When the weather turns chilly and you’re craving something warm, nothing beats a bowl of creamy vegetable soup paired with crispy homemade croutons. This dish is a comforting blend of fresh vegetables, velvety cream, and rich seasonings that come together in a symphony of flavors. Add crispy, golden croutons made from toasted bread, and you’ve got yourself the perfect meal for a cozy evening.
This detailed recipe will guide you through every step, ensuring you can make this soup from scratch with ease, right down to the homemade croutons. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a gathering, this soup is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Creamy Vegetable Soup with Homemade Croutons
Serving Size: 6-8 servings
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
For the Soup:
- 2 tbsp butter (unsalted)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 1 cup green beans, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for extra flavor)
- 2 cups whole milk or heavy cream (for extra creaminess)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp salt (or more, to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Homemade Croutons:
- 4 slices of rustic bread (such as sourdough or French bread)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper