French Garlic Soup

Name: French Garlic Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 12 cloves fresh garlic; 1 medium onion, chopped; 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth; 1 cup heavy cream; Sliced baguette for serving

Published: January 8, 2026

by Alexia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting warmth: The rich garlic flavor combined with cream creates a cozy experience that feels like a warm hug.
Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this soup comes together quickly, perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile serving options: Pair it with crusty bread, croutons, or herbs for added texture and taste, enhancing your meal.
Impressive presentation: Its creamy consistency and inviting aroma make it an excellent choice for special occasions or entertaining guests.
Rich in flavor: The use of fresh garlic and quality broth ensures each spoonful is packed with deliciousness.

Tools and Preparation

To make French Garlic Soup effectively, having the right tools on hand makes all the difference. These essential items will help you create this flavorful dish with ease.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot
Immersion blender (or standard blender)
Chopping knife
Cutting board
Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: Essential for sautéing ingredients and simmering the soup to develop its flavors perfectly.
Immersion blender: Allows for easy blending directly in the pot, keeping cleanup minimal while ensuring a smooth texture.
Chopping knife: A sharp knife makes quick work of chopping garlic and onion, speeding up the preparation process.

Ingredients

For the Soup

12 cloves fresh garlic
1 medium onion, chopped
4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream

For Serving

1 baguette, sliced

How to Make French Garlic Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until golden brown, about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Simmer the Broth

Add the vegetable broth to the pot. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Blend Until Smooth

Using an immersion blender or a standard blender, blend the soup mixture until it is completely smooth. This step is crucial for achieving that creamy texture.

Step 4: Stir in Cream

Return the blended soup to low heat. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.

Step 5: Prepare Baguette Slices

While the soup is warming, toast the sliced baguette until golden brown. This will provide a delightful crunch when paired with the soup.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Ladle the warm soup into bowls. Garnish with croutons or fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately alongside toasted baguette slices for dipping. Enjoy your comforting bowl of French Garlic Soup!

How to Serve French Garlic Soup

Serving French Garlic Soup is an opportunity to enhance its rich flavors and create a memorable dining experience. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your soup.

Pair with Crusty Bread

Toasted Baguette Slices: Serve warm, golden-brown baguette slices for dipping into the soup.
Garlic Butter Spread: Enhance the bread with a homemade garlic butter spread for added flavor.

Add Fresh Herbs

Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
Thyme Sprigs: A few thyme sprigs can introduce aromatic notes that complement the garlic.

Include Croutons

Homemade Croutons: Top the soup with crispy croutons made from leftover bread to add texture.
Herbed Croutons: Season croutons with garlic and herbs before baking for extra flavor.

Offer Cheese Options

Grated Parmesan: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can add a savory touch.
Goat Cheese Crumbles: Creamy goat cheese crumbles melt beautifully into the warm soup.

How to Perfect French Garlic Soup

Perfecting French Garlic Soup involves attention to detail and thoughtful ingredients. Follow these tips for an outstanding dish.

Use fresh garlic: Fresh garlic cloves offer a more robust flavor compared to pre-minced options.
Opt for low-sodium broth: Using low-sodium vegetable broth allows you to control the saltiness of your soup better.
Blend thoroughly: Ensure your soup is blended until completely smooth for a creamy texture without chunks.
Balance flavors: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper after blending to achieve the perfect taste.
Experiment with acidity: Adding a splash of apple cider vinegar can brighten flavors and enhance richness.

Best Side Dishes for French Garlic Soup

Pairing side dishes with French Garlic Soup can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options that complement its flavors well.

Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette offers freshness that balances the richness of the soup.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide earthy flavors that harmonize beautifully with garlic.
Cheese Platter: Include various cheeses like Brie or Camembert for a sophisticated touch alongside the soup.
Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms can be a delightful finger food alongside each bowl of soup.
Savory Scones: Cheese or herb scones add a unique twist and are perfect for dipping into your soup.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic grilled cheese sandwich pairs perfectly, making it a cozy meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making French Garlic Soup, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:

Using old garlic – Fresh garlic is essential for the best flavor. Always use fresh cloves for a rich taste.
Skipping the sauté step – Sautéing garlic and onion enhances their flavors. Don’t rush this step; a golden brown color is your goal.
Not seasoning properly – Taste your soup before serving. Proper seasoning elevates the overall flavor, so adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Over-blending – Blending too long can make the soup too thin. Blend until smooth but be careful not to overdo it.
Neglecting garnishes – A simple garnish can elevate your dish. Consider adding croutons or fresh herbs for added texture and flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing French Garlic Soup

Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating French Garlic Soup

Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warm throughout.
Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring halfway through until heated evenly.
Stovetop – Reheat on low heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making French Garlic Soup:

What is French Garlic Soup?

French Garlic Soup is a creamy, flavorful soup made primarily from garlic and broth, perfect as a comforting dish.

Can I substitute vegetable broth?

Yes, using chicken broth can add extra depth of flavor while still keeping it delicious.

How can I make French Garlic Soup vegan?

To make it vegan, replace heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative.

What should I serve with French Garlic Soup?

This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

French Garlic Soup is not only rich and comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various herbs or toppings based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try; you’ll love how simple yet delicious it is!

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