This warm and comforting Italian Garlic Soup is packed with rich flavor from roasted garlic and fresh herbs. It’s simple to make and perfect for those chilly days!
Whenever I make this soup, the smell of garlic fills the kitchen, and it makes my mouth water. It’s like a hug in a bowl—who wouldn’t want that? 🤗
I love serving it with crusty bread for dipping. It’s such an easy dish to whip up, and it always warms me up from the inside out. Enjoying it feels like home!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Garlic: Roasting whole garlic heads gives a sweet, mellow flavor. If you’re in a hurry, you can use garlic powder instead, but fresh garlic has a more complex taste.
Broth: I love chicken broth for depth, but vegetable broth works great for a vegetarian version. It’s all about what you have on hand!
Milk/Cream: I recommend using whole milk for creaminess, but if you want a lighter version, almond milk or coconut milk can also be nice alternatives.
Bread: Rustic Italian bread is perfect for croutons, but any sturdy bread will do. Leftover baguette or sourdough can elevate the soup nicely!
How to Achieve Creamy and Flavorful Soup?
Blending your soup properly is key for that smooth finish. An immersion blender is handy, but if you use a regular blender, let the soup cool a bit first to avoid hot splashes. Here’s how:
- After roasting the garlic, let it cool slightly before handling.
- When blending, allow steam to escape by venting the lid slightly.
- Blend in small batches if using a standard blender. It helps to prevent spills!
This technique ensures you get a lovely velvety texture, making each spoonful comforting and delicious. Enjoy your soup! 🌟
How to Make Italian Garlic Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 whole heads of garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Croutons:
- 4 slices of rustic Italian bread, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for croutons)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful soup takes about 10 minutes of prep time and about 45 minutes to cook, including roasting the garlic. The waiting is worth it for a delicious warm bowl of comfort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will get it nice and hot for roasting the garlic.
2. Roast the Garlic:
Slice the tops off the garlic heads to expose the cloves, then drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Wrap them in foil and pop them into the oven for about 30-35 minutes until they’re soft and caramelized. Let them cool when done, and squeeze the roasted cloves into a bowl. Set aside.
3. Make the Croutons:
While the garlic is roasting, prepare your croutons. Toss the bread cubes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, spread them on a baking sheet, and toast them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes until they’re golden and crisp. Set these aside too.
4. Sauté the Onion:
In a large pot, melt the butter with 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté it until it’s translucent, which should take around 5 minutes.
5. Add the Roasted Garlic:
Add the roasted garlic cloves into the pot. Use a fork or potato masher to mash the garlic slightly as you stir it into the onion.
6. Simmer with Broth:
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add the thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes to blend all the wonderful flavors together.
7. Puree the Soup:
Here comes the fun part! Using an immersion blender (or carefully blending in batches in a regular blender), puree the soup until it’s smooth and creamy. This gives it that luxurious texture.
8. Add Milk/Cream:
Stir in the milk or heavy cream and warm it through without bringing it to a boil. This enriches the soup and makes it extra comforting! Season it with salt and pepper (and any red pepper flakes, if you’re feeling spicy) to your liking.
9. Serve with Croutons:
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Add the toasted croutons for a nice crunch.
10. Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot with extra crusty bread on the side. Enjoy this creamy, garlicky Italian classic — it’s sure to warm your heart!
Can I Use Pre-Packaged Garlic Instead of Fresh?
While you can use pre-packaged garlic (like minced or jarred garlic), fresh roasted garlic really offers the best flavor and sweetness. If you must substitute, use about one teaspoon of pre-packaged minced garlic for each clove.
How to Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if it thickens up too much.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes! This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What Can I Pair This Soup With?
This Italian Garlic Soup pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even a light pasta dish. The rich flavors make it a fantastic starter or a cozy meal on its own!