Sauté the Onion and Garlic:

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the sliced garlic cloves and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden (but not burnt).

Add the Broth and Seasonings:

Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the dried thyme and bay leaf. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Add the Cream:

Stir in the heavy cream and bring the soup back to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and let it cook for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken slightly.

Prepare the Toasted Bread:

While the soup is simmering, toast the slices of crusty bread until they are golden and crispy. You can do this in a toaster, under a broiler, or in a skillet with a little butter.

Serve the Soup:

Ladle the soup into bowls. Place one slice of the toasted bread in each bowl and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Optionally, drizzle a little more olive oil on top for extra richness.

Garnish and Enjoy:

Serve the soup hot, garnished with more Parmesan cheese if desired, and enjoy the comforting, flavorful taste of this Country French Garlic Soup!