Mozzarella Croutons
Easy Mozzarella Croutons Recipe – Crispy & Cheesy Homemade Croutons
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If you’ve got some leftover bread hanging around, I’ve got just the thing for you—Mozzarella Croutons! Sure, you’ve probably turned old bread into regular croutons before, but until you’ve made cheesy, melty mozzarella croutons, you haven’t truly lived (unless you don’t eat cheese… but that’s a conversation for another day).
I’ve seen this crouton style pop up a few times on social media with different cheeses, but mozzarella is my go-to. It’s melty, stretchy, and deliciously golden when baked. Plus, it’s one of the most accessible cheeses out there—available just about anywhere and loved by everyone.
Why You’ll Love These Mozzarella Croutons
These Mozzarella Croutons are the ultimate cheesy, crispy snack for any meal! Whether you’re topping a salad, enhancing a bowl of soup, or serving as a tasty appetizer, these homemade cheesy croutons are easy to make and packed with flavor. Unlike store-bought croutons, these are fresh, golden, and oozing with melted mozzarella—perfect for impressing your family or guests.
Ingredients for Crispy Cheesy Croutons
1 baguette – This works best with a baguette-style bread that’s a day or two old rather than freshly baked. The slightly stale texture helps it crisp up beautifully.
1 ¼ cup olive oil – Use plain olive oil or try flavored varieties like garlic or basil for extra flavor.
Kosher salt – To taste.
Freshly ground black pepper – To taste.
12 oz block or fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded – Use block or fresh mozzarella for the best results. Avoid pre-shredded mozzarella, which contains anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting. Shred by hand, in a food processor, or with a KitchenAid attachment.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the baguette into ¼-inch-thick diagonal slices.
- Arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat or parchment paper. (The silicone mat works best—it keeps the cheese from sticking.)
- Brush each slice with olive oil—plain or flavored, such as garlic or basil-infused, for extra aroma. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Top each slice evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly browned, and the bottoms of the slices are crisp.
- Serve at room temperature and enjoy!
Jenn’s Kitchen Tips:
For an extra touch of elegance, drizzle lightly with balsamic glaze before serving. The sweet acidity pairs wonderfully with the rich mozzarella.
Tips for Perfectly Crispy Mozzarella Croutons
- Use day-old bread. Fresh bread tends to be too soft and can turn soggy under all that glorious melted cheese. A baguette that’s one or two days old holds up beautifully and crisps like a dream.
- Go for block or fresh mozzarella. Pre-shredded cheese might be convenient, but it just doesn’t melt the same way. Hand-shred your mozzarella (or use your food processor/KitchenAid attachment) for that perfect gooey pull.
- Line your pan. A silicone baking mat is your best friend here—no sticking, no stress, and easy cleanup.
- Flavor your oil. Plain olive oil works just fine, but if you have garlic- or basil-infused oil, it adds a lovely depth of flavor that makes these croutons shine.
- Watch them near the end. Ovens vary, and these go from perfectly golden to too toasty in a flash. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking.
- Serve at room temp. Once baked, let them rest a few minutes to crisp up before serving.
FAQ About Mozzarella Croutons
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! Cube the bread and cheese ahead, store in the fridge for a few hours, then bake just before serving.
Q: Can I use other cheeses?
A: Absolutely! Provolone or fontina also work well for melty, flavorful croutons.
Q: Are these suitable for kids?
A: Definitely! Kids love these as a fun snack or to top their favorite soup or salad.
Did You Make This Recipe?
I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating if you loved it. If you share on Instagram, tag me @cheersjennsmith—I’ll feature your creations in my stories!
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Mozzarella Croutons
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 20 croutons 1x
Description
This is a great way to use leftover baguettes. These are not only perfect on soups and salads, but you can use them as an appetizer with marinara sauce or even just as a snack!
Ingredients
1 baguette (1-2 days old)
1 1/4 cup olive oil
Kosher Salt (To Taste* See Notes 1 For details)
Freshly Ground Black Pepper (To Taste* See Notes 1 For details)
12 oz Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (See Notes 2 for details on this)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Slice the baguette into ¼-inch-thick diagonal slices.
- Lay the slices in one layer on a baking sheet lined with a silicon matte/parchment paper (I recommend the silicone matte, the cheese will not stick to it). Brush with olive oil* See Notes 3 for more details then salt and pepper on each side.
- Top with all of the mozzarella cheese and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until they are browned and crisp on the bottom and the cheese is melted. Serve at room temperature.
Equipment
Cooking Tweezers (6 Piece Set)
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Rachael Ray Stainless Steel Box Grater (Teal Blue)
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Stainless Steel Baking Sheet Set with Silicone Mats and Cooling Racks (Set of 9)
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Ingredient details and Substitute Options:
- The salt and pepper amount will vary based on your taste. Use whatever amount suits you.
- Block Mozzarella or fresh mozzarella work with this recipe. *DO NOT use pre-shredded mozzarella. There is an anti-clumping agent added to ALL pre-shredded cheeses and it doesn’t melt the same. Shred it by hand, use your KitchenAid Attachment, or shred it in your Food Processor.
- You can use plain olive oil or jazz it up even more and use flavored olive oil such as basil or garlic.
Helpful Tips:
Here are a few things to keep in mind. They won’t make or break your breakfast, but they might save you some stress.
- Serving size depends on the baguette size and how thick you cut them.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: condiment, sides, appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Photo, Prop Styling, and Food Styling by Jenn Smith © 2022 Always Jenn Smith; Jenn Smith, LLC
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