Name: Homemade French Garlic Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 heads garlic, cloves peeled; 2 tbsp olive oil or butter; 1 small onion, chopped (optional); 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth; 1 sprig fresh thyme or 1 bay leaf; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 2 eggs, lightly beaten (optional for thickening); Crusty bread, for serving; Grated Parmesan or Gruyère cheese, for topping (optional)

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Homemade French Garlic Soup, also known as Soupe à l’ail, is a rustic, comforting classic that warms me from the inside out. Made with whole garlic cloves slowly simmered into a rich broth, this traditional soup is simple yet incredibly flavorful. It’s the kind of dish I turn to when I want something nourishing, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s humble and elegant at the same time. The garlic mellows and sweetens as it cooks, creating a broth that’s rich without being heavy. It’s naturally soothing, budget-friendly, and pairs beautifully with crusty bread. Whether I’m feeling under the weather or just want a cozy bowl of goodness, this soup always delivers. Homemade French Garlic Soup

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Garlic cloves (whole, peeled)
Olive oil or butter
Onion (optional, for depth)
Vegetable or chicken broth
Fresh thyme or bay leaf
Salt
Black pepper
Eggs (for thickening or poaching, optional)
Crusty bread (for serving)
Grated Parmesan or Gruyère cheese (optional topping)

Directions

I peel the garlic cloves (usually about 2 full heads) and gently sauté them in olive oil or butter until softened and fragrant.
If I’m using onion, I add it here and cook until translucent.
I pour in the broth and add herbs like thyme or a bay leaf.
I bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30–40 minutes, until the garlic is tender and the flavors meld.
I remove the herbs and use an immersion blender (or regular blender) to puree the soup until smooth, if I want a creamy texture.
For a more traditional finish, I stir in lightly beaten eggs while whisking, which creates delicate ribbons throughout the broth.
I serve the soup hot with toasted slices of bread and a sprinkle of cheese on top if I’m feeling indulgent.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

I add a splash of cream for a richer, velvety texture.
For a heartier version, I serve it over toasted bread topped with melted cheese—almost like a garlic-based French onion soup.
I sometimes poach whole eggs directly in the broth and serve them with the soup.
I use roasted garlic for a deeper, caramelized flavor.
I make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth and skipping the egg if needed.

storage/reheating

I store leftover soup in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
To reheat, I warm it gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. If it thickens too much, I add a splash of broth or water. It also freezes well—I just cool it completely first and store in freezer-safe containers. Homemade French Garlic Soup

FAQs

Is this soup very garlicky?

Surprisingly, no. The garlic becomes mellow and sweet after simmering, so the flavor is rich but not sharp or overpowering.

Can I roast the garlic first?

Yes! I roast whole heads of garlic wrapped in foil at 400°F for 30–40 minutes, then squeeze out the soft cloves and add them to the broth.

What kind of broth works best?

I use a good-quality chicken or vegetable broth—something flavorful but not too salty. Homemade broth makes it even better.

What’s the traditional way to thicken French garlic soup?

Traditionally, lightly beaten eggs are whisked into the hot soup to thicken it. This creates a silky texture without needing cream.

What can I serve with this soup?

Crusty bread is a must. I also love a simple green salad or cheese toast on the side for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Homemade French Garlic Soup is a timeless, soul-warming dish that proves simple ingredients can create something truly delicious. Whether I enjoy it as a light dinner or a comforting start to a bigger meal, it’s a recipe I come back to whenever I crave warmth, flavor, and a little bit of French charm in a bowl.

Homemade French Garlic Soup

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Author: lina
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Soup
Method: Simmered
Cuisine: French
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Homemade French Garlic Soup, or Soupe à l’ail, is a rustic, aromatic dish made by simmering whole garlic cloves in a flavorful broth. It’s comforting, deeply nourishing, and perfect with crusty bread for a cozy, elegant meal.

Ingredients

2 heads garlic, cloves peeled
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 small onion, chopped (optional)
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 sprig fresh thyme or 1 bay leaf
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
2 eggs, lightly beaten (optional for thickening)
Crusty bread, for serving
Grated Parmesan or Gruyère cheese, for topping (optional)

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Instructions

Peel garlic cloves and gently sauté in olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat until softened and fragrant, about 5–7 minutes.
Add chopped onion (if using) and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
Pour in the broth and add thyme or bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 30–40 minutes, until garlic is very tender and flavors are blended.
Remove herbs. For a creamy soup, blend with an immersion or standard blender until smooth.
If using eggs, slowly drizzle the beaten eggs into the hot soup while stirring to create silky ribbons.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with crusty bread and a sprinkle of cheese, if desired.