Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Garlic Bread Soup with Homemade Croutons is the ultimate comfort food. Rich, velvety, and packed with roasted garlic flavor, this soup transforms humble ingredients like bread and broth into a decadent, cozy dish. The addition of crispy, golden croutons adds a satisfying crunch and rustic charm. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, as a starter, or a hearty lunch.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

olive oilgarlic cloves (whole, peeled)onionyesterday’s crusty bread (cubed)salt and pepperchicken or vegetable brothheavy creamparmesan cheesebutterthyme (optional)bay leaf

For the Croutons

cubed bread (preferably day-old)olive oilgarlic powderparmesan cheese (optional)salt and pepper

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add whole garlic cloves and chopped onion, sautéing until soft and fragrant.

Add cubed bread and stir for 2-3 minutes to coat with the oil and aromatics.

Pour in the broth, add a bay leaf and thyme if using, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the bread is very soft.

Remove the bay leaf and blend the soup using an immersion blender until smooth.

Stir in heavy cream, butter, and grated parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, toss cubed bread with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and parmesan if desired. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden and crispy, stirring halfway through.

Ladle soup into bowls and top generously with homemade croutons.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 30 minutesCrouton time: 10-12 minutesTotal time: 45-50 minutes

Variations

Add roasted garlic instead of fresh for a deeper, caramelized flavor.

Stir in cooked bacon or pancetta for a smoky twist.

Use sourdough or rye bread for a richer base flavor.

Top with a drizzle of truffle oil for a gourmet finish.

Add sautéed mushrooms or leeks for extra depth.

storage/reheating

Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Croutons should be kept in a separate container at room temperature to maintain crunch.To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop or microwave, and add fresh croutons before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, but leave out the cream and add it after reheating for best texture.

What type of bread is best?

Day-old crusty bread like sourdough, baguette, or country loaf works great.

Is it very garlicky?

It has a strong garlic flavor, but roasting or sautéing mellows it beautifully.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, but the soup will be less rich and slightly thinner.

How do I make the soup thicker?

Use more bread or simmer longer to reduce the liquid.

What toppings go well with this soup?

Crumbled bacon, fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of extra parmesan are great choices.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Only if you use gluten-free bread for both soup and croutons.

Can I make it vegan?

Yes, swap in plant-based broth, non-dairy cream, and vegan butter and cheese.

Does it pair well with salad?

Absolutely—a crisp green salad balances the creamy soup nicely.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Bread Soup with Homemade Croutons is a luscious, flavor-packed dish that makes the most of simple pantry staples. It’s cozy, satisfying, and endlessly customizable—perfect for garlic lovers and comfort food fans alike. Once you try it, you’ll want it in regular rotation during soup season and beyond.