Croutons for salads

Croutons are small, toasted or fried cubes of bread, typically seasoned with herbs, garlic, or cheese, used as a crunchy topping for salads, soups, and stews. They originated in France, where they were originally used to soak up broths or sauces. Today, they are a popular garnish worldwide, often made from day-old bread to reduce waste.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Croutons are high in carbohydrates and fats, especially if fried or buttered, 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	4 g
Carbs	20 g
Fat	3 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	2 g
Sodium	200 mg
Iron	1.5 mg
Thiamin (B1)	0.2 mg
Niacin (B3)	2 mg
Folate	40 mcg
Calcium	40 mg
Magnesium	15 mg
Phosphorus	50 mg
Selenium	8 mcg

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

💡 What's interesting

Croutons are a classic example of culinary upcycling, transforming stale bread into a flavorful, texturally contrasting element. Nutritionally, they add satisfying crunch but can also increase a dish's calorie density, making portion control key for balanced meals.