Name: Country French Garlic Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: french
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 1 bay leaf; 2 heads garlic, peeled, cloves left whole; 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper, to taste; 4 large egg yolks; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup day-old crusty bread, cut into cubes (for serving); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Ah, garlic soup—the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’ve been transported straight to a charming French countryside bistro. Imagine a warm, comforting bowl of soup that wraps you in a savory, aromatic embrace, with just the right balance of rich, buttery flavor and a hint of earthy garlic. This isn’t just any garlic soup; it’s a masterpiece—smooth, velvety, and so full of depth, you’ll be dreaming about it long after your last spoonful. If you’re looking for a soup that’s simple yet bursting with flavor, this one’s an absolute game-changer. Get ready to fall in love!

Why You’ll Love Country French Garlic Soup

This soup isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. A little bit rustic, a little bit sophisticated, and all-around comforting. Here’s why it’s bound to become one of your favorites:

Versatile

Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a cozy dinner, or even an appetizer for a special gathering, this soup has you covered. It’s elegant enough for a dinner party, but simple enough to whip up on a casual evening.

Bold Yet Comforting

The garlic shines through in this soup, but it’s not overpowering. It’s perfectly balanced with broth, butter, and a touch of cream, creating a flavor profile that’s rich and soothing—like a warm hug in a bowl.

Budget-Friendly

Despite its luxurious taste, this soup is made with basic pantry staples. No need to splurge on exotic ingredients—garlic, butter, stock, and herbs are all you need to create this flavorful masterpiece.

Easy to Make

If you can chop garlic and sauté onions, you’re already halfway there! This recipe doesn’t require any fancy techniques—just a little love and patience as the ingredients meld together.

Crowd-Pleasing

Garlic lovers, rejoice! This soup is a guaranteed hit. It’s hearty enough to satisfy everyone at the table, yet light enough to feel refreshing. And the best part? It smells incredible as it’s cooking. Your whole house will be filled with the warm, savory scent of garlic and herbs—talk about an invitation to the table.

Ingredients

This soup is all about simple, high-quality ingredients that bring out the best flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

Garlic

The star of the show, of course! Lots of fresh garlic is what gives this soup its signature bold flavor. Don’t worry—it’s not too strong; it becomes mellow and sweet as it simmers.

Onion

A little sweetness from sautéed onions helps balance the rich, savory garlic and adds depth to the flavor.

Broth

You can use chicken or vegetable broth for this soup, depending on your preference. The broth is the base of the soup, so choose one that’s full of flavor.

Butter

Rich and creamy, butter gives the soup its velvety texture and adds a touch of luxury without being overwhelming.

Herbs

A few sprigs of thyme or rosemary, plus a bay leaf, will infuse the soup with a lovely aromatic quality. Fresh herbs really make a difference here!

Cream

To finish off the soup, a splash of cream gives it a smooth, indulgent finish. You can adjust the amount depending on how rich you want the soup to be.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make a soup that’s nothing short of delicious? Let’s get started:

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until they’re soft, fragrant, and just beginning to turn golden. This is the base of your soup, so take your time to develop those flavors.

Add the Broth and Herbs

Once the garlic and onions are beautifully caramelized, add the broth, bay leaf, and fresh thyme (or rosemary). Stir to combine, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Purée the Soup

Now for the fun part! Remove the bay leaf and thyme stems (if using fresh) and use an immersion blender to purée the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches. The texture should be velvety, with no chunks of garlic or onion remaining.

Add the Cream

Once the soup is smooth, stir in the cream. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. You can add a bit more cream if you prefer a richer texture.

Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread or a small side salad, and enjoy the comforting flavors of the French countryside.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to cook or bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]

How to Serve Country French Garlic Soup

This elegant garlic soup pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to enhance your meal:

Fresh Green Salad

A simple, lightly dressed green salad adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy richness of the soup. Try a mix of arugula, spinach, or butter lettuce with a tangy vinaigrette.

Crusty Bread

There’s no better companion to garlic soup than a slice of warm, crusty bread. Opt for a rustic French baguette, sourdough, or even garlic bread to dip into the soup.

Cheese

Top the soup with a little grated Parmesan or Gruyère for a touch of salty, savory goodness. You can also add croutons for some crunch.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts, are a perfect accompaniment to the soup, adding texture and balance to the meal.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to make this recipe even more delightful:

Make Ahead

This soup actually improves with time. You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen, and the soup becomes even more indulgent. Just reheat gently before serving.

Adjust the Texture

If you like a thicker soup, add less broth, or if you prefer a lighter version, feel free to increase the amount of broth and cream. You can customize it to your preference!

Spice It Up

If you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper when sautéing the garlic and onions. It’ll give the soup a subtle kick that complements the richness.

Vegan Version

For a vegan version, swap the butter for olive oil and use coconut milk or a creamy plant-based alternative instead of regular cream. You can still achieve that smooth, luxurious texture!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
A1: While fresh garlic gives the soup its signature flavor, you could use garlic powder if that’s all you have on hand. However, you might need to adjust the quantity since garlic powder is more concentrated.

Q2: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A2: Yes! This soup actually tastes better after sitting for a day or two. Just let it cool, store it in an airtight container, and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just reheat on the stovetop when you’re ready to serve.

Q4: Can I make this soup spicier?
A4: Absolutely! Add some red pepper flakes or a small amount of cayenne pepper to the onions and garlic for a touch of heat that pairs wonderfully with the creamy texture of the soup.

Q5: What’s the best way to serve this soup?
A5: This soup is great on its own, but for an extra special touch, serve it with a slice of crusty bread, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a dollop of crème fraîche or sour cream.

Whether you’re curling up on a chilly evening or hosting a dinner with friends, this Country French Garlic Soup is the perfect way to indulge in a little French comfort food. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with all the flavors that make garlic so irresistible. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!