You're Using the Wrong Bread for Croutons

If you're anything like me, you’ll agree that the best-tasting salad is one made by someone else. Sure, I make salads at home, and when I can, I skip the grocery store salad kits and take the time to build a flavorful, filling meal. But when someone serves me a salad, whether at a restaurant or a friend’s house, there is one thing that makes it taste so much better. 

When I take the time to zhuzh up my salads at home, I have found plenty of ways to add some pizazz to the greens, from the types of vegetables I include to tossing in grains like cous cous or quinoa for added texture. As a pescatarian, I toss in proteins like tuna, tofu, and chickpeas, add chicken or steak to my husband’s plate, and top with flavorful salad dressings. Another way to dress up a salad is by adding homemade croutons, but the kind of bread you use makes all the difference—and there's a particular type you may have never considered turning into croutons.

Why You Should Use Croissants to Make Croutons

Making croutons at home is easy, whether you opt for the traditional baking method or popping them into an air fryer. Essentially, cut a few pieces of bread you have on hand into squares, toss in butter or oil, bake for about 10 minutes, and voilà! For more flavorful croutons, add your favorite spices like garlic, rosemary, Parmesan cheese, your favorite seasoning, or whatever your palate desires.

Every once in a while, we will grab some croissants as a treat but don’t always get around to eating them before they turn a bit stale. If you find yourself in the same boat, rather than tossing them, make them into croutons!

The process is similar to making regular croutons, but since they are already loaded with butter, skip tossing the pieces of croissant in oil or butter and go straight to adding seasoning and baking.

If you find yourself out of time but still craving croissant croutons, you are still in luck: Taylor Farms is introducing a new salad kit this fall—Honey Balsamic—that includes croissant croutons, and Trader Joe’s has Rosemary Croissant Croutons.

Not only are croissant croutons delicious, but they’re easier on your mouth, too—no hard corners to bite into. There are lots of great reasons to give this decadent bread a whirl when making your next batch of homemade croutons. And don't forget, croutons aren't just for salads—they make a great topper for several soups, like French onion soup, tomato soup, and butternut squash soup.