How To Make Bagel Croutons

You can make bagel croutons by cutting stale or fresh bagels into cubes, tossing them with oil and seasonings, and baking them until they turn golden and crunchy.
 
It’s one of the easiest kitchen upgrades you’ll ever do, and it transforms day-old bagels into something you’ll actually crave.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how to make bagel croutons at home, you’re in the right place because this guide covers everything you need.
 
We’ll talk about the best bagel types, the perfect oil-to-seasoning ratio, and the exact oven temperature for that crispy texture.
 
Plus, you’ll learn how to make bagel croutons that stay crunchy for days, so you can sprinkle them over salads, soups, or even eat them straight from the jar.
 
Let’s dive into the simple process and get you making bagel croutons like a pro in no time.
 

Why You Should Make Bagel Croutons At Home

Making bagel croutons at home beats store-bought versions in every single way, from flavor to freshness.
 
When you make bagel croutons yourself, you control the seasoning, so you can go savory with garlic and herbs or spicy with chili flakes.
 
Homemade bagel croutons also use up bagels that would otherwise go stale, which means zero food waste and more money saved.
 
Plus, the texture you get from baking your own bagel croutons is far superior to anything in a box.
 
You get that satisfying crunch on the outside with a slight chew in the center, and that’s the hallmark of a truly great crouton.
 
So, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to make bagel croutons that you’ll never want to stop making.
 

1. The Best Bagels For Croutons

When you plan to make bagel croutons, start with bagels that are a day or two old, as they’re drier and hold up better.
 
Fresh bagels work too, but they’ll need a slightly longer bake time to crisp up properly.
 
Everything bagels are the absolute champion for this recipe because they already carry that fabulous mix of seeds and onion.
 
Plain bagels are perfect if you want to add your own seasoning blend from scratch.
 
And don’t shy away from flavored bagels like jalapeño cheddar or cinnamon raisin, since they make bagel croutons that are uniquely delicious.
 
The key is cutting them into uniform cubes so they bake evenly, and you can make bagel croutons from any variety you love.
 

2. The Perfect Oil And Seasoning Base

To make bagel croutons with maximum flavor, you need a generous coating of good-quality oil, like olive oil or melted butter.
 
The oil helps the seasonings stick and is what gives the croutons that golden, crispy exterior during baking.
 
For a classic savory profile, mix garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and black pepper.
 
If you’re using an everything bagel, you might only need a light olive oil drizzle and a sprinkle of sea salt.
 
You can make bagel croutons sweet too by tossing the cubes with cinnamon and sugar for a salad-topping twist.
 
Just remember that a light hand with oil is better than drenching, because soggy croutons are a tragedy.
 

Step-by-Step Guide On How To Make Bagel Croutons

Here’s the precise method you’ll follow to make bagel croutons that are crunchy, golden, and packed with taste.
 
This process is straightforward, so grab your cutting board, a large bowl, and a baking sheet, and you’re ready to go.
 
Follow these steps closely, and you’ll make bagel croutons that rival any restaurant’s salad garnish.
 

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Bagels

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready when your bagel cubes are seasoned.
 
Take your bagels and cut them into ¾-inch cubes, which is the ideal size for even crisping without burning.
 
Place all the bagel cubes into a large mixing bowl, and make sure they’re in a single layer for the oil to coat them evenly.
 
If your bagels are very dense, you can lightly toast the cubes for five minutes before adding oil, but that’s optional.
 
This simple prep step sets you up to make bagel croutons that are perfectly uniform in texture and crunch.
 

Step 2: Toss With Oil And Seasonings

In a small bowl, whisk together your olive oil and chosen seasonings, then pour the mixture over the bagel cubes.
 
Use your hands to toss the cubes gently, ensuring every single piece gets a nice coating of the flavored oil.
 
Don’t be shy with the seasoning because the bagels absorb flavor well, and you want bold-tasting bagel croutons.
 
If you’re using butter, melt it first and mix it with the herbs so it distributes evenly across the cubes.
 
Once everything is coated, spread the bagel cubes out on a baking sheet in an even, single layer for best results.
 
Avoid overcrowding the pan, since that will trap steam and prevent the cubes from getting crispy.
 

Step 3: Bake To Golden Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and set a timer for 12 to 15 minutes.
 
Halfway through the baking time, pull the sheet out and give the cubes a good stir or flip so they brown on all sides.
 
You’ll know your bagel croutons are done when they’re golden brown and feel dry and hard to the touch.
 
Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes because they can go from perfect to burnt quite quickly.
 
Once they’re done, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet.
 
The cooling process is crucial because it allows the croutons to crisp up even more, giving you that perfect crunch.
 

Creative Ways To Use Your Homemade Bagel Croutons

Once you know how to make bagel croutons, the possibilities for using them are nearly endless.
 
Toss them over a Caesar salad for an immediate texture upgrade that’s way more interesting than regular bread cubes.
 
Float them on top of tomato soup or butternut squash soup for a savory, crunchy garnish that soaks up flavor beautifully.
 
Crush them lightly and use them as a breadcrumb substitute for coating chicken or topping a casserole.
 
You can make bagel croutons the star of a panzanella-style salad with fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella.
 
Or simply keep a jar on your counter and snack on them by the handful because they’re that addictive.
 

Storage Tips For Keeping Bagel Croutons Fresh

To keep your bagel croutons crisp, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
 
Don’t refrigerate them, as the moisture in the fridge will make them soft and rubbery over time.
 
If they do lose their crunch, you can re-crisp them in a 300°F oven for five minutes to revive them.
 
Freezing is also an option if you make bagel croutons in a big batch and want them to last for a month.
 
Just freeze them in a zip-top bag and reheat them directly in the oven without thawing first.
 
With smart storage, you can make bagel croutons ahead of time and always have a crunchy topping ready.
 

So, How To Make Bagel Croutons Perfectly Every Time?

You can make bagel croutons perfectly every time by using day-old bagels, a generous oil coating, and a hot oven.
 
They’re crunchy, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to customize with whatever seasonings you have on hand.
 
Whether you toss them in salads, soup, or just eat them as a snack, homemade bagel croutons beat store-bought any day.
 
So next time you have a stale bagel, don’t throw it away, and instead, make bagel croutons that elevate any meal.
 
Now that you know how to make bagel croutons, fire up that oven and get ready for some serious crunch.