Cast Iron Keto
menu icon
subscribe
search icon
×

Keto Croutons 🥗

Published: · Updated: by · 2 Comments

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Introducing our Keto Croutons, an irresistible twist to your everyday salads! We've given traditional croutons a healthy makeover, turning them keto-friendly and gluten-free, all without compromising on that satisfying crunch we all love. Perfectly seasoned and oven-baked until golden, these croutons are truly the pièce de résistance in any salad you fancy. So gather your ingredients and join us on this flavorful journey.

Keto Croutons in a ceramic bowl
Jump to:

Preparation and cooking overview

Preparing these delicious Keto Croutons is a breeze. Simply dice your keto bread, drizzle with olive oil, and bathe them in a blend of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and sea salt. Scatter these bite-sized delights on a baking sheet and let your oven do the magic.

Chef's note

Your low-carb croutons don't have to be ordinary. Ignite your culinary creativity by adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky twist or a sprinkling of nutritional yeast for a cheesy, umami-rich kick. You could also introduce a hint of earthy warmth and a beautiful golden hue by adding some turmeric. Remember, the beauty of home cooking is the freedom to experiment and adapt to your own taste preferences!

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 8 Servings
  • torn bread
  • bread in a bowl being drizzled with olive oil
  • bread being seasoned with spices
  • croutons on a cast-iron baking sheet

🥗 Ingredients for this keto croutons recipe

Here's a list of ingredients you need for the Keto Croutons:

  • 12 ounces of your favorite keto bread, torn into bite-sized pieces
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt

Ingredient substitutions

  • Italian seasoning: If you find yourself without Italian seasoning in your pantry, create your own blend by combining basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Adjust the proportions to suit your taste preferences.

Additional ingredients

  • Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese over the seasoned bread pieces before baking for a delicious cheesy twist.
  • Smoked paprika: Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a hint of smoky depth and complexity.
  • Chili flakes: If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle some chili flakes over the croutons to give them a spicy kick.

Note: You can customize and elevate the flavors of your low-carb croutons by adding these optional ingredients, even though they're not part of the original recipe.

Cooking tools required

To make this gluten-free croutons recipe, you'll need the following tools:

  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula or tongs
  • Optional: Parchment paper (for lining the baking sheet)

How to make Keto Croutons: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Baking

Preparation steps

  1. Measure and ready all the ingredients needed for this recipe.
  2. Tear your favorite keto bread into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cooking instructions

  1. Toss your keto bread pieces into a large bowl. Add a generous amount of extra-virgin olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of sea salt.
  2. Stir thoroughly to ensure each bread piece is evenly coated with the herbs and oil.
  3. Lay out the croutons on a baking sheet in a single layer and ensure there's enough space for each to crisp nicely.
  4. Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, giving them a flip halfway through to ensure they brown evenly.
  6. Once golden brown and crispy, remove the croutons from the oven.
  7. Let them cool slightly before adding them to your favorite salad or enjoying them as a snack.

Chef's pro tip

For the ultimate crispy low-carb croutons, bake them a bit longer. Spread out each bread piece on your baking sheet to avoid overcrowding. Stacking them might hinder their crispiness. Give each crouton the space to reach its crispy potential!

Keto Croutons in a ceramic bowl

How to serve keto croutons?

There are several delicious ways to serve these crunchy keto bread croutons:

  • Salad topping: Sprinkle them over salads for a tasty crunch. They're great with a keto Caesar salad or any other green salad that needs some texture.
  • Soup garnish: Add some croutons on top of a warm bowl of soup, such as Turmeric Soup, Curry Soup, or Buffalo Chicken Soup. They will absorb some of the broth and add a delicious crunch to each spoonful.

How to make it healthier

  • Use whole-grain keto bread: Use whole-grain keto-friendly bread like our Keto Focaccia and Keto Diner Rolls instead of regular bread.
  • Reduce oil: Use a cooking spray instead of olive oil to lower the calorie content while keeping the flavor and texture.

Time-saving tips

  • Opt for pre-made keto bread: This will save you time as there's no need to bake from scratch.
  • Make seasoning mix in advance: Create a larger amount of the spice blend and store it in a jar.
  • Bake more croutons: Bake extra batches in one go to create a stockpile for future use.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Tear the keto bread into cubes ahead of time and store them to reduce prep time when you're ready to cook.

Storage instructions

Storage tips

To store your homemade gluten-free croutons, cool them first, then place them in a sealed container or bag. Keep them at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the fridge for a week. Don't freeze them, as this will spoil their crisp texture.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

And there you have it—a straightforward recipe for crunchy Keto Croutons sure to elevate your salads! With only a few simple ingredients and a sprinkle of baking finesse, you've transformed everyday keto bread into irresistible mini delights. Remember, the adventure doesn't stop at salads—pair these versatile treats with a variety of keto meals. We're certain they'll add a delightful crunch to any dish!

Frequently asked questions

Yes! Go experiment with different keto-friendly bread options and find your favorite. Just remember to check the nutritional information at the back to ensure it's keto-friendly. 

No, don't freeze the croutons - they'll lose their texture and become soft.

If you're keeping them in an airtight container, they'll stay fresh for 2-3 days. Refrigerated croutons will last a week.  

Absolutely! The keto croutons serve as the perfect crunchy toppings for soups and many other dishes. Never stop experimenting. 

Yes, just choose a gluten-free low-carb bread, and you will turn them into gluten-free croutons (provided you prepare them in a non-contaminated environment). 

Of course! Play around with this recipe all you want - that's where all the fun lies.

The number of calories in a crouton can vary depending on its size and ingredients. Generally, a single crouton stores 5 to 15 calories.

Traditional croutons made with regular bread are not considered keto-friendly due to their high carbohydrate content. However, you can make keto-friendly croutons using low-carb bread alternatives that are specifically designed for ketogenic diets.

📖 Recipe

Keto Croutons in a ceramic bowl

Keto Croutons

These easy Keto Croutons are the perfect companion for your low-carb salads! They even make great breadcrumbs!
5 from 2 votes
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: basic
Cuisine: American
Keyword: 5-Ingredient
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces your favorite Keto bread torn into bite-sized pieces
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375° F.
  • In a large bowl, toss the torn pieces of bread with the olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt.
  • Arrange the croutons on a baking sheet in a single layer. Transfer to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the croutons are golden brown and crispy.
  • Let them cool slightly before adding them to your favorite salad or enjoying them as a snack.

Notes

You can bake a bit longer for very crunchy croutons or a bit less time if you want the outsides to be crispy with chewier insides.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also store them in the refrigerator and reheat them in a hot oven as needed.
No nutritional info was given due to variances in bread choices. You can easily calculate your nutritional information using the bread you use here. 

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

# Hashtag with us!Don't forget to mention @castiron_keto or tag #castironketo on Instagram with your creations! We love seeing what you're making.
«
»

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kristyn A Varner says

    What Keto bread is gluten free? I’ve never seen one. Keto bread that I’ve found always has wheat gluten.

    Reply

    • Cast Iron Keto says

      There are tons! We use Unbun and Carbonaut the most. Pictured in this recipe is Unbun.

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating