Imagine a soup so creamy, so rich, and so utterly satisfying that it transforms ordinary carrots into a culinary masterpiece. This roasted carrot soup with cheesy croutons is not just a recipe—it's a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds dance with joy! Perfect for chilly evenings or when you're craving a comforting meal that looks like it came straight from a gourmet restaurant, this soup proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary dishes.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese for croutons
- 4 slices of bread, cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash and chop the carrots into roughly 1-inch pieces. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Spread the chopped carrots on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning once halfway through, until carrots are tender and slightly caramelized.
- While carrots are roasting, prepare the croutons. Cut bread into small cubes and toss with olive oil and shredded cheese.
- Spread the cheesy bread cubes on a separate baking sheet and set aside.
- In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Add the roasted carrots to the pot with vegetable broth and thyme. Bring to a simmer.
- Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
- During the last 10 minutes of the carrot roasting, place the cheesy croutons in the oven to toast until golden and crisp.
- Season the soup with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with the freshly baked cheesy croutons.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, comforting soup with crunchy cheese croutons.
Tips
- Choose fresh, vibrant carrots for the most intense flavor. Look for carrots that are firm and bright orange.
- Roasting is key! The high-temperature roasting caramelizes the carrots, bringing out their natural sweetness and adding depth to the soup.
- Don't rush the blending process. Take your time to create a smooth, creamy texture that's free of lumps.
- For extra richness, you can add a splash of cream or coconut milk when blending the soup.
- The cheesy croutons are a game-changer—use a good quality cheese like sharp cheddar or gruyère for maximum flavor.
- Make sure to cut bread cubes evenly to ensure uniform toasting of the croutons.
- If you don't have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup to a standard blender in batches, removing the center cap and covering with a towel to prevent hot liquid from splashing.
- This soup freezes beautifully, so don't hesitate to make a double batch for future quick meals!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
