Description
This Creamy Garlic Bread Soup with Homemade Croutons is a comforting and flavorful dish that transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, hearty soup. The recipe features roasted garlic blended into a velvety potato and cream base, topped with crispy homemade croutons made from fresh bread. Perfect as a cosy starter or a light meal, this soup combines rustic textures and rich flavors that will please any garlic lover.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 whole head of garlic
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Homemade Croutons
- 4 slices rustic bread, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Roast the Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the top off the garlic head to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for about 30 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Prepare Potatoes: While the garlic roasts, peel and dice potatoes into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Cook Potatoes: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the diced potatoes and sauté briefly before adding the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Make the Soup Base: Once the roasted garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze the softened cloves out of their skins into the pot with potatoes. Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender in batches to puree until smooth and creamy.
- Add Cream and Season: Return the pureed soup to the pot if needed, stir in the heavy cream, and gently heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare Croutons: While the soup simmers, toss bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until golden and crisp.
- Serve: Ladle the creamy soup into bowls and garnish generously with the homemade garlic croutons. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use starchy potatoes like Russets for a creamier soup texture.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
- Adjust garlic intensity by roasting more or fewer cloves according to your taste.
- Croutons can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days but are best freshly made.
- Adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley enhances flavor and presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
