You can easily make these Vegan Garlic Parmesan Croutons. These crunchy bites are perfect for topping off soups, salads, or enjoying as a tasty snack on their own. With just a handful of simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up these garlicky and cheesy plant-based toppings.
Once you make your own croutons, you’ll be hooked. These easy-to-make, homemade croutons give an extra special touch for toppings, but they are so delicious it’s hard not to snack on them!
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What you’ll love about this recipe:
- Super easy to make.
- Versatile (toppings for salads, soups, pasta dishes, and a crunchy snack or appetizer with dip.)
- Budget-friendly.
- Easily customizable with your favorite seasonings.
- Kid-friendly as kids love the crunchy texture and flavors.
- Easily make ahead.
- Perfect for entertaining and elevating your favorite dishes.
- Freezer-friendly. Make a batch and freeze for later use, saving time and effort in the kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these vegan garlic parmesan croutons gluten-free?
No, these croutons contain bread, which typically contains gluten. However, you can use gluten-free bread to make them gluten-free.
How long do these croutons stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days to a week.
Can I freeze these croutons?
Yes, you can freeze these croutons. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they should last for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Can I customize the seasoning?
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic powder, nutritional yeast, or any other seasonings to suit your taste preferences. (see suggestions below).
Can I substitute nutritional yeast?
If you don’t have nutritional yeast on hand, you can omit it from the recipe. However, it adds a cheesy flavor, so you may want to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
What type of bread works best for making croutons?
Sturdy bread such as French bread, sourdough, or ciabatta works best for making croutons, as it holds its shape well when toasted.
How can I ensure my croutons turn out crispy and golden brown?
To ensure crispy and golden brown croutons, make sure to evenly coat the bread cubes with the seasoned olive oil mixture and spread them out in a single layer on the pan. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can result in uneven cooking.
Can I make a large batch of croutons and freeze them for later use?
Yes, you can make a large batch of croutons and freeze them for later use. Simply allow the croutons to cool completely after cooking, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place the frozen croutons on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
More Types Seasoning Options for Croutons
You can customize the seasoning for your vegan garlic parmesan croutons based on your taste preferences. Here are some alternative seasoning ideas you can try:
- Italian Seasoning Blend: A mix of dried herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
- Cajun Seasoning: Adds a spicy kick with a blend of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and other spices.
- Ranch Seasoning: Create a ranch-flavored crouton with a blend of dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley.
- Curry Powder: Infuse your croutons with warm and aromatic curry flavors.
- Herbs de Provence: A classic French herb blend featuring savory herbs like thyme, rosemary, marjoram, and lavender.
- Lemon Pepper: Bright and zesty seasoning made with lemon zest and cracked black pepper.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a rich, smoky flavor to your croutons for a barbecue-inspired twist.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: Recreate the flavors of an everything bagel with a mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic flakes, onion flakes, and salt.
- Taco Seasoning: Infuse your croutons with Mexican-inspired flavors like chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder.
- Za’atar: A Middle Eastern spice blend featuring sumac, sesame seeds, thyme, and other herbs.
Feel free to mix and match these seasonings or create your own custom blend to suit your taste preferences! Adjust the quantities according to your desired level of flavor intensity.
Delicious Salad Recipes
- French Chopped Salad
- Roasted Peppers and Chickpea Salad
- Italian Chopped Salad
- Beet and Mango Salad
- Sweet Potato and Kale Salad
Delicious Soup Recipes
- Golden Mushroom Potato Soup
- Cream of Corn Soup
- Parmesan Cabbage Rice Soup
- Cream of Celery Soup
- Borscht Soup
- Potato Leek Soup
- Roasted Tomato Soup
- Cream of Asparagus Soup
How to Make Vegan Garlic Parmesan Croutons
Ingredients
- 2 cups cubed bread (preferably day-old bread)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cloves of garlic, minced (optional for extra garlicky taste)
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place the cubed bread in a large mixing bowl and drizzle the olive oil over it. Toss well to coat the bread evenly. Then sprinkle the garlic and nutritional yeast mixture over the cubed bread and toss well.
- Spread the coated bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the croutons are golden brown and crispy, stirring halfway through the baking time.
- Once done, remove the croutons from the oven and let them cool completely before serving.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.