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Classic French Garlic Soup

Classic French Garlic Soup

Classic French Garlic Soup is a warm, comforting, and aromatic soup that features bold garlic flavor simmered in a savory broth. This simple, yet elegant dish combines fragrant garlic, crusty bread, and melted Gruyère cheese for a hearty and nourishing bowl perfect for chilly evenings or impressing guests.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 6–8 fresh garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 6 cups good quality chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 4–6 slices French baguette, toasted until golden and crisp
  • Fresh thyme sprigs or parsley stems (about 4-5 sprigs)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Peel and thinly slice the garlic cloves. Toast the baguette slices until golden and crisp. Grate the Gruyère cheese so they are ready for cooking.
  2. Sauté the Garlic: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook gently until fragrant and soft, but not browned, to avoid bitterness. This unlocks the garlic’s natural sweetness.
  3. Build the Soup Base: Pour in the broth and add fresh thyme sprigs or parsley stems. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15-20 minutes to meld flavors. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
  4. Incorporate the Bread: Add the toasted baguette slices into the simmering soup to soak up the broth and soften slightly, creating the signature hearty texture.
  5. Serve with Cheese: Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, sprinkle generously with Gruyère cheese, and place them under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles with a golden crust.

Notes

  • Choose fresh garlic for a sweeter, more flavorful soup, avoiding harshness.
  • Cook garlic slowly over low heat to prevent burning and bitterness.
  • Use day-old or slightly stale baguette for better soaking and texture retention.
  • Broil carefully and watch the cheese to avoid burning or excessive browning.
  • If the broth looks cloudy, gently skim the surface for a clearer soup.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: classic French garlic soup, garlic soup, French soup, comforting soup, garlic recipe, hearty soup, Gruyère cheese soup