Creamy Montasio Cheese Soup with Airfryer Croutons and Crispy Capers
This creamy Montasio cheese soup (gluten-free & Thermomix-friendly) is a refined twist on the classic Parmesan soup. Topped with gluten-free croutons from the airfryer and crispy capers, it’s pure comfort with a Mediterranean flair. Whether made on the stovetop or in the Thermomix, this recipe is quick, velvety, and a true showstopper for cheese lovers.
What is Montasio cheese and how is it different from Parmesan?
Montasio is a hard cheese from northeastern Italy, protected by the DOP label (Denominazione di Origine Protetta). It originates from Friuli Venezia Giulia and Veneto and has a slightly sweeter, milder flavor than Parmesan. While Parmesan tends to be sharper and saltier, Montasio offers a balanced richness and a creamier texture – ideal for soups.
What does DOP mean?
DOP stands for “Denomination of Protected Origin.” Only cheese made in a specific region using traditional methods may carry this label. It ensures authenticity, traceability, and top quality.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
INGREDIENTS
Ingredients for 4 portions:
- 250 g Montasio cheese DOP (finely grated; alternatively Parmesan)
- 2 small onions, finely diced
- 3 tbsp olive oil (refined, suitable for hot temperatures)
- 3 tbsp gluten-free flour (e.g. rice flour or corn flour)
- 700 ml vegetable stock
- 1 cup of whipping cream (cream)
- 1 pinch of black pepper
- 4 slices of gluten-free bread (e.g. olive bread)
- Deep-fried capers
Ingredients for the garlic croutons from the airfryer (gluten-free):
- 4 slices of gluten-free bread (e.g. olive bread or ciabatta alternative)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1-2 cloves of garlic
- 1 pinch of salt
PREPARATION
Preparation of the soup: Variation on the stove
- Sauté the onions in olive oil until translucent.
- Stir in the gluten-free flour and fry lightly.
- Pour in the vegetable stock and stir well.
- Stir in the grated Montasio and bring to the boil briefly.
- Reduce the heat and simmer gently for approx. 10 minutes.
- Stir in the whipped cream and season with pepper.
- Serve in plates, top with croutons and fried capers.
Preparation of the soup: Thermomix version
- Put the onions into the blender jug and chop for 5 seconds/speed setting 5.
- Add the olive oil and sauté for 3 min./120 °C/speed setting 1.
- Add the gluten-free flour and fry for 1 min. at 100 °C/speed setting 2.
- Add the vegetable stock, finely grated Montasio and pepper, cook for 10 min./90 °C/speed setting 2.
- Add the whipping cream and mix for 30 seconds/speed setting 3.
- If necessary, purée finely for 20 seconds/speed setting 8.
- Serve with croutons and fried capers.
Preparation Garlic croutons:
- Cut the bread into cubes.
- Crush the garlic and mix with the olive oil + salt.
- Toss the bread cubes in the oil mixture.
- Roast in the Airfryer at 180 °C for approx. 4-5 minutes until crispy, shaking occasionally.
Tip: No Montasio on hand? You can absolutely substitute with freshly grated Parmesan.
Need more crunch? Crispy capers are a game-changer for soups! Find the recipe on the blog.