How to Store Croutons: 10 Steps (with Pictures) (2024)

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Co-authored byJessica Gibson

Last Updated: October 22, 2021Tested

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Homemade croutons will last up to 1 week in the pantry.

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   Cool a batch of homemade croutons before you store them. If you toss warm croutons into a storage bag, the bag traps moisture and you'll be left with soggy croutons! To avoid a mushy mess, spread the croutons in a single layer and cool them completely.^[1]

   • If you're storing store-bought croutons, you can skip this step.
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   Put the croutons into an airtight container or storage bag. Scoop the cooled croutons into an airtight container or storage bag that's large enough to hold all of them. The croutons don't have to be in a single layer when you store them, so use whatever container you like.^[2]

   • Storing storebought croutons? Just squeeze the air out of the original package and seal it closed.

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   Seal your bag or container. If you used a bag, press as much air out as you can before you seal it shut. If you put the croutons into a storage container, just pop the lid on and check that it's tightly sealed. Don't forget to immediately reseal the bag or container after you take croutons out of it.^[3]

   • Air is the enemy when you store croutons since it makes them turn soft and chewy—not what you want in a crouton!
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   Store the homemade croutons at room temperature for up to 1 week. Put the croutons in your pantry and that's it. Most croutons will be crunchy and crisp for up to a week, but the sooner you use them, the better. Croutons won't become moldy, but they will become soft or chewy once they're old.^[4]

   • Storebought croutons might last even longer if they have preservatives. Check the bag to see how long the croutons should last after you open the package. In general, they last between 8 and 10 months.

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Homemade croutons will last up to 6 months in the freezer.

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   Leave croutons to cool before you store them. Even if you're in a hurry, take the time to cool your croutons so you don't trap steam in the storage container. Steam condenses into moisture which makes your croutons soggy, so don't skip this step!^[5]

   • If you're storing store-bought croutons, skip this step and keep them in their original package.
   • Be careful about seasoning croutons that you want to freeze. Some spices like curry, sage, and garlic can become bitter if you freeze them. Cheesy croutons also won't last as long as plain croutons.
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   Transfer the croutons to a heavy-duty storage bag or airtight container. Plastic freezer containers or heavy-duty freezer bags are great for storing croutons. Fill your container with as many croutons as you want to freeze.^[6]

   • Using store-bought croutons? Don't open them since they're already in an airtight container. If you already opened the package, just put the croutons into a heavy-duty storage bag or airtight container.
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   Seal the bag or container. If you used a bag, try to get as much air out of it as you can so the croutons don't absorb moisture. Then, seal the bag shut or push the lid on your airtight container so it's totally sealed.^[7]

   • To get even more air out of a storage bag, fold the bag over onto itself before you seal it shut.
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   Label the package with the date you put it into the freezer. Most of us are guilty of tossing things into the freezer without marking them—big mistake! Make things easier on yourself by taking a permanent marker and labeling the outside of the package with "Croutons" and the date. You'll be able to find them easier in your freezer and you'll know when to use them by.^[8]

   • If you've seasoned your croutons, write the flavor. For example, write "1 batch of ranch croutons" or "2 batches of garlic croutons."
   • Don't want to write directly on the package? Write the information on a piece of masking tape and stick it on the crouton container.
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   Put the croutons in the freezer and use them within 6 months. It doesn't matter where you place the croutons in your freezer as long as they don't get crushed. For the best flavor and texture, try to eat them within 6 months. It's totally fine to freeze store-bought croutons for up to 1 year.^[9]

   • If you freeze croutons for too long, they might get freezer burn or dry out too much.
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   Reheat croutons in the oven for 5 minutes when you're ready to use them. You can have hot, crispy croutons in minutes! Just take them out of the freezer and remove them from the container. Then, spread the frozen croutons on a baking sheet and heat them in a 250°F (121°C) oven for 5 minutes or until they're crisp again.^[10]

   • Spread the croutons in a single layer so they reheat evenly.

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Things You'll Need

Pantry Storage

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