Hey, Welcome to the Ruby Tuesday Crouton Recipe. Ruby Tuesday Croutons are crispy, buttery, garlic-seasoned bread cubes that elevate any salad or soup instantly.
If you’ve ever sat at Ruby Tuesday, loaded up your salad plate, and thought, “Why do these croutons taste so much better than mine?” — you’re not alone. I’ve been there too.
That’s exactly why I tested, tweaked, and perfected this copycat recipe at home.
Today, I’m walking you through it step by step, just like I would if you were cooking right next to me in the kitchen.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Servings: Serves 6 people
Cuisine: American
Category: Side Dish
History of Ruby Tuesday Crouton Recipe
Ruby Tuesday is famous in the United States for its Garden Bar, and its croutons are a big reason why.
These seasoned bread cubes were created to add crunch, flavor, and texture to fresh salads without overpowering them.
What Does It Taste Like?
These croutons are crispy on the outside, slightly tender inside, and packed with buttery garlic flavor.
You’ll notice a mild herb note and a restaurant-style richness that store-bought croutons just don’t have.
By the way, you can also try the Ruby Tuesday Broccoli Salad Recipe.
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to start making Ruby Tuesday Crouton Recipe:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Day-old white bread or sourdough | 4 cups (cubed) |
| Unsalted butter | 4 tablespoons |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Dried parsley | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Grated Parmesan (optional) | 2 tablespoons |
Equipments
Also, gather the following equipment, as they are necessary to craft your recipe:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- Spatula
How to make Ruby Tuesday Crouton
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
I always recommend using day-old bread because it crisps up beautifully. Cut the bread into bite-sized cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Melt the Butter Mixture
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and dried parsley. Stir until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Coat the Bread
Pour the warm butter mixture over the bread cubes. Toss gently until every piece is evenly coated. If you’re using Parmesan, sprinkle it in now.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, stirring once halfway, until golden and crispy.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. They’ll crisp up even more as they cool — trust me, this step matters.
Recipe Card
Ruby Tuesday Crouton Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- I always recommend using day-old bread because it crisps up beautifully. Cut the bread into bite-sized cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and dried parsley. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Pour the warm butter mixture over the bread cubes. Toss gently until every piece is evenly coated. If you’re using Parmesan, sprinkle it in now.
- Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, stirring once halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. They’ll crisp up even more as they cool — trust me, this step matters.
Notes
Nutritional Information
Below, I have listed the nutritional information for this Ruby Tuesday Crouton Recipe:
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Sodium | 210 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
Serving Suggestions
I love sprinkling these croutons over a fresh garden salad, Caesar salad, or even tomato soup. You can also snack on them straight from the bowl — no judgment here.
Storage Tips
Store completely cooled croutons in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and crispy for up to 5 days.
Why These Croutons Taste Better Than Store-Bought
When you make these at home, you control the butter, seasoning, and bake time.
I’ve noticed the flavor is fresher, richer, and way more satisfying than anything you’ll find in a box. Once you try them, you’ll taste the difference immediately.
Pro Tips for Restaurant-Style Crunch
If you want that true Ruby Tuesday crunch, spacing the bread cubes properly is key.
I always spread them in a single layer so hot air circulates evenly, giving you that golden, crisp finish without burning.
Best Bread Choices for Perfect Croutons
You can use different breads, but I’ve found that white bread and sourdough deliver the closest texture and flavor.
The slightly dry interior helps the butter soak in while still baking up crispy on the outside.
Flavor Variations You Can Try at Home
Once you master this base Ruby Tuesday Crouton Recipe, it’s fun to experiment. I sometimes add Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or a pinch of red pepper flakes when I want to switch things up without losing that Ruby Tuesday vibe.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcrowding the baking sheet or skipping the halfway stir can lead to uneven browning.
I’ve learned that taking an extra minute to toss the croutons makes all the difference in texture and taste.
Why This Recipe Works for Meal Prep
These croutons hold their crunch for days when stored properly, making them perfect for weekly meal prep.
I love having a batch ready so you can instantly upgrade salads and soups all week long.
How to Make These Croutons Healthier
If you’re watching calories, you can easily lighten this recipe without sacrificing crunch.
I sometimes reduce the butter slightly or swap in whole-grain bread, and you still get a flavorful, satisfying bite.
What to Serve with Ruby Tuesday Croutons
These croutons aren’t just for salads. I love using them as a topping for creamy soups, baked casseroles, or even as a crunchy garnish on pasta dishes when you want a little extra texture.
Conclusion
Making the Ruby Tuesday Crouton Recipe at home is easier than you think, and the flavor payoff is huge. Once you try these, you may never buy packaged croutons again.
With these lines, we come to the end of the article. If you like this recipe, then please rate this post with 5 stars at the end of the FAQs section, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones!
Happy Cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Ruby Tuesday croutons in an air fryer?
Yes, air fry at 350°F for 5–7 minutes, shaking halfway.
What bread works best for this recipe?
White bread or sourdough gives the closest Ruby Tuesday flavor and texture.
Are these croutons vegetarian?
Yes, they are completely vegetarian-friendly.
Can I freeze homemade croutons?
Freezing is not recommended, as it affects their crispiness.
How do I make them extra crunchy?
Bake a few extra minutes and let them cool fully before storing.
You will also like the Applebee’s 4-Cheese Mac & Cheese Recipe.
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