Quick Creamy Garlic Bread Soup With Homemade Croutons Recipe

Comfort embraces you through this rich garlic bread soup, blending rustic Italian traditions with hearty home cooking.

Aromatic garlic and crusty bread create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Creamy textures meld with crisp homemade croutons, promising a culinary experience that warms from within.

Soft bread chunks absorb the silky broth, transforming simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Subtle herb notes whisper through each spoonful, inviting memories of cozy kitchen gatherings.

Cheese melts gently, adding depth and richness to every bite.

Dive into this soul-satisfying recipe that turns humble ingredients into pure magic.

Garlic Soup That’s Thick, Rich, and Full of Croutons

• Whip Up Quick Comfort: This soup delivers ultimate coziness with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy home cooks craving a warm, satisfying meal.
• Transform Leftover Bread: Ingenious recipe turns ordinary bread into crispy, flavor-packed croutons, reducing food waste while creating a delicious garnish.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible dish allows personal touches like extra herbs, different bread types, or additional toppings to match individual taste preferences.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Kid-approved recipe combines familiar ingredients like garlic and bread into a creamy, comforting soup that pleases all ages and palates.

Creamy Garlic Bread Soup with Croutons Ingredients

• French Bread: Classic bread with a soft interior and crusty exterior.

• Butter, Minced Garlic, Dried Basil, Salt: Essential flavor enhancers for crispy bread cubes.

• Olive Oil or Cooking Spray: Helps prevent bread from sticking to baking sheet.

Creamy Garlic Bread Soup with Croutons Made from Scratch

Step 1: Prepare Crunchy Garlic Croutons

Slice the French bread into uniform 1-inch cubes. Melt butter in a small bowl and mix in finely chopped garlic. Gently drizzle the aromatic garlic butter over the bread cubes, then sprinkle with fresh basil and a pinch of salt. Toss the cubes until evenly coated. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake until the croutons turn golden brown and develop a satisfying crunch, about 15 minutes. Stir the croutons halfway through baking to ensure even browning. Once done, remove from the oven and set aside.

Step 2: Create Soup Base

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Chopped fresh thyme

Sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir continuously to create a smooth roux. Slowly pour in chicken or vegetable broth, whisking to prevent lumps from forming.

Step 3: Build Creamy Texture

• Heavy cream
• Cream cheese
• Grated Parmesan

Stir until the cheeses melt completely and the soup becomes silky smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot, creamy soup into serving bowls. Top generously with the homemade garlic croutons. Sprinkle additional fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a bright, fresh finish. Serve immediately while the soup is hot and the croutons remain crisp.

Garlic Bread Soup Tips That Boost Creaminess and Crunch

• Bread Selection Trick: Choose day-old French bread for the best texture, as slightly stale bread absorbs flavors more effectively and creates crunchier croutons.
• Garlic Intensity Control: Adjust garlic amount based on personal preference – use roasted garlic for a milder flavor or fresh minced garlic for a sharper kick.
• Crouton Crispiness Hack: Spread bread cubes in a single layer without overcrowding to ensure even browning and maximum crunchiness during baking.
• Flavor Boost Technique: Experiment with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the croutons' aromatic profile and complement the soup's richness.
• Storage Smart Move: Store extra croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their crisp texture and prevent sogginess.

Keep Garlic Bread Soup Creamy and Delicious

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Separate croutons in a different sealed container to maintain crispness.
• Thaw frozen soup in refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of broth or water if soup seems thick.
• Transfer soup to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add fresh croutons just before serving to keep them crunchy.

Garlic Bread Soup with Croutons Companions

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay cuts through the soup's richness, refreshing the palate with bright, citrusy notes that complement the garlic's intensity.
• Match with Fresh Herb Salad: Light, green salad with arugula, parsley, and lemon vinaigrette provides a zesty contrast to the creamy, warm soup, balancing its heavy texture.
• Serve Alongside Roasted Vegetable Medley: Caramelized root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts echo the soup's rustic garlic and bread flavors, creating a harmonious winter meal.
• Complement with Aged Parmesan Crisps: Crispy, salty cheese wafers add extra crunch and nutty depth that enhances the homemade croutons and overall soup experience.

Garlic Bread Soup with Crouton Combos

• Gluten-Free Garlic Bread Soup: Replace French bread with gluten-free bread cubes, using a certified gluten-free option to maintain the same crispy texture. Use alternative thickening agents like cornstarch or potato starch for the soup base.
• Vegan Herb Crouton Soup: Swap butter with olive oil or vegan butter when preparing croutons. Use plant-based milk alternatives like almond or oat milk for the soup, and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Crunch Soup: Substitute bread cubes with roasted cauliflower florets seasoned with garlic and herbs. Create a creamy base using cauliflower puree and heavy cream for a keto-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free Garlic Bread Soup: Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of dairy cream. Replace butter with avocado oil or coconut oil when making croutons, ensuring a rich and flavorful alternative for those with dairy restrictions.

FAQs

• What main ingredients do I need for this soup?

You’ll need French bread, butter, garlic, basil, salt, and additional soup base ingredients for a delicious creamy soup with homemade croutons.

• Can I use any type of bread for the croutons?

French bread works best due to its sturdy texture and ability to crisp up nicely. Avoid soft sandwich bread as it won’t create the right crunch.

• How do I ensure my croutons are perfectly crispy?

Spread bread cubes in a single layer, drizzle evenly with garlic butter, and bake at 350°F, stirring halfway through to ensure even golden browning.

• Is this soup good for vegetarians?

You’ll need to check the complete soup base recipe, as this crouton instruction doesn’t specify the soup’s base ingredients for vegetarian compatibility.

Creamy Garlic Bread Soup With Homemade Croutons Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Homemade “Garlic Bread Soup” delivers comfort in a delightful bowl, blending rich Italian flavors with hearty ingredients. Crisp homemade croutons crown this creamy soup, inviting you to savor each spoonful of warmth and nostalgia.

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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
• 12 cup (120 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
• 12 cup (50 grams) grated parmesan cheese

Aromatics and Seasonings:

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

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare homemade croutons by transforming French bread into bite-sized cubes, ensuring uniform 1-inch pieces for consistent toasting.
2. Combine melted butter with finely chopped garlic, creating an aromatic infusion that will enhance the bread’s flavor profile.
3. Generously coat bread cubes with the garlic-butter mixture, incorporating dried basil and a pinch of salt to elevate the seasoning.
4. Distribute the seasoned cubes across a baking sheet, arranging them in a single layer to promote even browning and crisp texture.
5. Roast the croutons in a preheated oven at 350°F, monitoring and gently stirring midway through the 15-minute baking process to ensure golden, crunchy results.
6. Remove croutons from the oven and allow them to cool slightly, developing a satisfying crunch that will complement the soup’s creamy texture.

Notes

• Select a day-old French bread for better texture and absorption of garlic butter, ensuring crunchier croutons.
• Slice bread uniformly to guarantee even toasting and consistent crispiness throughout the baking process.
• Experiment with dried herbs like oregano or thyme to add extra aromatic layers to your homemade croutons.
• For a gluten-free version, replace French bread with gluten-free bread cubes and follow the same preparation method.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 276
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 655 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 41 mg