Crispy Homemade Gluten-Free Croutons Recipe for Salads and Soups

These Gluten Free Croutons add crisp texture and savory flavor to soups, salads, and more. They are simple to make at home and can easily be adapted to be low-carb or keto-friendly.

Gluten free croutons in a bowl with a plate under it.

These are the best croutons I’ve had—light, crunchy, and indistinguishable from regular croutons. Even friends without dietary restrictions love them.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy: just a few minutes of prep creates an elegant garnish for many dishes.
  • Allergy-friendly: store-bought gluten free croutons that are also dairy- and soy-free can be hard to find—making them at home solves that.
  • Cost-effective: homemade croutons are cheaper and tastier than most store versions.
  • Your family and guests will enjoy them even if they don’t need gluten-free food.
  • This recipe works in the oven or an air fryer.
  • You can make a low-carb version by choosing a keto-friendly gluten free bread.

Ingredients

Ingredients for croutons in glass bowls on a tabletop.
  • Gluten free bread – Any brand will work. Favorites include Udi’s, Trader Joe’s green-bag loaf, or Carbonaut from Whole Foods (a great low-carb option).
  • Roasting oil – Olive oil or avocado oil are great choices; ghee can be used if you prefer.
  • Sea salt – For seasoning.
  • Dried herbs – Oregano, parsley, and basil all work. Use one or a mix to taste.
  • Garlic powder – For savory depth.

OPTIONAL:

  • Parmesan cheese – A dairy-free variety (such as a plant-based parmesan) or real parmesan if you’re not dairy-free.

See the recipe card below for exact measurements.

Substitutes and Variations

  • Gluten free bread – Any gluten free loaf will work; choose a low-carb or keto-style loaf if desired.
  • Roasting oil – Olive oil, avocado oil, or melted ghee are all good options.

If you try other substitutions, please share the results in the comments.

Step by Step Instructions

Gluten free croutons ingredients in a glass bowl.
Step #1: Preheat the oven to 270–275°F. Cut the bread into 1/2-inch cubes. Combine the bread with oil, salt, herbs, and garlic powder in a bowl and toss to coat.
Bread on a baking sheet.
Step #2: Spread the coated bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 270–275°F for about 1 hour, until crisp and golden. Serve warm or cooled.

Equipment Needed

  • baking sheet

Expert Tips

  • Choose the right bread: Use a gluten free loaf that has good structure. Carbonaut is a favorite for a low-carb option.
  • Cutting method: A sharp knife or kitchen scissors make quick work of slicing the bread into uniform cubes so they crisp evenly.
  • Air fryer option: To use an air fryer, season the bread cubes the same way, then cook at 350°F for 3 minutes, shake the basket, and cook another 3 minutes.
Baked gluten free croutons with tons on a baking sheet.

Storage Instructions

  • Store cooled croutons in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain crispness.

Other Gluten Free Recipes You Will Love

  • The Best Vegan Garlic Bread Recipe
  • Air Fryer Toast
  • The Best Gluten Free Biscuits
  • AIP Bread Roll

Did you try this recipe?

Leave a rating and a review below.

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gluten free croutons in a bowl with a plate under it

Gluten Free Croutons

Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5
Cook Time 1
Total Time 1 5
Servings 10 servings
Author Allianna Moximchalk

292kcal

Cost $5

Equipment

  • baking sheet

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf gluten free bread
  • 1/3 cup olive oil or ghee
  • 1 tbsp dried herbs (parsley, basil, or oregano)
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder

OPTIONAL:

  • 1/3 cup parmesan cheese (dairy-free or regular)

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 270–275°F. Cut the bread into 1/2-inch cubes. In a bowl combine the cubes with oil, herbs, salt, and garlic powder until evenly coated. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 1 hour, until crisp.

For the air fryer:

  • Toss bread cubes with oil and seasonings. Air fry at 350°F for 3 minutes, shake the basket, then air fry another 3 minutes or until crisp.

Notes

Storage: Keep croutons in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Nutrition: Nutrition values are estimates based on 10 servings and should be used as a guide.

Servings: Yields about 10 servings.

A quick, crunchy gluten free crouton recipe that’s perfect for salads and soups.
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 292kcal
Tried this recipe?Tag me on Instagram @alliannaskitchen!