Vegan Croutons
Make crispy, flavorful vegan croutons in minutes! Perfect for adding a plant-based, herb-infused crunch to soups, salads, and snacks.
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Don’t you just love the irresistible crunch of a crouton loaded on top of a salad or nestled into a warm bowl of soup? Croutons can make every meal a little more exciting. Maybe it’s that golden, garlicky edge or the toasty aroma that fills the kitchen as they bake. Either way, once you try homemade vegan croutons, you’ll never go back to the store-bought kind again.
These easy vegan croutons come together in just minutes. No fancy ingredients, no fuss, just pure crunchy perfection. They’re golden, crunchy, and infused with savory garlic and herbs. Whether you’re looking to level up your next Caesar salad or simply need a snack you can’t stop nibbling on, this recipe delivers.
I especially love them in a big bowl of Vegan Tomato Soup. So good! Of course, adding crunchy croutons to my Vegan Caesar Salad is a must!
Why Vegan Croutons?
There’s something magical about that herb-infused toasty crunch of a good crouton. But did you know that many store-bought croutons aren’t vegan? Traditional versions often include butter, milk, or cheese..
The good news? Making your own vegan croutons is surprisingly easy…and honestly, they taste so much better! With a few simple ingredients and 15 minutes, you’ll have perfectly crisp, flavorful croutons ready to elevate any dish.
So if you’ve ever wondered, “Are croutons vegan?” or “Can vegans eat croutons?” — the answer is yes… when you make them yourself!
Ingredients & Substitutions
You can find the full printable recipe, including ingredient quantities, below. But first, here are some explanations of ingredients and steps to help you make this recipe perfect every time.
You don’t need fancy ingredients for homemade vegan croutons…just pantry staples and your favorite loaf of bread.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Bread: Sourdough, French, or whole grain — anything sturdy works!
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the croutons get that irresistible golden crust.
- Garlic powder: For savory depth.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs for flavor.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
Optional add-ins:
- Nutritional yeast for a subtle cheesy flavor.
- Smoked paprika for warmth.
- Gluten-free bread if you’d like gluten-free vegan croutons.
Tip: Stale bread actually works better than fresh. It holds up beautifully in the oven and gets crisp without burning.
Best Bread for Croutons
The best bread for croutons is one that’s firm, hearty, and full of flavor. Think rustic loaves like sourdough, baguettes, or whole wheat sandwich bread. Avoid soft, enriched loaves (like brioche), which can turn mushy.
If you’re gluten-free, use your favorite sturdy gluten-free bread. It crisps beautifully when baked or air-fried.
How to Make Vegan Croutons (Step-by-Step)
Making vegan croutons is so quick, you’ll wonder why you ever bought them.
Step 1: Prep your bread
Cut bread into even cubes — about ¾-inch pieces. Add them to a prepared pan and drizzle with olive oil.
Step 2: Season
Sprinkle on garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss until every cube is lightly coated.
Step 3: Bake or air fry
- Oven method: Spread the cubes evenly on a baking sheet. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and crisp.
- Air fryer method: Cook at 370°F for 5–7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Step 4: Cool & store
Let cool completely before storing in an airtight container for up to a week.
Pro Tip: For extra flavor, toss in a bit of nutritional yeast right after baking while the croutons are still warm.
Bonus: Flavor Variations
Once you nail the basics, play around!
- Chili Lime Croutons – add lime zest and chili powder.
- “Cheesy” Croutons – toss with nutritional yeast and vegan parmesan.
- Smoky BBQ Croutons – mix in a pinch of smoked paprika or liquid smoke.
And for a fun twist, keep an eye out for my upcoming recipe for chickpea croutons — they’re protein-packed, crispy, and completely irresistible!
Homemade vegan croutons are proof that small things can make a big difference. A simple bowl of soup or salad transforms into something crave-worthy with just a handful of these golden, crunchy bites. Easy, delicious, and entirely plant-based — what’s not to love?
Storage Tips
- Cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess.
- Airtight container at room temperature: good for up to 1 week.
- Freeze: Yes! Store in a zip-top bag up to 3 months. Reheat in oven or air fryer until crisp.
- Avoid excess oil: Too much can make croutons chewy instead of crisp.
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Vegan Croutons
Ingredients
Vegan Croutons
- 1 loaf crusty French bread (whole wheat, white, or gluten-free, cut into 1-inch pieces. Approximately 4 cups)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F/190°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easy.
- Use a serrated knife to cut the bread into thick slices and then cut the bread into ½-inch to ¾-inch cubes. Transfer the cubes to the prepared pan.
- Drizzle the bread cubes with olive oil and toss to coat.
- Combine the seasonings and sprinkle evenly over the cubes. Toss to coat.
- Spread seasoned cubes in a single layer on the pan. Bake until crispy, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
- Serve immediately or transfer to an airtight container. They will keep at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Recommended Equipment
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Notes
- Chili Lime Croutons – add lime zest and chili powder.
- “Cheesy” Croutons – toss with nutritional yeast and vegan parmesan.
- Smoky BBQ Croutons – mix in a pinch of smoked paprika or liquid smoke.
The nutrition information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Serving Suggestions
This vegan crouton recipe is so easy to make. I like to think of homemade croutons as little flavor bombs that instantly elevate almost any dish. Sometimes I’ll eat them as a quick snack straight from the pan. But, you can also try them on:
Frequently-Asked Questions
Are croutons vegan?
Not always! Many packaged croutons use butter, milk powder, or cheese flavoring. Always check labels — or make your own for a sure vegan option.
Are Olive Garden croutons vegan?
Unfortunately, no. Olive Garden’s croutons contain dairy ingredients. You can ask for salad without croutons or bring your own homemade ones!
How do I make gluten-free vegan croutons?
Simply use a sturdy gluten-free loaf and follow the same recipe. The result is just as crispy and flavorful!
Vegan Soup Favorites
Here are even more vegan soup recipes you can top with these dairy-free croutons:
About the Author
Hi! I’m Marly McMillen. I’m the founding editor, author, recipe developer, vegan home chef, and food stylist behind Namely Marly. I’m so grateful to you and every member of my audience for your support and dedication. More about Namely Marly ›
2 Responses to Vegan Croutons
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This is very useful, especially for vegan lovers like me
Thanks so much, AngelaKin!