Cornbread croutons are so easy to make and are the perfect way to use up leftover cornbread. Elevate your salads in the most simple and delicious way!
Table of Contents
Homemade Cornbread Croutons
I love these cornbread croutons on top of my favorite fall salad. Adding a little texture to an already standout dish is a great way to transform it to a whole other level!
With only 2 ingredients and ready in 15 minutes, easily bake these sweet cornbread croutons to your desired level of crunchy deliciousness. Be careful, they are addicting!
If you’ve never made your own croutons, this cornbread croutons recipe will be a game-changer for you. Because these are made from cornbread, you’ll notice that the natural moisture allows the crouton to remain slightly chewy.
Use them on salads, soup recipes, homemade chili, stews or even this cornbread stuffing. They are much better than anything that you find in stores. PLUS once you get the hang of baking the perfect golden, crunchy yet chewy crouton, you can then have fun playing around with the seasonings!
How to make Cornbread Croutons
- Prep. Preheat the oven. Cut the bread into cubes and place them onto a baking sheet. Make sure to have them spread apart so that they get even toasting on all sides.
- Coat. Drizzle or spray the olive oil evenly over top followed by the salt and pepper. Carefully mix until all pieces are coated. Careful not to drizzle too much oil as it may cause your croutons to become soggy.
- Bake. Bake initially and take them out to stir. Continue baking until golden brown or they have reached the desired texture.
Helpful Tips
- Day-old bread. Homemade croutons are best made with day-old (almost stale) bread. This is even more important for cornbread croutons as cornbread itself is a lighter texture and doesn’t hold together as well as regular bread does. Using day-old bread will help give it that bit of extra firmness it will need.
- Fresh bread. If you happen to be using fresh cornbread, you will need to account for the bake time and bake a little longer.
- Crumb coating. Grind them into breadcrumbs and you can use those for cornbread crusted chicken nuggets or a twist on chicken tenders. Your kids will thank you!
Storing & Freezing
These croutons will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They will also keep in the fridge, however, you may experience a change in texture. They freeze well, in an airtight container or Ziploc bag. You can freeze them as croutons or you can freeze the cornbread and make the croutons at a later date!
More Recipes to use them in
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all the newest recipes!
Cornbread Croutons
Ingredients
- 4 cups day old cornbread
- 1-2 Tablespoons olive oil (I like to use a olive oil spray)
S&P, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F.
- Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. Then place onto a baking sheet. Drizzle or spray the oil evenly over the top. Then sprinkle salt and pepper over top (I usually do about 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper). Carefully mix until well coated.
- Bake for 7 minutes. Stir and cook for and additonal 3-5 minutes, or until golden and reach desired texture. I prefer my croutons not too crispy.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is also the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook. Here you will find easy family-friendly recipes for every occasion.
This is really amazing! I love how easy it is to make!
These look so tasty! This will go perfectly with my salad today! Can’t wait to make these!
These were so delicious and perfectly crunchy! Easily, my new favorite croutons!