Cozy Creamy Garlic Bread Soup Recipe: A Comforting Bowl of Joy

Garlic bread soup upgrades humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that warms both body and soul.

Rich, velvety textures blend seamlessly with aromatic herbs and robust flavors.

Comfort emerges from each carefully crafted spoonful, inviting memories of home-cooked meals.

Mediterranean kitchens have long celebrated this delightful fusion of bread and broth.

Hearty ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of taste that transcends traditional soup boundaries.

Complex yet approachable, this recipe welcomes home cooks of all skill levels into a world of delicious creativity.

Passionate food lovers understand that true magic happens when simple components merge with thoughtful technique.

Creamy Garlic Bread Soup with Croutons That’s a Cozy Favorite

• Comfort in a Bowl: This soup transforms classic garlic bread into a luxurious, creamy dish that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia with every spoonful.
• Texture Magic: The combination of smooth, velvety soup base with crunchy homemade croutons creates an incredible contrast that delights your taste buds and adds exciting mouthfeel.
• Quick Culinary Adventure: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe lets home cooks easily craft a restaurant-quality soup in under 45 minutes, making gourmet cooking accessible and fun.

Ingredients for Garlic Bread Soup with Homemade Croutons

• French Bread: Hearty base for croutons and soup, choose a day-old crusty loaf for best texture.
• Croutons: Crunchy garnish that adds texture and depth to the soup.

• Butter: Rich flavor enhancer for croutons, select unsalted for better control of saltiness.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Provides luxurious creaminess and smooth consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that adds complex flavor and richness.

• Onion: Sweet foundation for soup's flavor profile, yellow onions work best.
• Garlic: Bold, aromatic ingredient that defines the soup's signature taste.
• Thyme: Delicate herb that adds earthy undertones.
• Bay Leaves: Subtle background flavor that enhances overall depth.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and elevate other ingredients.

• Chicken Broth: Savory liquid foundation that provides depth and body to the soup.

• Basil: Fragrant herb that adds a fresh note to the croutons.

Preparation Method for Creamy Garlic Bread Soup

Step 1: Prepare Crispy Croutons

• Warm oven to 350°F
• Slice French bread into bite-sized cubes

• Butter
• Minced garlic
• Dried basil
• Salt

Melt butter, mix with garlic, drizzle over bread cubes. Sprinkle basil and salt, toss until evenly coated. Spread cubes on baking sheet in single layer. Bake for 15 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even browning. Set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

• Chopped onions
• Thyme
• Bay leaves
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook for 7-8 minutes until onions turn golden brown.

Step 3: Infuse Garlic Flavor

Toss in minced garlic, sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Build Soup Foundation

Pour chicken broth, bring to boil. Reduce heat, simmer for 15 minutes. Remove bay leaves.

Step 5: Create Creamy Texture

Whisk in prepared croutons and heavy whipping cream. Let bread absorb liquid while simmering for 5 minutes.

Step 6: Blend to Smoothness

Use immersion blender to transform soup into silky consistency.

Step 7: Final Cheese Enhancement

Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle hot soup into bowls, top with extra homemade croutons. Savor each creamy, garlicky spoonful!

Garlic Bread Soup Tips for Creamy Results

• Bread Selection Matters: Choose day-old French bread for the best texture and absorption of flavors in the soup.
• Toast Croutons Carefully: Watch croutons closely while baking to prevent burning, ensuring a golden-brown and crispy result.
• Garlic Intensity Control: Adjust the amount of minced garlic based on your preference for a milder or more robust garlic flavor.
• Blending Technique: Use an immersion blender slowly and carefully to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency without splattering.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Add Parmesan cheese off the heat to prevent separation and maintain a silky, rich texture.

Storing and Reheating Garlic Bread Soup with Croutons

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Freeze: Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space at the top. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick. Avoid boiling to maintain creamy texture. Garnish with fresh croutons just before serving.

Dishes to Serve with Garlic Bread Soup

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio cuts through the soup's richness, balancing the creamy garlic flavors with its bright, zesty notes.
• Serve Alongside Fresh Salad: A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the dense, creamy soup, adding a crisp and tangy element to the meal.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Herb-roasted asparagus or brussels sprouts bring earthy undertones that enhance the garlic and thyme profile of the soup, creating a harmonious dining experience.
• Match with Crusty Sourdough: Additional toasted sourdough bread adds extra texture and allows diners to soak up every delicious drop of the creamy garlic soup.

Garlic Bread Soup Recipe Variations

• Rustic Herb Infusion: Replace thyme with rosemary and add fresh sage leaves for an earthy, aromatic profile that enhances the soup's depth.
• Spicy Garlic Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during onion sautéing to create a warming, zesty version of the classic recipe.
• Vegetarian Comfort: Swap chicken broth with vegetable stock and add roasted mushrooms for a rich, umami-packed alternative that maintains the soup's creamy texture.
• Mediterranean Blend: Mix in sun-dried tomatoes and sprinkle feta cheese on top to transform the soup with bright, tangy Mediterranean flavors.

Creamy Garlic Bread Soup with Homemade Croutons Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Garlic bread soup brings Italian comfort to your table with layers of rich, aromatic flavors. Homemade croutons crown this silky blend, inviting you to savor each spoonful of pure culinary warmth.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 14 ounces (397 grams) day-old French bread, cubed
• 8 cups (1.9 liters) reduced-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Dash of pepper
• 2 teaspoons olive oil

Crouton Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 grams) French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons (45 grams) butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon basil
• ½ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F, creating an ideal toasting environment for the bread cubes.
2. Transform the French bread into uniform 1-inch cubes, ensuring consistent size for even crisping.
3. Gently melt butter and infuse it with aromatic minced garlic, creating a flavor-packed coating for the bread.
4. Delicately drizzle the garlic-infused butter over the bread cubes, then sprinkle with fragrant basil and a touch of salt, gently tossing to distribute the flavors evenly.
5. Spread the seasoned cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet, allowing each piece maximum exposure to heat.
6. Roast in the oven for 15 minutes, midway through rotating the cubes to ensure uniform golden-brown crispness.
7. Set the croutons aside, allowing them to cool and crisp up further.

Garlic Bread Soup:

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium heat, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
2. Introduce chopped onions, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper, allowing the ingredients to caramelize and develop deep, rich flavors for 7-8 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic, stirring briefly to release its intense aroma without burning.
4. Pour in chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a vigorous boil before reducing to a gentle simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Carefully remove the bay leaves, eliminating any potential bitter undertones.
6. Incorporate the prepared bread cubes and luxurious heavy whipping cream, letting the mixture simmer and allow the bread to absorb the liquid’s essence.
7. Use an immersion blender to transform the soup into a silky, smooth consistency.
8. Finish by whisking in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, adding a final layer of rich, savory depth.
9. Serve the soup piping hot, garnishing with the crispy homemade croutons for a delightful textural contrast.

Notes

• Transforming classic garlic bread into a luxurious, velvety soup that comforts and delights with every spoonful.
• Homemade croutons elevate this recipe from ordinary to extraordinary, adding crispy texture and intense garlic flavor.
• Choose day-old French bread for the best crouton results, ensuring maximum crunch and ability to soak up rich soup base.
• Blending the soup creates a silky smooth consistency that highlights the deep, aromatic garlic and herb undertones.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty complexity that perfectly complements the creamy soup profile.
• Quick cooking time of under 40 minutes makes this gourmet-style soup an achievable weeknight dinner option.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg