Dinner

Country French Garlic Soup Recipe

Name: Country French Garlic Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 whole heads of garlic, peeled; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 tablespoons butter; 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 2 sprigs fresh thyme; 2 bay leaves; Salt and pepper, to taste; 4 egg yolks; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Crusty bread, for serving; Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Bymia larkspur January 2, 2026January 2, 2026

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Introduction

Country French Garlic Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that highlights the magic of slow-cooked garlic and rich broth. This creamy, savory soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread for a cozy meal.

A white bowl filled with creamy soup, topped with slices of browned roasted garlic and sprinkled with black pepper and herbs. A slice of toasted bread with a golden crust rests on the edge of the bowl, slightly dipped in the soup. A silver spoon is placed inside the bowl, ready to scoop the soup. The background is a white marbled texture, creating a clean and bright setting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 whole heads of garlic, peeled
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 tablespoons butter
6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 egg yolks
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Crusty bread, for serving
Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add the peeled garlic cloves and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Step 3: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, then add the fresh thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
Step 4: Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaves from the pot. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth.
Step 6: Slowly temper the egg mixture by adding a ladle of hot soup to it while whisking constantly. Then, gradually whisk this mixture back into the pot.
Step 7: Simmer the soup for 5 more minutes, stirring continuously until it thickens slightly.
Step 8: Serve the soup hot, accompanied by crusty bread. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

Roast the garlic heads beforehand to add a deeper, sweeter flavor to the soup.
Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.
For added texture, top the soup with toasted breadcrumbs or more grated Parmesan.
Stir in a splash of white wine along with the broth for an extra layer of flavor.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent curdling. Avoid boiling to keep the smooth texture.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with creamy soup resting on a white marbled surface. The soup is thick and white with small green herbs sprinkled throughout. On top, there are several toasted golden-brown slices of small round bread. A silver spoon is dipped into the soup, held by a woman's hand. Two slices of toasted bread lean on the edge of the bowl, showing a crispy brown texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-minced garlic instead of whole garlic cloves?

For best flavor and texture, use whole peeled garlic cloves as suggested. Pre-minced garlic may be too strong and can alter the soup’s delicate taste.

Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, you can replace butter with olive oil and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. The egg yolks add richness but can be omitted for a lighter version.