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Making bagel croutons is one of the easiest ways to rescue stale bagels and turn them into crunchy, golden bites of goodness.
You can make bagel croutons in just a few simple steps, and the best part is that you probably have everything you need in your kitchen right now.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make bagel croutons that are perfectly crisp on the outside and slightly chewy on the inside, you’re in the right place.
Not only do homemade bagel croutons beat anything from the store, but they also let you control the flavor and seasoning exactly how you like it.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the whole process of how to make bagel croutons, from choosing the right bagels to the best storage tips.
Let’s dive into the crunchy, savory world of homemade bagel croutons and give those leftover bagels a delicious second life.
How to Make Bagel Croutons: The Basic Method
The basic method for how to make bagel croutons is surprisingly simple and requires only a few ingredients.
You’ll need stale bagels (or slightly toasted fresh ones), olive oil or melted butter, and your favorite seasonings.
The process involves cutting the bagels into cubes, tossing them with the fat and spices, and baking them until they turn golden and crisp.
This straightforward approach works every time and gives you a versatile crouton that’s perfect for salads, soups, and snacking.
1. Choosing the Right Bagels
When you’re learning how to make bagel croutons, the type of bagel you use matters more than you might think.
Stale bagels are actually ideal for making croutons because they’re drier and will crisp up faster in the oven.
Fresh bagels can work too, but they might need a few extra minutes in the oven to get that same satisfying crunch.
Plain, everything, sesame, or even jalapeño cheddar bagels all make fantastic croutons, so feel free to experiment.
The key is to choose bagels with a denser texture, as lighter and airier bagels tend to turn out more like bread cubes than proper bagel croutons.
2. Cutting the Bagels into Cubes
The next step to make bagel croutons is cutting your bagels into uniform, bite-sized cubes.
Start by slicing the bagel in half horizontally, and then cut each half into strips before chopping them into cubes.
Aim for cubes that are around half an inch to three-quarters of an inch in size so they bake evenly and don’t burn.
If you want your bagel croutons to have a bit more texture, you can leave the crust on, which is totally fine.
Consistency is your friend here, because smaller cubes will cook faster than larger ones, and you don’t want a mix of burnt and underdone croutons.
3. Seasoning Your Bagel Croutons
Seasoning is where you can really get creative when you make bagel croutons at home.
A classic blend of garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper goes with just about anything.
You can also go with a simple olive oil and coarse sea salt combo that lets the bagel’s own flavor shine through.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try tossing your cubes with parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, or even a little cayenne for heat.
Remember that the seasoning plays a huge role in how your bagel croutons taste, so don’t be shy with your spices.
4. Baking Your Bagel Croutons to Perfection
The baking step is the most critical part of how to make bagel croutons, and getting it right ensures maximum crunch.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spread the seasoned cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Make sure the cubes aren’t overcrowded, because if they’re touching each other too much, they’ll steam instead of crisp.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the bagel croutons are golden brown and crunchy.
Let them cool completely on the baking sheet, as they’ll continue to crisp up as they cool down.
Flavor Variations for Making Bagel Croutons
Once you’ve mastered the basics of how to make bagel croutons, you can start having fun with different flavor combinations.
The beauty of homemade versions is that you can tailor each batch to match the dish you’re serving them with.
Here are some delicious ideas to elevate your homemade bagel croutons and keep things exciting.
1. Everything Bagel Croutons
If you’re already using an everything bagel, you’re halfway to making everything bagel croutons.
But you can also take plain bagels and toss them with a homemade everything seasoning blend.
Mix sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic flakes, dried onion flakes, and a bit of salt to create that iconic flavor.
These bagel croutons are amazing on Caesar salads or sprinkled over a bowl of creamy tomato soup.
2. Cheesy Garlic Bagel Croutons
For a rich and savory twist, make bagel croutons with melted butter, minced garlic, and a generous sprinkle of parmesan.
Toss the cubes in the butter mixture, then add the cheese right before baking so it melts and creates a crispy crust.
These cheesy garlic bagel croutons are perfect for topping off a fresh garden salad or a hearty minestrone.
You’ll find that the salty, umami flavor of the cheese pairs beautifully with the chewy texture of the bagels.
3. Spicy Southwest Bagel Croutons
To make bagel croutons with a kick, use olive oil, chili powder, cumin, and a dash of lime zest.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like things extra spicy, and toss the cubes with black beans or corn for a taco salad.
These crunchy bagel croutons bring a ton of flavor to Southwest-inspired dishes and even taste great munched on their own.
The smoky spice combination makes them a memorable addition to any meal that needs a little crunch.
How to Use Your Homemade Bagel Croutons
Now that you know how to make bagel croutons, you’re probably wondering about all the ways to enjoy them.
The possibilities are nearly endless, and you’ll find these tasty cubes upgrading everything from breakfast to dinner.
Salads are the most obvious choice, but bagel croutons also shine when used as a crunchy topping for soups.
You can even crush them up and use them as a coating for chicken or fish instead of traditional breadcrumbs.
1. Salad Toppers
Tossing a handful of bagel croutons onto your favorite salad is the easiest way to add texture and flavor.
They work especially well on Caesar salads, Greek salads, and any salad with a creamy dressing.
The crunchy cubes soak up just a little dressing without getting soggy, giving you that perfect bite every time.
2. Soup Companions
Soup and bagel croutons are a match made in heaven, especially when the soup is thick and hearty.
Use them to top off tomato soup, french onion soup, or butternut squash bisque for a delightful contrast.
Just sprinkle them on right before serving so they stay crispy and don’t lose their crunch in the hot liquid.
3. Snack Time
Don’t overlook these bagel croutons as a standalone snack, because they’re seriously addictive.
Keep a bowl of them on the counter for a quick and satisfying munch that’s way better than chips.
You can even toss them with a little more seasoning after baking if you want a stronger flavor punch.
Storage Tips for Bagel Croutons
Proper storage is key to keeping your homemade bagel croutons fresh and crispy for as long as possible.
Once they’re completely cool, transfer them to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.
They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about a week, though they probably won’t last that long.
If you want to keep them even longer, you can freeze bagel croutons for up to three months.
To re-crisp frozen bagel croutons, simply spread them on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
So, How to Make Bagel Croutons?
How to make bagel croutons is all about simplicity, creativity, and using what you have on hand.
You can definitely make bagel croutons with just stale bagels, oil, salt, and an oven, which is the easiest path.
While you can make bagel croutons in an air fryer or on the stovetop, the oven method is the most reliable.
Making bagel croutons at home is cheaper and more delicious than buying them from the store, without a doubt.
Whether you follow the basic recipe or experiment with bold seasonings, these crunchy bites will become a staple.
So next time you have leftover bagels, don’t toss them, just make bagel croutons and enjoy every last bite.