The Coziest Hearty Vegetable Soup with Parmesan Croutons Recipe

My kitchen always feels magical when I blend seasonal vegetable soup with crispy parmesan croutons for a comforting meal.

Fresh ingredients dance together, creating warmth in each spoonful.

Chopping colorful vegetables becomes a delightful ritual of nourishment and creativity.

Chunky vegetables bring incredible textures that make every bite exciting and satisfying.

Crusty bread transforms into golden croutons, adding delightful crunch against soft soup elements.

Herbs and spices weave complex layers of flavor throughout this simple yet elegant dish.

You will love how quickly this soup comes together with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Grab a ladle and savor every comforting moment of this incredible culinary experience.

What Makes Veggie Soup With Croutons Special

• Create Nutrient-Packed Meals: Blast your body with a colorful mix of vegetables that deliver essential vitamins and minerals in every delightful spoonful.
• Customize with Ease: Transform this recipe into your personal culinary canvas by swapping vegetables, adjusting seasonings, or changing cheese options to match your taste and dietary needs.
• Enjoy Hassle-Free Cooking: Chop, simmer, and bake with simple steps that require minimal kitchen skills, making this recipe perfect for beginner and experienced cooks alike.
• Comfort in a Bowl: Savor a warm, hearty dish that provides ultimate comfort during chilly days or when you need a soul-warming meal that hugs you from the inside out.

What Goes Into Veggie Soup With Croutons

• Onion: A foundational ingredient that provides a rich, savory base for the soup.
• Celery: Adds a subtle, fresh flavor and crisp texture to the vegetable medley.
• Carrots: Brings natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
• Sweet Red and Orange Peppers: Contribute a mild, sweet flavor and bright color to the dish.
• Courgette: Offers a soft texture and mild, delicate taste to the vegetable mix.
• Potatoes: Provides heartiness and helps to thicken the soup's consistency.

• Chili Pepper: Introduces a subtle heat and depth of flavor to the soup.
• Garlic: Adds a robust, aromatic element that enhances the overall taste.
• Frozen Peas: Contribute a burst of sweetness and additional nutritional value.
• Parsley: Provides a fresh, bright finishing touch to the soup.

• Vegetable Broth: Serves as the liquid foundation that carries all the vegetable flavors.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Thyme: Create a balanced and flavorful seasoning profile for the soup.

• Bread Cubes: Form the base of the crispy, crunchy topping.
• Olive Oil: Helps to crisp and brown the bread cubes.
• Dried Garlic Powder: Adds an extra layer of savory flavor to the croutons.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Provides a rich, salty, and umami taste to the croutons.

How To Make Veggie Soup With Croutons

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrance.

The onions will create a delicious foundation for your soup.

Step 2: Layer Vegetable Goodness

• Celery
• Carrots
• Red and orange bell peppers
• Zucchini
• Potatoes

Stir everything together, allowing the vegetables to mingle and start developing deep, rich flavors.

Step 3: Boost Flavor Profile

• Finely chopped chili pepper
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried thyme

Mix thoroughly to ensure each vegetable gets coated with the seasoning blend.

Step 4: Create Soup Base

Pour vegetable broth into the pot, covering the vegetables completely.

Let the mixture simmer gently, allowing all the flavors to dance and merge together for about 15 minutes.

Step 5: Final Vegetable Touch

Add frozen peas and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.

Stir in freshly chopped parsley to bring a burst of brightness to the soup.

Step 6: Craft Crispy Parmesan Croutons

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).

• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Dried thyme

Toss to coat evenly, then bake until golden and crunchy, about 10-15 minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and crown with the freshly baked Parmesan croutons. Each spoonful promises a delightful mix of tender vegetables and crispy, cheesy bread.

Tips That Help With Veggie Soup With Croutons

• Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Experiment with different herbs like fresh rosemary or basil to customize the flavor profile and add depth to the dish.
• Blend a portion of the soup before adding peas for a creamier consistency without using heavy cream.
• Add a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the soup's overall flavor and enhance the vegetable notes.
• Store croutons separately from the soup to maintain their crispy texture and prevent sogginess during storage.

Creative Versions Of Veggie Soup With Croutons

• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Replace thyme with a blend of fresh Mediterranean herbs like oregano, basil, and rosemary for a vibrant, aromatic soup experience.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add cumin, smoked paprika, and diced jalapeños to give the soup a bold, zesty kick with southwestern flair.
• Creamy Roasted Vegetable Edition: Roast vegetables before adding to the soup, then blend a portion to create a richer, more complex flavor profile with added depth.
• Asian-Inspired Fusion: Incorporate ginger, lemongrass, and a splash of soy sauce, topping with crispy wonton strips instead of Parmesan croutons for an exciting cross-cultural twist.

Great Pairings For Veggie Soup With Croutons

• Pairing Perfect Flavor Companions
• Crush Crisp White Wine: A light Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the vegetable soup's fresh herbs and bright vegetable notes, cutting through the richness with its acidic profile.
• Match Hearty Red Wine: For wine lovers preferring red, choose a medium-bodied Beaujolais or light Pinot Noir, which won't overpower the soup's delicate vegetable flavors.
• Serve Rustic Bread Sides: Crusty sourdough or whole grain bread provides a perfect textural contrast to the soup, allowing diners to soak up extra broth and enhance the meal's heartiness.

How To Store Veggie Soup With Croutons

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep croutons separate to maintain their crispiness.
• Freezer Storage: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Store croutons in a separate sealed container at room temperature.
• Stovetop Reheating: Warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of vegetable broth if the soup seems too thick. Crisp up croutons in a 180°C oven for 3-5 minutes before serving.
• Microwave Reheating: Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.

FAQs On Veggie Soup With Croutons

• Are the vegetables in this soup interchangeable?

Yes, you can easily swap or add different vegetables based on what’s in your kitchen. Spinach, kale, or green beans work great as substitutes or additions.

• How nutritious is this vegetable soup?

The soup is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the mixed vegetables. It’s a low-calorie, nutrient-dense meal that provides essential nutrients while being light and satisfying.

• Can I make this recipe for someone with dietary restrictions?

Absolutely! The recipe is vegetarian and can be easily adapted. For a vegan version, replace Parmesan with a dairy-free alternative. For gluten-free needs, use gluten-free bread for croutons.

• Is this soup good for meal planning?

Definitely! This soup is perfect for meal prep.

Hearty Vegetable Soup with Parmesan Croutons Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Warming hearts and stomachs, hearty vegetable soup with parmesan croutons delivers comfort in a bowl. Crisp croutons crown this nourishing medley, inviting spoons to dive into a rich landscape of seasonal vegetables and savory broth that comfort and delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 2 potatoes, peeled and chopped (about 300g / 10.5 ounces)
• 1 courgette (zucchini), chopped (about 200g / 7 ounces)
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped (about 200g / 7 ounces)
• 1 onion, finely chopped (about 150g / 5.3 ounces)
• 1 sweet red pepper, chopped (about 150g / 5.3 ounces)
• 1 sweet orange pepper, chopped (about 150g / 5.3 ounces)
• 2 celery stalks, chopped (about 120g / 4.2 ounces)
• 1 chili pepper, finely chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas (150g / 5.3 ounces)

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (2g / 0.07 ounces)
• 1 teaspoon salt (5g / 0.18 ounces)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (2g / 0.07 ounces)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (15g / 0.53 ounces)
• 1 liter vegetable broth (4 cups / 33.8 fluid ounces)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml / 1 fluid ounce)

Parmesan Cr

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, warm olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Sauté chopped onions until translucent and softened, approximately 4 minutes.
3. Add celery, carrots, red and orange peppers, courgette, and potatoes. Stir thoroughly to distribute evenly.
4. Incorporate finely chopped chili pepper and garlic. Season with salt, black pepper, and thyme, ensuring all vegetables are well-coated.
5. Cover pot and allow vegetables to simmer for 6 minutes, releasing their natural flavors and softening slightly.
6. Pour vegetable broth into the pot and let simmer for 15-18 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld together.
7. Add frozen peas and cook for an additional 4 minutes until tender.
8. Stir in fresh chopped parsley for a bright, aromatic finish.
9. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) for croutons.
10. Arrange bread cubes on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
11. Sprinkle bread cubes with salt, dried garlic powder, grated Parmesan, and thyme. Toss to ensure even coating.
12. Bake croutons for 12-15 minutes until golden and crisp.
13. Taste soup and adjust seasoning as needed.
14. Ladle soup into bowls and top generously with freshly baked Parmesan croutons.
15. Serve immediately, optionally garnishing with extra parsley or a light olive oil drizzle.

Notes

• Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Experiment with herb combinations like rosemary or oregano to personalize the flavor profile and add depth.
• Blend a portion of the soup for a creamier consistency without adding extra dairy, creating a velvety smooth base.
• Toast croutons low and slow to prevent burning and achieve maximum crispiness without bitter edges.
• Swap bread types like whole wheat or gluten-free options to accommodate different dietary needs while maintaining crunch.
• Layer vegetable flavors by sautéing them sequentially, starting with onions and ending with delicate herbs for maximum taste development.
• Add a splash of white wine or splash of apple cider vinegar just before adding broth to enhance the soup’s complexity and brightness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 3mg