A comforting and creamy garlic bread soup, perfect for cozy evenings.
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Ensure the oil is hot but not smoking to avoid burning.
Add the onions, garlic, bay leaf, and red pepper flakes to the saucepan.
Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Season with salt and sauté until the onions are caramelized, about 6-8 minutes.
Caramelizing the onions enhances the soup's sweetness.
Pour in the stock and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 40 minutes.
Simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Add the bread and cream, whisking continuously until the bread dissolves.
Use day-old bread for better absorption and texture.
Blend the soup with a hand-held blender until smooth.
Blend in batches if necessary to avoid overfilling the blender.
Stir in the grated cheese and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Add the cheese gradually to prevent clumping.
Serve the soup in bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.