my hubby Paul for the idea!). You can use salt if you wish.
Note 4:

Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Ingredient
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Vegan, Oil-Free, Soy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, Can Be Gluten-Free, Vegan Croutons, Oil-free Croutons