Croutons

Croutons are small, toasted or fried cubes of bread, typically seasoned with herbs, garlic, or butter, and used as a crunchy topping for salads, soups, and stews. They originated in France as a way to use stale bread, transforming it into a flavorful garnish. Today, they are a staple in Western cuisine, especially in dishes like Caesar salad.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Croutons are primarily high in carbohydrates and fats, especially if made with butter or oil, with minimal protein. A typical 1/2-cup serving provides around 100-150 calories, along with small amounts of iron and B vitamins from the bread.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	120 kcal
Protein	3 g
Carbs	22 g
Fat	2.5 g
Fiber	1.5 g
Sugar	1 g
Sodium	240 mg
Iron	1.5 mg
Calcium	40 mg
Potassium	50 mg
Thiamin (B1)	0.2 mg
Niacin (B3)	2.5 mg
Folate	40 mcg
Phosphorus	45 mg
Magnesium	10 mg

Per 1 cup (30 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Croutons are a classic example of culinary resourcefulness, turning leftover bread into a prized texture-enhancing ingredient. Nutritionally, they add crunch but can be calorie-dense, so they're often used sparingly to balance flavor and health in meals.