A rustic and comforting Country French Garlic Soup that delivers deep, savory flavors with the perfect balance of roasted garlic, fresh herbs, and a creamy finish. This soup is simple yet elegant, ideal for cozy dinners, and pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of its delicious broth.
Ingredients
2 whole heads of garlic, peeled
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
2 egg yolks (for thickening, optional)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Baguette slices, toasted
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the peeled garlic cloves on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and roast for 20-25 minutes until golden and fragrant.
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the roasted garlic, vegetable or chicken broth, white wine (if using), thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth, or transfer it to a blender and blend in batches.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and heavy cream. Slowly add a few spoonfuls of the hot soup to temper the mixture, then gradually stir it back into the pot over low heat. Do not let it boil.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese (if using) and cook for another 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and toasted baguette slices.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Variations
For a vegetarian version, stick with vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Add a splash of white wine while simmering the soup for an extra depth of flavor.
If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and skip the egg yolks.
For a heartier version, consider adding diced potatoes or leeks to the soup.
If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can blend only half of the soup and leave the rest intact.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. Add a splash of broth or cream if the soup has thickened too much.
You can also freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and gently heat on the stove.
FAQs
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic for this recipe?
Fresh garlic is key to achieving the deep, roasted flavor that makes this soup so special. While garlic powder is a convenient option, it won't provide the same depth of flavor as roasted garlic. I recommend using fresh garlic for the best result.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead! I find that the flavors deepen after sitting for a few hours or even overnight. Just reheat the soup gently on the stove before serving.
Can I omit the egg yolks?
Yes, the egg yolks are optional and are primarily used to thicken the soup and add richness. If you prefer a lighter version, feel free to leave them out.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version of this French garlic soup.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months. Just be aware that the cream and egg yolks might slightly alter the texture upon freezing and reheating, but it will still be delicious!
Conclusion
This Country French Garlic Soup is the ultimate cozy, flavorful dish that brings warmth to any meal. The roasted garlic combined with the creamy broth and fresh herbs makes for an unforgettable soup experience. Whether served on a chilly evening or as a comforting starter to a meal, it’s sure to please. I hope you enjoy making and eating this rich, savory soup as much as I do.
Recipe:
Country French Garlic Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Country French Garlic Soup is a comforting and rustic dish with deep roasted garlic flavors, fresh herbs, and a creamy texture. Perfect for cozy dinners, it pairs wonderfully with toasted baguette slices to soak up the savory broth. Easy to prepare, this soup is ideal for chilly nights and offers a luxurious yet simple French culinary experience.
Ingredients
2 whole heads of garlic, peeled
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
2 egg yolks (for thickening, optional)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Baguette slices, toasted
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the peeled garlic cloves on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and roast for 20-25 minutes until golden and fragrant.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the roasted garlic, vegetable or chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes.
- Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or in batches in a blender.
- Whisk together egg yolks and heavy cream, then slowly temper the mixture with hot soup. Gradually stir it back into the pot over low heat.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese (if using) and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Serve hot with toasted baguette slices and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth.
For a lighter option, replace heavy cream with half-and-half and omit the egg yolks.
Freeze leftover soup for up to 2-3 months.
For a heartier soup, add diced potatoes or leeks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food
- Method: Roasting, Simmering, Blending
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 220 kcal
