Garlic Bread Soup Recipe
Introduction
Garlic Bread Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that transforms simple ingredients into a rich, creamy delight. This recipe combines the warmth of roasted garlic and fresh herbs with the heartiness of bread and cheese, perfect for chilly days or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 cups French bread (cut into 1″ cubes)
- 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 medium-sized yellow onion (diced)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Dash of black pepper
- 8 cups chicken broth or stock (reduced-sodium)
- 12 ounces day old French bread (cubed)
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut the French bread into 1-inch cubes for the croutons.
- Step 2: Melt the butter and mix in 1 tablespoon minced garlic. Drizzle this garlic butter over the bread cubes, then sprinkle with basil and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Toss to coat evenly and spread in a single layer on a baking pan.
- Step 3: Bake the bread cubes for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and crispy. Set them aside to cool.
- Step 4: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onions, thyme, bay leaves, 1 teaspoon salt, and a dash of black pepper. Cook for 7-8 minutes until onions start to brown.
- Step 5: Add 2 tablespoons minced garlic and cook for another 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 6: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, then remove bay leaves.
- Step 7: Whisk in the 12 ounces of day-old French bread cubes and heavy whipping cream. Allow the bread to absorb the liquid for about 5 minutes at a gentle simmer.
- Step 8: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, incorporating the onions and bread cubes completely.
- Step 9: Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Serve the soup hot, topped with your homemade garlic croutons.
Tips & Variations
- Use day-old French bread for better texture in the soup—fresh bread can become too gummy.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Adjust the garlic amounts to your preference; roasting the garlic first can add a milder, sweeter flavor.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added color and freshness.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If the soup thickens too much on reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes. Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth, use plant-based butter or olive oil instead of butter, and omit the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.
Can I prepare the croutons ahead of time?
Absolutely. The garlic croutons can be baked and stored in an airtight container for several days. Re-crisp them in the oven before serving to restore their crunch.
PrintGarlic Bread Soup Recipe
This comforting Garlic Bread Soup transforms classic garlic bread flavors into a creamy, savory soup. Made with toasted garlic butter croutons, fragrant herbs, and Parmesan cheese, this hearty soup is perfect for a cozy meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Homemade Croutons
- 2 cups French Bread, cut into 1″ cubes
- 3 tablespoons Butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Minced Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Basil
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Garlic Bread Soup
- 1 medium-sized Yellow Onion, diced
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 1 teaspoon Thyme
- 2 teaspoons Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons Minced Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- Dash of Black Pepper
- 8 cups Chicken Broth or Stock (reduced-sodium)
- 12 ounces Day Old French Bread, cubed
- 1/2 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Homemade Croutons: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cut the French bread into 1-inch cubes. Melt the butter and minced garlic together, then drizzle this mixture over the bread cubes. Sprinkle with basil and salt, tossing to coat evenly. Spread the coated bread cubes on a baking pan in a single layer.
- Bake Croutons: Bake the coated bread cubes for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even baking. Once golden and crisp, set them aside for serving.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onions, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes until the onions start to brown. Then, add minced garlic and cook for another 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Simmer Soup Base: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes to blend the flavors. Remove the bay leaves before proceeding.
- Add Bread and Cream: Whisk the day-old French bread cubes and heavy whipping cream into the soup. Let the bread absorb the liquid by simmering gently for about 5 minutes.
- Blend Soup: Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until the onions and bread cubes are liquified, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
- Finish with Parmesan: Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Serve the soup hot, accompanied by the homemade garlic croutons for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Using day-old French bread helps the bread absorb the soup liquids without becoming too mushy.
- Adjust garlic quantities if you prefer a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with a flavorful vegetable broth.
- Adding the Parmesan cheese last ensures it melts smoothly into the soup without clumping.
- Be cautious blending hot soup; use an immersion blender slowly and ensure the pot is stable.
Keywords: garlic bread soup, creamy garlic soup, homemade croutons, comfort food soup, French bread soup, Parmesan soup
