Homemade Honey Butter Sourdough Croutons

There’s something truly special about a crunchy crouton, especially when it’s made from homemade sourdough. These Homemade Honey Butter Sourdough Croutons are not just any croutons; they’re sweet, buttery, and have a hint of salt that makes them irresistible. Whether you want to elevate a simple salad, add texture to a creamy soup, or just snack on them straight from the bowl, these croutons are the perfect solution. So let’s dive into how you can whip up a batch that will have everyone asking for more!

Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation

Homemade Honey Butter Sourdough Croutons are a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. They are incredibly versatile and can transform any dish into something extraordinary. The sweetness of honey combined with the richness of butter creates a flavor explosion that pairs beautifully with the tangy notes of sourdough bread. Plus, they are simple to make, requiring only a handful of ingredients. If you often find yourself with leftover sourdough, this recipe is perfect for reducing waste while treating yourself to a delicious snack or a topping for your favorite meals.

What You’ll Gather

• 4 cups of cubed sourdough (about 1 loaf)
• ½ cup honey
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup oil (olive oil or any neutral oil)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Essential Tools for Success

• Large Mixing Bowl: For combining the ingredients and tossing the bread cubes.
• Baking Sheet: To spread the croutons evenly for baking.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For mixing the croutons with the honey butter mixture.
• Oven: To bake the croutons until they reach the ideal crunchiness.

Homemade Honey Butter Sourdough Croutons: From Prep to Plate

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your croutons bake evenly and develop that perfect golden-brown color.

Step 2: Prepare the Sourdough

Take your sourdough loaf and cut it into 1-inch cubes. You want them to be uniform in size for even cooking. Place the cubed bread into a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Mix the Honey Butter Mixture

In a separate bowl, combine ½ cup of melted unsalted butter, ½ cup of honey, and ¼ cup of oil. Whisk until well blended. This mixture will coat your bread cubes and give them an irresistible flavor.

Step 4: Combine Bread and Mixture

Pour the honey butter mixture over the cubed sourdough. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently toss the bread cubes until they are evenly coated with the mixture. Be careful not to break the cubes.

Step 5: Season to Taste

Sprinkle salt and pepper over the coated croutons. Toss again to ensure even seasoning. Adjust the amount of salt according to your preference.

Step 6: Spread on a Baking Sheet

Spread the croutons out in a single layer on a baking sheet. This is crucial for even baking and crispiness.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the croutons are golden brown and crispy. Make sure to toss them halfway through the baking time for even browning.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the croutons from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. They will continue to harden as they cool down. Serve them warm or let them cool completely before storing.

Substitutions by Diet

• Vegan: Substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter and use maple syrup instead of honey.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free sourdough bread made from alternative flours.
• Low-Sugar: Reduce the amount of honey or use a sugar-free syrup alternative.
• Oil-Free: Omit the oil and increase the amount of butter slightly for a richer flavor.

Avoid These Mistakes

To ensure your Homemade Honey Butter Sourdough Croutons turn out perfectly, avoid these common pitfalls:

• Overcrowding the Baking Sheet: Make sure the croutons are spread out in a single layer to avoid steaming.
• Not Tossing Midway: Toss the croutons halfway through baking to ensure they brown evenly.
• Using Fresh Bread: Stale sourdough works best for croutons, as it holds its shape better during baking.
• Skipping the Seasoning: Don’t forget to season your croutons! A little salt and pepper can elevate the flavor significantly.

Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat

These Homemade Honey Butter Sourdough Croutons are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for later use:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Freeze: Place cooled croutons in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: To revive frozen croutons, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until crispy.

Common Questions

Can I use store-bought sourdough bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! While homemade sourdough provides a unique flavor, store-bought sourdough works perfectly for this recipe as well.

How can I make these croutons spicier?

Feel free to add spices like cayenne pepper, paprika, or garlic powder to the honey butter mixture for an extra kick.

Can I use other types of bread?

Yes! While this recipe is tailored for sourdough, other types of bread like ciabatta or baguette can also be used for different flavors.

What dishes pair well with these croutons?

These croutons are fantastic on salads, soups, or even as a topping for casseroles. They can also be enjoyed as a snack on their own!

Cook This Next

• Creamy Tomato Soup
• Creamy Mushroom Soup
• Avocado Salad
• Easy Salad Dressing

Make It Tonight

Now that you have the recipe for Homemade Honey Butter Sourdough Croutons, there’s no better time to make them than tonight! With just a few steps and simple ingredients, you can create a delicious addition to any meal or a snack that will disappear quickly. So grab your sourdough, and let’s get cooking! These croutons are not just food; they are an experience waiting to happen. Enjoy every crunchy bite!