Garlic Bread Soup Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Bread Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, savory delight. Combining the essence of garlic bread with a warm, hearty soup, it’s perfect for cozy evenings or when you want a unique twist on classic comfort food.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut 2 cups of French bread into 1-inch cubes.
2. Step 2: In a small dish, 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 the cubes to coat evenly and spread them in a single layer on a baking pan.
3. Step 3: Bake the bread cubes for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and crispy. Set aside to use as homemade croutons.
4. Step 4: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, thyme, bay leaves, 1 teaspoon salt, and a dash of black pepper. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions start to brown.
5. Step 5: Add 2 tablespoons minced garlic and sauté for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
6. Step 6: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes. Remove the bay leaves.
7. Step 7: Stir in the 12 ounces of cubed day-old French bread and the heavy whipping cream. Let the bread soak and soften in the simmering soup for about 5 minutes.
8. Step 8: Use an immersion blender to carefully blend the soup until smooth, combining the softened bread and onions into a creamy texture.
9. Step 9: Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated. Serve the soup hot, topped with the homemade garlic croutons.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth.
• Use day-old or slightly stale bread for the best texture when blending into the soup.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the onions for a subtle spicy kick.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a fresh herbal note.

Storage

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little extra broth or cream if the soup thickens too much when reheated. Keep the homemade croutons separate until ready to serve to maintain their crispness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread for this soup?

Yes, any crusty bread like Italian or sourdough works well, but French bread is preferred for its texture and flavor in this recipe.

Is it necessary to use an immersion blender?

An immersion blender is convenient for this soup, but you can carefully transfer portions to a standard blender in batches and then return to the pot. Just be cautious with hot liquids.

Garlic Bread Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 64 reviews

This Garlic Bread Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the essence of classic garlic bread with a rich, creamy broth. Toasted French bread cubes are transformed into homemade croutons and blended with aromatic onions, garlic, herbs, and chicken broth, then enriched with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese for a luscious, hearty soup perfect for any day.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: French

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For 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

For 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

Instructions

1. Prepare Homemade Croutons: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut French bread into 1-inch cubes. Melt the butter and minced garlic together, then drizzle this garlic butter over the bread cubes. Sprinkle the bread with basil and salt, toss gently to coat evenly, and spread in a single layer on a baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even toasting. Remove from oven and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. Cook the mixture for 7-8 minutes until the onions begin to brown and caramelize. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook for 15 minutes. Remove and discard the bay leaves.
4. Incorporate Bread and Cream: Whisk in the cubed day-old French bread and the heavy whipping cream. Allow the bread to soak and absorb the liquid by simmering gently for about 5 minutes.
5. Blend Soup: Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth and creamy, combining the softened onions and bread cubes evenly throughout the broth.
6. Add Cheese and Serve: Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated. Serve the finished soup hot, garnished with the homemade garlic croutons prepared earlier.

Notes

• Use day-old French bread for the best texture in both the soup and croutons.
• Adjust the salt level depending on the saltiness of your chicken broth or stock.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
• The immersion blender allows for a smooth texture but leave some bread pieces unblended if you prefer some chunkiness.
• Serve immediately for best texture of croutons; they may become soggy if left too long in the soup.

Keywords: garlic bread soup, homemade croutons, creamy garlic soup, French bread soup, comforting soup, easy soup recipe