Croutons, seasoned
Whole food · Baked Products
Photo: Wikipedia
Croutons are small, bite-sized cubes of bread that have been baked or fried until golden and crisp, then tossed in a blend of savory seasonings like garlic, herbs, and salt. Their texture is a delightful contrast—crunchy on the outside with a slightly chewy interior, making them a textural star in any dish. Nutritionally, they are a concentrated source of carbohydrates and fats, providing a quick energy boost.
💚 Why it's loved
People love croutons for their ability to transform a simple bowl of soup or salad into a more substantial and texturally interesting meal. Their savory, toasty flavor is a classic comfort note, and their versatility allows them to be paired with countless dishes from Caesar salad to tomato bisque.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
Seasoned croutons can be high in sodium and refined carbohydrates, which may contribute to blood-sugar spikes or be a concern for those monitoring salt intake. They are also a common source of gluten and may contain other allergens like dairy or soy in the seasoning blend. To counteract this, pair them with a source of protein (like grilled chicken or beans) and healthy fats (like avocado or olive oil) to slow digestion and balance the meal, and practice portion control by measuring out a small handful.
Key benefits
- Adds satisfying crunch and texture contrast to dishes
- Provides a quick source of energy from carbohydrates
- Enhances flavor complexity with savory seasonings
- Offers a convenient way to use stale bread, reducing food waste
- Can be a vehicle for delivering herbs and spices
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The word 'crouton' comes from the French 'croûton,' which is the diminutive of 'croûte,' meaning 'crust'—literally 'little crust.'
Full nutrition (scales with serving)
| Water | 3.6 g |
| Energy | 465 kcal |
| Energy | 1946 kj |
| Protein | 10.8 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 18.3 g |
| Ash | 3.8 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 63.5 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 5.0 g |
| Total Sugars | 4.4 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 96.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 2.8 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 42.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 140 mg |
| Potassium, K | 181 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 1333 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.94 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.17 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.51 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 28.8 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.51 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.42 mg |
| Niacin | 4.6 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.83 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.08 mg |
| Folate, total | 105 ug |
| Folic acid | 65.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 40.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 151 ug |
| Choline, total | 14.6 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.14 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 7.0 ug |
| Retinol | 7.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 6.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 32.0 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 45.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.40 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 0.00 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 7.6 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 5.2 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.09 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.03 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.04 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.06 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.28 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 2.6 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 2.0 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 9.5 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.05 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 9.5 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 2.4 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 2.2 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.14 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 7.0 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| Tryptophan | 0.13 g |
| Threonine | 0.33 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.43 g |
| Leucine | 0.77 g |
| Lysine | 0.34 g |
| Methionine | 0.20 g |
| Cystine | 0.22 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.53 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.33 g |
| Valine | 0.49 g |
| Arginine | 0.40 g |
| Histidine | 0.25 g |
| Alanine | 0.36 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.54 g |
| Glutamic acid | 3.4 g |
| Glycine | 0.36 g |
| Proline | 1.2 g |
| Serine | 0.53 g |
FAQ
Can I make seasoned croutons at home?
Yes, simply cube day-old bread, toss with olive oil and your favorite seasonings (garlic powder, dried herbs, salt, pepper), and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until golden and crisp.
How should I store croutons to keep them fresh?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If they lose their crispness, you can re-crisp them in a low-heat oven for a few minutes.
Are croutons gluten-free?
Traditional croutons are made from wheat bread and contain gluten. However, gluten-free versions made from alternative flours are available in many stores.