Cold Cauliflower Soup with Bacon and Croutons

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Croutons:

1/2 loaf sourdough bread (about 8 ounces), cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, optional

Bacon:

10 to 12 strips thick-cut applewood-smoked bacon (about 1 pound)

Soup:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

2 ribs celery, chopped to yield 3/4 cup

1 large or 2 small shallots, thinly sliced

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

2 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme

1 head cauliflower (1 1/2 pounds), cut into 1-inch pieces