Crouton Recipe has always felt like the best way to use old bread in a simple and tasty way. Croutons are easy to make, and I love how they turn a plain plate into something fun to eat.
The croutons from Texas Roadhouse are known for their soft center and crisp outside, and that buttery garlic smell always makes the meal feel even better.
The first time I had them, the sweet garlic flavor caught my attention right away. I liked how they were light, crunchy, and not too hard to chew.
I wanted to make them at home so I could enjoy that same taste without waiting for a restaurant visit. It felt good to know that something so tasty could be made with just a few items I already had.
My copycat Texas Roadhouse Crouton Recipe helps me get that same restaurant taste without much work. It’s simple, quick, and great for using bread that is starting to dry out.
Now you can make these at home too and enjoy croutons that taste just like the ones you get at Texas Roadhouse.
What Croutons Does Texas Roadhouse Use?
Texas Roadhouse is known for making their croutons fresh every single day. They don’t buy them from a store. Instead, they make their own signature house-made croutons right in the restaurant kitchen.
The secret starts with thick Texas Toast-style bread. This bread is much thicker than regular bread slices. It gives the croutons a perfect crunch on the outside and a soft bite on the inside.
They use a buttery sweet garlic blend that makes every crouton taste amazing. The butter and garlic soak into the bread.
Then they bake everything fresh in-house each day. This is why the croutons always taste so good and smell so wonderful when they bring them to your table.
Texas Roadhouse Crouton Ingredients
- 4 bread slices – Use any white bread you have. Texas toast works best because it’s thick. You can also use regular sandwich bread, French bread, or even day-old bread that’s getting hard. Stale bread actually works better because it soaks up the butter and oil nicely.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder – This gives your croutons that classic Texas Roadhouse garlic flavor. You can use fresh minced garlic too. Just use about 1 clove of fresh garlic instead. Garlic salt works too, but then use less regular salt.
- 1 teaspoon mixed herbs – This blend usually has basil, thyme, and other dried herbs. You can buy Italian seasoning at any store. Or mix your own herbs from your spice cabinet. Any herbs you like will work great.
- ½ teaspoon oregano – This herb adds a nice pizza-like flavor. You can skip this or use more mixed herbs instead. Dried oregano is stronger than fresh. So a little bit goes a long way.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper powder – Regular black pepper works perfectly. You can use less or more based on how spicy you like things. White pepper works too and gives a milder flavor.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Regular table salt is fine. You can use sea salt or kosher salt too. Just remember that kosher salt is bigger, so you might need a bit more. Taste your seasoning mix before adding to bread.
- 2 tablespoon melted butter – Real butter tastes best and gives that restaurant flavor. You can use salted or unsalted butter. Margarine works in a pinch, but butter is always better for taste. Melt it in the microwave for about 20 seconds.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – This helps the croutons get extra crispy. You can use vegetable oil or canola oil instead. Olive oil adds a little extra flavor that tastes great with the garlic.
Essential Equipment and Tools You’ll Need
- Sharp knife – For cutting bread squaresCutting board – To protect your counter
- Mixing bowls (2) – One for seasoning, one for tossing
- Measuring spoons – For exact measurements
- Baking tray – Any flat baking sheet works
- Parchment paper – Keeps croutons from sticking
- Oven – Preheated and ready to bake
How to Make Texas Roadhouse Crouton
Step 1 | Get Your Oven Ready
First, turn on your oven and set it to 190°C (about 375°F). Let it heat up for about 10 minutes while you get everything else ready.
Step 2 | Cut the Bread
Place your slices of bread on a cutting board and cut each one into small, even squares. I like cutting each slice into 9 or 12 pieces so the croutons bake evenly.
When you’re done, you should have about 3 cups of bread cubes. Transfer them to a large bowl.
Step 3 | Mix the Dry Seasonings
Get a medium bowl and add the garlic powder, mixed herbs, oregano, pepper powder, and salt. Stir everything together until the seasonings look well combined and evenly mixed.
Step 4 | Add the Butter and Oil
Melt the butter in the microwave for about 20 seconds, then pour it into the bowl of seasonings. Add the olive oil and mix until everything comes together into a smooth, buttery seasoning blend.
Step 5 | Coat the Bread Pieces
Pour the seasoning mixture over the bread cubes. Use your hands or a big spoon to toss everything gently. Make sure each bread piece gets coated with the butter and herbs so the flavor spreads evenly.
Step 6 | Spread on a Baking Tray
Line a baking tray with parchment paper, then spread the seasoned bread cubes out in a single layer. Give them a little room so they crisp up nicely.
Step 7 | Bake the Croutons
Place the tray in the oven and bake for 8 minutes. Check them, and if they aren’t golden yet, pop them back in for about 2 more minutes. They should look lightly golden and feel crispy when they’re ready.
Step 8 | Let Them Cool & Serve
Carefully take the tray out and let the croutons cool for about 5 minutes. They’ll firm up a bit more as they cool. Once they’re fully cooled, you can enjoy the homemade Texas Roadhouse Crouton Recipe right away or store them for later.
Pro Tips for Perfect Croutons Every Time
- Getting the Right Crispiness: Spread the bread cubes far apart on the baking sheet so they crisp instead of steaming. Flip them halfway through baking to help them brown evenly.
- Seasoning Tricks: Mix your dry spices together before adding the butter and oil. If you make extra seasoning, keep it in a jar so you can whip up croutons faster next time.
- Testing for Doneness: Your croutons are ready when they’re golden brown and feel firm when you press them. They get even crunchier as they cool down.
- Avoiding Common Mistakes: Cut your bread into small, even pieces for better texture. Don’t use too much butter or the croutons will turn greasy instead of crisp.
6 Ways to Use Texas Roadhouse-Style Croutons
- Top Your Salads – I add these croutons to every salad I make. They add a perfect crunch to Caesar salad, garden salad, or even a simple lettuce and tomato salad. The garlic flavor makes any salad taste better.
- Make Them a Snack – You can eat these croutons just like chips. I put them in a bowl and munch on them while watching TV. My kids love them as an after-school snack. They’re healthier than potato chips too.
- Add to Soups – Float a handful of croutons on top of tomato soup, chicken noodle soup, or any creamy soup. They soak up the soup flavor and add texture. This is my favorite way to eat them in winter.
- Use as a Topping – Crush these croutons and sprinkle them on top of casseroles before baking. They make a great topping for mac and cheese or green bean casserole. The crispy topping adds so much flavor.
- Serve with Dips – These croutons taste amazing with ranch dressing, cheese dip, or spinach artichoke dip. Set them out at your next party. Everyone will ask you for the recipe.
- Add to Pasta Dishes – Toss a few croutons on top of your spaghetti or pasta alfredo. They add a nice crunch that contrasts with the soft pasta. It makes a regular pasta dinner feel special.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Guide
Store the cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay crisp for about one week.
For longer keeping, freeze them in a freezer bag. They freeze well and keep their crunch.
To reheat, place them in the oven for 3–5 minutes to make them crisp again. Do not microwave them, as that makes them soft.
Texas Roadhouse Crouton Recipe FAQs
1. Why did my croutons burn so fast?
This usually happens when the oven is too hot or the bread pieces are too small. Seasonings like garlic powder can also burn when placed too close to the edge of the pan.
Spreading the cubes in an even layer and baking at the correct temperature helps prevent burning.
2. Why do my croutons get soft after a day?
Softness comes from air moisture or tight storage. Cool them fully before sealing in an airtight jar. Add a paper towel inside to catch humidity.
Keep in a cool, dry spot. Re-crisp in oven at 180°C for 3 minutes. Follow this for week-long freshness
3. My croutons are not crunchy. What did I do wrong?
They might have had too much oil or been packed too close on the tray. Next time, coat the bread lightly and spread cubes in one layer. Also, bake them a few minutes longer.
Make sure your oven is fully preheated. Letting them cool on the tray completely is key for crunch.
4. How do I know when the croutons are done baking?
They will turn a light golden brown color. The edges will look crisp. You should hear a hard, dry sound when you stir them on the tray. They will continue to harden as they cool.
It is better to check early than to let them burn in the oven.
5. Can I make these croutons without an oven?
Yes, you can cook them in a pan on the stove. Use a large skillet over medium heat. Add the coated bread cubes. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until they are golden on all sides.
This method is faster but you need to watch them and stir constantly.
6. Can I make these croutons without butter?
Olive oil alone can be used, and the croutons will still turn crisp. The flavor will be a little lighter because butter adds a rich taste.
Using only oil makes the croutons more gentle in taste and good for people who avoid dairy. Add the same amount of oil to keep the texture close to the original.
Texas Roadhouse Crouton Recipe
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Crouton Recipe ready in just 20 minutes. Enjoy buttery, garlicky homemade croutons that taste just like the restaurant version.
Ingredients
- 4 slices of bread (white bread or Texas toast)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon mixed herbs
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- First, turn on your oven and set it to 190°C (about 375°F). Let it heat up for about 10 minutes while you get everything else ready.
- Place your slices of bread on a cutting board and cut each one into small, even squares. I like cutting each slice into 9 or 12 pieces so the croutons bake evenly. When you're done, you should have about 3 cups of bread cubes. Transfer them to a large bowl.
- Get a medium bowl and add the garlic powder, mixed herbs, oregano, pepper powder, and salt. Stir everything together until the seasonings look well combined and evenly mixed.
- Melt the butter in the microwave for about 20 seconds, then pour it into the bowl of seasonings. Add the olive oil and mix until everything comes together into a smooth, buttery seasoning blend.
- Pour the seasoning mixture over the bread cubes. Use your hands or a big spoon to toss everything gently. Make sure each bread piece gets coated with the butter and herbs so the flavor spreads evenly.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper, then spread the seasoned bread cubes out in a single layer. Give them a little room so they crisp up nicely.
- Place the tray in the oven and bake for 8 minutes. Check them, and if they aren’t golden yet, pop them back in for about 2 more minutes. They should look lightly golden and feel crispy when they’re ready.
- Carefully take the tray out and let the croutons cool for about 5 minutes. They’ll firm up a bit more as they cool. Once they’re fully cooled, you can enjoy them right away or store them for later.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: (Per Serving – About ½ Cup)Amount Per Serving: Calories: 120Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 170mgCarbohydrates: 12gSugar: 1gProtein: 2g
Making your own Texas Roadhouse Crouton Recipe at home is simple and saves money. You get crispy, garlicky croutons anytime you want.
Try this recipe today and enjoy restaurant-quality croutons in your own kitchen. Your family will love them!
