Turn that bag of croutons hiding in your pantry into a satisfying meal with these crouton recipes.
What to Make with a Box of Croutons
Updated on Feb. 01, 2024
1/36
Chicken Caesar Florentine
Total Time
55 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I adapted this dish from my favorite chicken Caesar salad recipe. It has many of the same ingredients as the salad: croutons, grated Parmesan, chicken, and creamy Caesar dressing. This makes the perfect comforting meal on a busy weeknight. —Joyce Conway, Westerville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed chicken breast half: 553 calories, 32g fat (9g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 1109mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 48g protein.
Run out of crouton? Here’s how to make your own homemade croutons.
2/36
Caesar Salad in Peppered Parmesan Bowls
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Edible salad bowls look impressive but are a cinch to make. It can be your little secret! —Melissa Wilkes, St. Augustine, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 138 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 463mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
3/36
Slow-Cooker Creamy Cauliflower Soup
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
14 servings (3-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I love indulgent cream soups but not the fat that goes along with them. In this healthier version, the soup's velvety texture makes it feel rich and the spicy kick warms you up in a flash. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 80 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 434mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
4/36
Italian Sausage Pizza Soup
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom’s friend shared this recipe with her more than 50 years ago. I've tweaked it over the years, and it's still a family favorite. Warm garlic bread is heavenly on the side. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 158 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 828mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 9g protein.
5/36
Ham Caesar Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One bite, and you’ll fall in love with this ham and Caesar salad combo! Serve with fresh iced tea and banana splits for a casual menu that won’t heat up your kitchen. —Mary Ann Schlabach, Sarasota, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups with 2 tablespoons dressing: 326 calories, 22g fat (5g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 1108mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
6/36
Turkey Sausage Zucchini Boats
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I worked in the school library, my co-workers were my taste testers. They approved this healthy and happy spin on stuffed zucchini. —Stephanie Cotterman, West Alexandria, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
2 stuffed zucchini halves: 240 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 556mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
7/36
Tortellini Caesar Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This salad was served at a dear friend's baby shower by a health-conscious friend, who suggested the dressing be prepared with low-fat or fat-free ingredients. Either way, the creamy dressing has plenty of garlic flavor and coats the pasta, romaine and croutons nicely. —Tammy Steenbock, Sembach Air Base, Germany
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without tomatoes): 237 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 327mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
8/36
Cream of Potato Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This creamy potato soup is pure comfort food, especially welcome when the temperatures take a plunge. I serve this often...it's a simple supper that can be prepared in a short time. —Ruth Ann Stelfox, Raymond, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 482 calories, 24g fat (15g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 982mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
9/36
Turkey Rice Casserole
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The recipe for this creamy and comforting casserole came from my aunt as a way to use leftover turkey. I love it so much, however, that I don't wait for leftovers to make it. The green chiles provide the memorable flavor. —Tamy Baker, Kearney, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 294 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 586mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
10/36
Split Pea Soup
Total Time
2 hours 45 min
Servings
10 servings (about 2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Not only is this old-fashioned favorite a snap to make but it's economical too. Carrots, celery and onion accent the subtle flavor of the split peas, while a ham bone adds a meaty touch to this hearty soup. It's sure to chase away autumn's chill. —Laurie Todd, Columbus, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 202 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 267mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 12g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 lean meat.
11/36
Chicken Caesar Wrap
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 wraps
From the Recipe Creator:
This classic handheld with tender chicken, Parmesan cheese and chopped Caesar croutons features the perfect amount of dressing for a tasty meal any night. Nancy Pratt - Longview, TX
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 337 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 730mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
12/36
Turkey Pepper Kabobs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a summertime favorite at our house. While the turkey is a nice change
of pace and tastes great with the sweet basting sauce and pineapple, the recipe also works well with cubed chicken.—Traci Goodman, Paducah, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
2 kabobs: 298 calories, 6g fat (0 saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 146mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 starch, 1 fat.
13/36
Onion Cheese Soup
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I made a few adjustments to this savory soup recipe I came across in a community cookbook. It's rich, buttery and cheesy, plus it's so quick to prepare. —Janice Pogozelski, Cleveland, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 308 calories, 22g fat (15g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 540mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 14g protein.
14/36
Cheeseburger Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I was planning to grill burgers, and then it dawned on me: How about a cheeseburger salad? The original recipe doesn't call for a tomato, but it's awesome here. —Pam Jefferies, Cantrall, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 511 calories, 34g fat (17g saturated fat), 128mg cholesterol, 1033mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 36g protein.
15/36
French Onion Casserole
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fans of French onion soup will gobble up this comforting casserole. The 30-minute side dish would be a nice accompaniment to beef entrees.—Margaret McClatchey, Loveland, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 205 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 279mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
16/36
Orange-Glazed Chicken & Chorizo Meatballs
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These tasty southwestern meatballs warm up a buffet. I add pomegranate seeds, jalapeno pepper jelly and cilantro to make everything pop with color. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 meatball: 71 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 169mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
17/36
Halibut & Potato Chowder
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Several times a year I invite both my retired and current teaching friends to a dinner party with their spouses. I've served this halibut chowder at those parties, and it's always a big hit. —Teresa Lueck, Onamia, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 316 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 671mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
18/36
Slow-Cooked Summer Squash
Total Time
2 hours 50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love squash, but I got tired of fixing just plain squash and cheese. I decided to jazz up the dish a bit. This was a huge hit with my family. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 111 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 442mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
19/36
Green Chile Quiche Squares
Total Time
55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chiles add spark to this cheesy quiche. You can vary the flavor based on the kind of croutons you buy. I like to serve fresh fruit on the side. —Connie Willson, Huntington Beach, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 270 calories, 18g fat (9g saturated fat), 136mg cholesterol, 653mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 15g protein.
20/36
Blackened Pork Caesar Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I cook, the goal is to have enough leftovers for lunch the next day. This Caesar with pork has fantastic flavor even when the meat is chilled. —Penny Hedges, Dewdney, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
2-1/2 cups: 458 calories, 31g fat (5g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 464mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 36g protein.
21/36
Beer Cheese Potato Soup
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This satisfying potato soup has a velvety texture that's not too thick or too thin. The subtle flavors of beer and cheese balance each other nicely, creating a soup that's sure to warm you head to toe. —Patti Lavell, Islamorada, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 225 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 711mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
22/36
Thanksgiving Green Beans
Total Time
55 min
Servings
16 servings (3/4 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Momma made these green beans only at Thanksgiving because, at the time, the ingredients were out of her everyday budget. Her original recipe inside her recipe box had five stars drawn on it. I would have to agree! —Marcia Shires, San Antonio, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 246 calories, 19g fat (9g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 468mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
23/36
Pressure-Cooker French Onion Soup
Total Time
35 min
Servings
16 servings (4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I love French onion soup on a cold night, but I don't love the time it takes. This is my quick version for when we're short on time. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 87 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 724mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
24/36
Italian Sausage & Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Flavor-packed sausage and sun-dried tomatoes are sure to liven up any simple pasta dish. I have a feeling that once you've tried it, it'll become a family favorite!—Dawn Singleton, Eighty Four, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 617 calories, 33g fat (13g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 949mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein.
25/36
Pizza Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A fun summer dish, this is a different salad that tastes as good as it looks. I love to take it to parties—the wonderful zesty flavor really complements a barbecue! —Debbie Terenzini-Wilkerson, Lusby, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 362 calories, 24g fat (9g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 489mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
26/36
Florence-Inspired Souffle
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This light, beautiful and absolutely delicious souffle is sure to impress your brunch guests every time you serve it. They will be eager to grab their forks and dig in to this little taste of Italy. —Jenny Flake, Newport Beach, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 223 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 843mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
27/36
Sweet Potato and Crab Soup
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This sweet and savory soup is quick and easy to prepare. You can substitute butternut squash or pumpkin for the sweet potatoes, depending on what you have on hand. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 370 calories, 28g fat (18g saturated fat), 124mg cholesterol, 994mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 11g protein.
28/36
Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My spinach salad with a comforting bacon dressing is a recipe I turn to again and again in winter. It's quick, elegant and so delicious. I can always count on compliments. —Sandy Davis, Prescott, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 280 calories, 25g fat (6g saturated fat), 196mg cholesterol, 373mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
29/36
Bacon and Egg Casserole
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Because it's fast to fix and such a great hit with family and friends, this egg casserole with bacon is a favorite of mine to make for brunches. Served with a fruit salad, hot muffins and croissants, it's excellent for an after-church meal. —Deanna Durward-Orr, Windsor, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 289 calories, 22g fat (10g saturated fat), 420mg cholesterol, 508mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 16g protein.
30/36
Cream of Asparagus Soup
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We have a large asparagus patch and are able to freeze a lot for the year. My recipe highlights the flavor of the vegetable and is very easy to make. —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 154 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 585mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat-free milk.
31/36
Italian Sausage Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
At the start of each week, my family is already looking forward to our traditional weekend breakfasts, when I serve warm and wonderful dishes such as this. The make-ahead convenience lets me relax with the family as the savory aroma fills the house. —Nancy Robinson, Kansas City, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 329 calories, 24g fat (10g saturated fat), 195mg cholesterol, 643mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein.
32/36
Tomato Soup
Total Time
50 min
Servings
16 servings (4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Creamy, rich and bursting with brightness, this soup is the ultimate sidekick to a grilled cheese sandwich. — Josh Rink, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 104 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 572mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
33/36
Sunday Sausage Breakfast
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 591 calories, 43g fat (21g saturated fat), 407mg cholesterol, 1054mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 32g protein.
34/36
That Good Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When a friend shared this salad recipe, it had a fancy French name. Our children can never remember it, so they say, "Mom, please make 'that good salad.'" Now our friends and neighbors request it for potluck dinners. It really is one of the best salad recipes. —Betty Lamb, Orem, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 193 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 257mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
35/36
Buttery Onion Soup
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I developed this recipe when I once had an abundance of sweet onions. I like making it for guests, but sometimes I'll halve the recipe and make some just for me! —Sharon Berthelote, Sunburst, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 294 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 600mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein.
36/36
Mini BLT Appetizers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Five simple ingredients are all you need to wow friends and family with a tasty appetizer. I love to make these as much as I love to share them. —Nick Berg, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 27 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 55mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
