French Garlic Soup Recipe

French Garlic Soup is the ultimate comfort dish—a luscious, golden broth infused with sweet, mellow garlic, fresh sage, and enriched with the silkiest homemade mayonnaise. Each spoonful is impossibly fragrant, creamy, and impossible to forget. If you’re ready to fall in love with a French classic, this is the soup for you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be delighted to discover that French Garlic Soup only asks for simple pantry and fresh staples, but every single one is absolutely essential for building luxurious texture and nuanced flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why each is so important!

• 64 ounces chicken stock: The backbone of this soup—use a good-quality stock for the richest flavor. Vegetable stock works for a vegetarian swap.
• Small bunch fresh sage: Sage’s earthy, slightly peppery notes are subtle but magical here, infusing the broth with authentic Provencal character.
• 1 large head of garlic: The true star! Peeling and blanching the cloves mellows them beautifully so the flavor is deeply aromatic, not sharp.
• Mayonnaise (homemade): This classic French technique brings an unforgettable creamy, silky finish—it’s so much more than just a thickener.
• 2/3 cup olive oil (or vegetable oil): Helps create an emulsion for the mayo and adds richness. Use a neutral oil if you want a lighter flavor.
• 1 large egg, separated: The yolk is whipped into the mayo for lush body, and the white can help save a broken emulsion if needed.
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard: Just a little adds lift and brightness to the mayonnaise, perfectly complementing the garlic.
• Pinch salt: Essential! Salt brings out the natural sweetness in the garlic and ties all the flavors together.

Variations

The beauty of French Garlic Soup is how easy it is to put your own spin on it! Feel free to adapt this recipe to fit your taste buds, dietary preferences, or whatever you have in your kitchen right now.

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken stock with a robust vegetable broth and you’ll have a totally meatless (yet just as delicious) bowl.
• Vegan Twist: Use aquafaba in place of the egg to create a vegan mayo, and substitute plant-based oils and broth for a dairy- and egg-free treat.
• Crouton Topping: Try sourdough or rye croutons for extra flavor and crunch, or even top with a handful of roasted chickpeas.
• Herby Makeover: Add a sprig or two of fresh thyme or parsley to the stock if you want a greener herbal note.

How to Make French Garlic Soup

Step 1: Infuse the Stock with Sage

Start by heating the chicken stock with a small handful of fresh sage leaves in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot. Bring it up to a gentle simmer and let those flavors quietly develop as you prep your garlic. This step layers earthy flavor right into the soup base and transforms every bite.

Step 2: Prep the Garlic

Peel all the cloves from a large head of garlic (don’t be shy, it’s less intense than you think!). Slice each clove in half lengthwise and remove the tiny, greenish sprout in the center—this little shoot can make big batches of garlic tastes slightly bitter, so it’s worth the extra minute or two.

Step 3: Blanch and Mash the Garlic

Pop the garlic cloves into a small saucepan of boiling water and blanch them for just 3-4 minutes. This simple trick takes out any raw harshness. Drain, then mash the softened garlic with the back of a fork until it’s almost paste-like—smoothness is the goal!

Step 4: Simmer the Garlic in the Broth

Scoop every bit of that fragrant, mashed garlic into your simmering sage chicken stock. Let it gently bubble for another 10 minutes, just enough for the flavors to fully mingle. If you want an ultra-smooth soup later, you can always strain the broth before finishing—totally your call!

Step 5: Make the Homemade Mayonnaise

While the soup simmers, make your mayo: add the egg yolk, Dijon mustard, a pinch of salt, and oil to a narrow jar or cup. Use an immersion blender, starting at the bottom, then slowly lift the blender as you mix. It should thicken up in seconds! If not, whisk in the reserved egg white and blend again until creamy magic happens.

Step 6: Temper and Finish the Soup

Tempering is the secret to dreamy texture. Whisk a ladle of the hot soup into your mayo to gently bring it up to temperature, then stir that mixture right back into the pot. Whisk as you add! Warm the soup just until it’s heated through—don’t let it boil, or the gorgeous emulsion can separate.

How to Serve French Garlic Soup

Garnishes

The best finishing touches for French Garlic Soup are gloriously simple: a handful of rustic croutons (try torn, oven-toasted baguette), a swirl of really good olive oil, a whisper of smoked paprika, and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. They add color, crunch, and a restaurant-worthy final flourish to every bowl.

Side Dishes

For a cozy meal, pair this soup with a leafy green salad, cheese-topped crostini, or a flaky pastry. It also makes a showstopping starter for a classic French-style dinner—think roast chicken and potatoes, or a spread of spring vegetables.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to go all out, serve French Garlic Soup in tiny espresso cups as an appetizer at a dinner party, or pour it into hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic bistro vibe. A drizzle of garlic-chili oil or a dusting of microgreens makes it extra fancy for guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover French Garlic Soup keeps surprisingly well! Let it cool to room temperature, then store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before reheating to bring that creamy consistency back to life.

Freezing

You can freeze the garlic-infused broth itself before adding the mayonnaise, but the finished soup (with mayo) is best enjoyed fresh. For meal-prep, freeze the base, thaw, reheat, and finish with mayo just before serving for perfect results.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often. Don’t let it boil—just until it’s hot and steamy. If it looks a little separated, a quick whisk or even a few seconds with the immersion blender will restore its silky texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried French Garlic Soup, there’s truly nothing like it—soothing, soulful, and bursting with subtle luxury. It always impresses, but more importantly, it’s made for sharing. Give it a try, and bring a little bit of French warmth to your own kitchen!

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