If you’re searching for a cozy dish that checks all the boxes of creamy, comforting, and delightfully garlicky, look no further than this Creamy Garlic Bread Soup with Homemade Croutons. This recipe is like a warm hug on a chilly evening, transforming humble day-old French bread and aromatic garlic into a bowl of pure comfort. Silky, rich, and adorned with crisp, golden croutons, this soup is easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to share with friends. Trust me, you’ll be ladling up seconds!

Creamy Garlic Bread Soup with Homemade Croutons Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Creamy Garlic Bread Soup with Homemade Croutons is in its simple, well-chosen ingredients. Each component brings unique flavor, richness, or texture, working together to give you a soup that’s both rustic and unforgettable.

Day Old French Bread (14 ounces, cubed): Slightly stale bread is perfect for soaking up broth and creating a velvet-like texture in the soup.
Chicken Broth (8 cups, reduced-sodium): A savory base that ties the flavors together; feel free to swap for vegetable broth if desired.
Yellow Onion (1 medium-sized, diced): Adds sweetness and depth, laying the aromatic foundation for the soup.
Bay Leaves (2): These bring subtle earthy notes that simmer through each spoonful.
Thyme (1 teaspoon): A pinch of herbaceous warmth to enhance the French bread and garlic.
Olive Oil (2 teaspoons): Perfect for sautéing onions, this smooth oil adds a gentle richness.
Minced Garlic (2 tablespoons): The true star of the show—don’t be shy with the garlic!
Salt (1 teaspoon and ½ teaspoon for croutons): Balances and brings out every flavor—taste as you go.
Dash of Pepper: For just the right touch of warmth.
Heavy Whipping Cream (½ cup): Makes the soup decadently creamy and smooth.
Grated Parmesan (½ cup): Stirred in at the end for that irresistible nutty, salty kick.
French Bread (2 cups, cut into 1” cubes) for croutons: Crusty cubes become golden, toasty toppings for the soup.
Butter (3 tablespoons, melted): Enriches the croutons and helps them bake up extra-crispy.
Minced Garlic (1 tablespoon for croutons): Infuses every crouton with unmistakable garlic flavor.
Basil (1 teaspoon): Lends herbaceous brightness to the croutons.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Bread Soup with Homemade Croutons

Step 1: Prepare the Croutons

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut your French bread into hearty 1-inch cubes—these will become the crunchy jewels on top of your Creamy Garlic Bread Soup with Homemade Croutons. Melt butter together with minced garlic and gently drizzle this mix over the bread cubes. Toss them with basil and salt, making sure every piece is coated in buttery, garlicky goodness. Spread the cubes on a baking pan in a single layer and bake for about 15 minutes, giving them a stir halfway through so they brown evenly. Once golden and crisp, set them aside—you might need to guard them from eager snackers!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Set a large pot over medium heat and add olive oil. Once shimmering, toss in your diced onions, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Sauté this mix for 7 to 8 minutes, letting the onions cook until they’re soft and just starting to brown. That shimmer of caramelization at the bottom means flavor is developing! Next, add the minced garlic and give everything a quick stir until your entire kitchen smells like garlic heaven—about 30 to 60 seconds is all it takes.

Step 3: Simmer with Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, lower the heat and let everything simmer gently for 15 minutes. This time lets the bay leaves and thyme steep into the broth, creating layers of flavor that will make your Creamy Garlic Bread Soup with Homemade Croutons stand out. Don’t forget to fish out the bay leaves at the end!

Step 4: Add the Bread and Cream

Drop your cubed, day-old bread right into the simmering broth. Add the heavy whipping cream, too. Give it all a good whisk and let it cook for about 5 minutes—just enough time for the bread to soften and start soaking up that flavorful liquid. You’ll notice the mixture thickening up beautifully.

Step 5: Blend to Creamy Perfection

Now comes the transformation. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup right in the pot until it’s delightfully smooth and creamy. Don’t worry if there’s a little texture; that’s part of the charm. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can do this in batches with a food processor. Once blended, whisk in the grated parmesan until melted and velvety.

Step 6: Serve and Top

Ladle the creamy soup into bowls and pile on a generous handful of homemade croutons. Each spoonful delivers silky soup with bursts of garlicky crunch—truly the best part of this Creamy Garlic Bread Soup with Homemade Croutons experience. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Bread Soup with Homemade Croutons

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra grated parmesan, a swirl of cream, or a scattering of fresh herbs like basil or thyme can turn a simple bowl into a showstopper. I love topping my Creamy Garlic Bread Soup with Homemade Croutons with finely chopped chives or a pinch of cracked black pepper for a fresh pop and beautiful finish.

Side Dishes

While this soup is wonderfully satisfying on its own, it pairs like a dream with a peppery arugula salad, a platter of roasted veggies, or even a side of cured meats. If you’re really looking to lean into the comfort food vibe, serve it with an extra loaf of crusty bread so everyone can dip and scoop to their heart’s content.

Creative Ways to Present

For a bit of fun, serve Creamy Garlic Bread Soup with Homemade Croutons in small espresso cups or shot glasses at a dinner party as an amuse-bouche. Or, ladle it into hollowed-out mini bread bowls for an eye-catching family-style presentation—everyone will love breaking off bits of the bowl to mop up every last drop!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow your soup to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store the Creamy Garlic Bread Soup with Homemade Croutons (minus the croutons) in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep croutons in a separate container at room temperature to preserve their crunch.

Freezing

This soup holds up surprisingly well to freezing! After cooling, pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. As always, keep the croutons separate; they freeze best before being baked.

Reheating

Warm the soup over gentle heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until heated through. If it seems extra thick, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up. Re-crisp your croutons by popping them in a hot oven for a few minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I make Creamy Garlic Bread Soup with Homemade Croutons vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap out the chicken broth for a good-quality vegetable broth. All the other ingredients are vegetarian-friendly, so the swap is seamless and still delicious.

What can I use instead of French bread?

Any sturdy, crusty bread will work beautifully—Italian bread, sourdough, or even a rustic country loaf. The key is that it should be a little stale so it soaks up the broth without turning mushy.

Do I have to use heavy cream?

Not at all! While heavy cream makes the soup especially luxurious, you can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter version. Plant-based alternatives like cashew cream also work for a dairy-free option.

How do I store leftover Creamy Garlic Bread Soup with Homemade Croutons?

Store the soup in the fridge without the croutons for best results. Croutons will soften if left in the soup, so always keep them in a separate container and sprinkle them on just before eating.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free bread for both the soup base and the croutons. The rest of the recipe remains unchanged, so everyone can enjoy a bowl of creamy comfort.

Final Thoughts

If you crave comfort food with a twist, Creamy Garlic Bread Soup with Homemade Croutons is a must-try. Every bite is steeped in flavor, coziness, and that irresistible combination of creamy richness and garlicky crunch. Invite your family, serve up a big pot, and watch it disappear. I can’t wait for you to fall in love with this soup just as much as I have!