Quick & Flavorful Creamy Garlic Bread Soup Recipe

Warm, comforting aromas fill the kitchen as this creamy garlic bread soup dances between rustic tradition and culinary innovation.

bread takes center stage in this remarkable recipe, turning humble ingredients into a luxurious dining experience.

Silky smooth textures blend with robust garlic notes that promise pure satisfaction.

Each spoonful carries the rich essence of carefully selected ingredients.

The homemade croutons add a delightful crunch that elevates every bite with a golden, crispy charm.

Hearty and indulgent, this soup speaks to the soul of comfort cooking.

You’ll fall in love with this unexpected twist on classic comfort food that turns simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients You’ll Need for Garlic Bread Soup

• French Bread: Crusty foundation that transforms into crunchy, golden bites with irresistible texture and homemade charm.
• Butter: Silky carrier of rich flavor that helps bread cubes turn delightfully crisp and golden.
• Garlic: Aromatic powerhouse that infuses croutons with deep, warming essence.
• Basil: Fragrant herb that adds fresh, herbaceous note to crispy bread pieces.
• Salt: Flavor enhancer that balances and amplifies the croutons' taste profile.

• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking medium that helps build deep, rich flavor base.
• Onion: Sweet, savory vegetable that provides robust underlying taste and depth.
• Thyme: Earthy herb that contributes subtle woodland complexity to the soup.
• Bay Leaves: Aromatic seasoning that releases gentle, nuanced flavor during cooking.
• Pepper: Spicy element that adds gentle warming kick to the soup's profile.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid foundation that delivers rich, comforting umami essence.

• Heavy Whipping Cream: Luxurious ingredient that transforms soup into silky, indulgent texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, sharp cheese that introduces complex, nutty undertones to the final dish.

Equipment List for Creamy Garlic Bread Soup

• Large pot: For sautéing onions and cooking the soup base.
• Cutting board: To chop onions and cut bread into cubes.
• Sharp knife: For precise bread and ingredient cutting.
• Baking pan: To toast homemade croutons in the oven.
• Small dish: For melting butter and mixing garlic.
• Immersion blender: To create smooth, creamy soup texture.
• Whisk: For incorporating cream and cheese seamlessly.
• Measuring spoons: To accurately measure salt, pepper, and seasonings.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring and tossing ingredients.

How to Make Garlic Bread Soup from Scratch

Cozy Garlic Bread Soup Adventure

• Crouton Preparation

Grab a fresh French bread and transform it into delightful crispy cubes. Drizzle with garlicky goodness and sprinkle some herbal magic, then spread them on a baking sheet for a quick oven dance.

• Soup Foundation

In a large pot, awaken onions and herbs with a splash of olive oil. Let them sizzle and caramelize, creating a rich base that whispers comfort and warmth.

• Liquid Gold

Pour chicken broth into the pot, letting aromatic herbs mingle and dance. Let the mixture simmer gently, developing deep layers of flavor that will make taste buds sing.

• Bread Magic

Introduce bread cubes to the simmering broth, allowing them to melt and create a luxurious texture. Splash in some creamy goodness to transform the soup into a velvety dream.

• Final Flourish

Blend the soup into silky smoothness, then sprinkle Parmesan cheese for a final burst of flavor. Top with crispy croutons and serve piping hot, ready to comfort and delight.

Tricks and Swaps for Creamy Garlic Bread Soup

• Swap basil with rosemary, thyme, or oregano to create exciting variations that complement the soup's rich garlic essence.
• Replace Parmesan with gruyère, pecorino, or aged cheddar to add depth and personalize the soup's cheesy undertone.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lighter, plant-based version that maintains the soup's luxurious creaminess.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes, add a dash of smoked paprika, or drizzle hot sauce over the soup for an extra kick of heat and complexity.

Ways to Serve Creamy Garlic Bread Soup

• Cozy Comfort Companion: Pair this rich soup with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the creamy texture.
• Hearty Meal Enhancer: Serve alongside roasted chicken or grilled vegetables for a complete and satisfying dinner experience.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the soup's garlic and cheese notes with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay that cuts through the creaminess.
• Bread Lover's Delight: Offer extra homemade croutons on the side for guests who want additional crunch and garlic flavor in their soup.

Storing Leftover Garlic Bread Soup with Croutons

• Batch Cooking Magic: Prepare a double batch of this soup and store portions in sealed containers for quick weeknight meals. Refrigerated soup stays delicious for 3-4 days.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Cool the soup completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 2 months for effortless future dining. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat.
• Crouton Care Techniques: Keep homemade croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for maximum crispness. They'll stay crunchy for about 5-7 days, perfect for adding texture to salads or soups.
• Temperature Revival Tips: When reheating, warm the soup slowly over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to maintain smooth consistency. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick after refrigeration.

Velvety Garlic Bread Soup

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Garlic bread soup offers a comforting journey through Italian culinary traditions. Home cooks can savor rich, creamy textures balanced with crisp homemade croutons, creating a satisfying meal you’ll want to enjoy again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 14 oz (397 g) day-old French bread, cubed
• 8 cups (1.9 L) reduced-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup (120 mL) heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups (480 g) French bread for croutons, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp thyme
• 3 tbsps (45 g) butter, melted
• 2 tbsps minced garlic
• 1 tbsp minced garlic (for croutons)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp salt (for croutons)
• 1 tsp basil
• Dash of pepper
• 2 tsps olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F, creating an optimal toasting environment for bread cubes.
2. Cube Creation: Transform French bread into uniform 1-inch cubes, ensuring consistent sizing for even crisping.
3. Flavor Infusion: Merge melted butter with minced garlic, coating bread cubes with aromatic essence, then sprinkle basil and salt, tossing gently to distribute flavors evenly.
4. Toasting Process: Arrange seasoned cubes in a single layer on baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes, rotating midway to achieve golden-brown crispness.
5. Cooling: Allow croutons to rest and firm up post-baking.

Garlic Bread Soup:

1. Flavor Foundation: Heat olive oil in a large pot, sautéing onions, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper until caramelized and fragrant.
2. Aromatic Layer: Introduce minced garlic, stirring briefly to release intense aroma without scorching.
3. Liquid Integration: Pour chicken broth, bringing to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Refinement: Remove bay leaves to eliminate potential bitter notes.
5. Texture Development: Fold in bread cubes and heavy whipping cream, allowing bread to absorb liquid’s essence.
6. Transformation: Use immersion blender to create a silky, smooth consistency.
7. Final Touch: Whisk in freshly grated Parmesan cheese for rich, savory depth.
8. Presentation: Serve hot, garnishing with crispy homemade croutons for textural contrast.

Notes

• Bread Selection Matters: Use day-old French bread for optimal absorption and texture, preventing soggy or disintegrating croutons.
• Crouton Crisping Technique: Spread bread cubes in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even, golden-brown toasting without steaming.
• Garlic Infusion Secret: Sauté garlic briefly to release its aromatic oils without burning, which can create a bitter taste in the soup.
• Creamy Consistency Trick: Blend the soup thoroughly for a velvety smooth texture, using an immersion blender to break down bread particles completely.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg