I didn't add bread directly to my soup, my wife has an aversion to such things. So I cut bread into cubes and sauteed with a bit of olive oil and salt until all sides were brown. Topped each bowl with the croutons. I also lacked a pot to put into the oven that wasn't cast iron (don't cook acidic food in a cast iron pot!) Flavor was good but a little boring for me. There was lots of vegetables though and the kids definitely liked it so I will definitely make it again.
