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Garlic Bread Soup Recipe

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3.8 from 3 reviews

This hearty Garlic Bread Soup is a comforting blend of savory broth, tender garlic-infused bread, and creamy Parmesan cheese. It features homemade garlic croutons baked to perfection and a rich, velvety texture achieved by blending day-old French bread cubes with chicken broth and cream. Perfect as a warming starter or a satisfying meal, this soup captures the indulgent flavors of garlic bread in a unique and delicious way.

Ingredients

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. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking homemade garlic croutons.
  2. Prepare Croutons: Cut the fresh French bread into 1-inch cubes. In a small dish, melt butter and mix in minced garlic. Drizzle this garlic butter mixture over the bread cubes, then sprinkle with basil and salt. Toss thoroughly to ensure even coating, and lay the cubes out in a single layer on a baking pan.
  3. Bake Croutons: Place the bread cubes in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even toasting. Remove and set aside once golden and crisp.
  4. 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 onions start to brown, enhancing the flavor. Then add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 to 60 seconds to release its aroma.
  5. Simmer Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Remove the bay leaves afterward.
  6. Add Bread and Cream: Stir in the day-old French bread cubes along with the heavy whipping cream. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to soak up the broth and soften the bread.
  7. Blend Soup: Use an immersion blender to carefully blend the soup until the onions and bread are smoothly incorporated, creating a creamy texture.
  8. Finish and Serve: Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and evenly distributed. Serve the soup hot, garnished with the homemade garlic croutons for added crunch and flavor.

Notes

  • Day-old French bread is preferred for the soup as it absorbs the broth better without becoming too mushy.
  • You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly.
  • Adjust garlic quantity according to your preference for a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
  • Use reduced-sodium broth to control the saltiness of the soup.
  • The immersion blender helps maintain a rustic, slightly textured soup rather than a completely smooth puree.