Creamy Garlic Bread Soup is a rich and velvety dish that turns classic garlic bread flavors into a comforting soup. Infused with roasted garlic, butter, and cream, this soup is packed with deep, savory flavors and topped with crispy homemade croutons for the perfect crunch. It’s a must-try for garlic lovers and makes an excellent starter or main course.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy – The perfect balance of buttery, garlicky goodness.
- Comforting & Cozy – A warm and satisfying soup for any season.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal effort.
- Homemade Croutons – Adds a crispy, flavorful contrast to the creamy soup.
- Perfect for Garlic Lovers – Made with roasted garlic for deep, caramelized flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Soup:
- Garlic heads, roasted
- Butter
- Onion, diced
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Heavy cream
- Flour (for thickening)
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and black pepper
- Dried thyme (optional)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Homemade Croutons:
- Baguette or bread of choice, cubed
- Olive oil or melted butter
- Garlic powder
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and black pepper
Directions
For the Soup:
- Roast the Garlic: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the tops off garlic heads, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 35-40 minutes until soft and golden. Let cool, then squeeze out the cloves.
- Sauté the Onion: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle in the flour and stir for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Add the Garlic and Broth: Stir in the roasted garlic and pour in the broth. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender to puree until smooth.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for another 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and red pepper flakes.
- Serve Hot: Garnish with extra cheese and homemade croutons.
For the Croutons:
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Bread Cubes: Toss bread cubes with olive oil or melted butter, garlic powder, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Bake: Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, turning once, until golden and crispy.
- Cool & Serve: Let cool slightly before topping the soup.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
- Cheesier Version: Add extra Parmesan or a bit of mozzarella for a gooey texture.
- Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh basil, rosemary, or oregano for extra depth.
- Protein Boost: Stir in shredded chicken or crumbled bacon.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze without cream for up to 2 months; add cream after reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if needed.
FAQs
What makes this soup taste like garlic bread?
The roasted garlic, butter, Parmesan, and homemade croutons mimic classic garlic bread flavors.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of roasted?
Roasted garlic is milder and sweeter, but you can sauté fresh garlic for a stronger flavor.
How do I make the soup thicker?
Increase the flour or let it simmer longer to reduce and thicken.
Can I use store-bought croutons?
Yes, but homemade croutons taste fresher and crispier.
Is this soup vegetarian?
Yes, if you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What’s the best bread for croutons?
A crusty baguette or sourdough works best for crunchy croutons.
Can I blend the soup completely smooth?
Yes! For an ultra-creamy texture, blend until completely smooth.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, but add the croutons right before serving to keep them crispy.
What’s the best cheese for this soup?
Parmesan adds a nutty, salty flavor, but Gruyère or Asiago also work well.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Roast the garlic first, then add all ingredients (except cream and cheese) to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Stir in the cream and cheese at the end.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Bread Soup with Homemade Croutons is the ultimate comfort food for garlic lovers. With its smooth, rich texture and crispy crouton topping, this soup delivers all the best flavors of garlic bread in a bowl. Whether you serve it as a starter or a main dish, it’s a simple yet indulgent meal that will impress every time!
Print
Creamy Garlic Bread Soup with Homemade Croutons
- Author: Emma
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Garlic Bread Soup is a rich, velvety dish that captures all the flavors of buttery, cheesy garlic bread in a comforting soup. Made with roasted garlic, Parmesan cheese, and crispy homemade croutons, this easy soup recipe is perfect for garlic lovers and a cozy meal any time of year.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- Garlic heads, roasted
- Butter
- Onion, diced
- Flour (for thickening)
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and black pepper
- Dried thyme (optional)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Homemade Croutons:
- Baguette or bread of choice, cubed
- Olive oil or melted butter
- Garlic powder
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and black pepper
Instructions
For the Soup:
- Roast the Garlic: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the tops off garlic heads, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 35-40 minutes until soft and golden. Let cool, then squeeze out the cloves.
- Sauté the Onion: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle in flour, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Add Garlic and Broth: Stir in roasted garlic and pour in broth. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender to puree until smooth.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and red pepper flakes.
- Serve Hot: Garnish with extra cheese and homemade croutons.
For the Croutons:
- Preheat Oven: Set to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Bread Cubes: Toss bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Bake: Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, turning once, until golden and crispy.
- Cool & Serve: Let cool slightly before topping the soup.
Notes
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
- Cheesier Version: Add extra Parmesan or mozzarella for a gooey texture.
- Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh basil, rosemary, or oregano for extra depth.
- Protein Boost: Stir in shredded chicken or crumbled bacon.
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