Velvety French Garlic Soup

Featured in Big pots of steaming, hearty soup.

Southern French garlic soup with homemade mayo, chicken broth, and a deliciously creamy finish, ready in 25 minutes.
alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Tue, 13 May 2025 12:15:32 GMT
A creamy garlic soup in a bowl, garnished with herbs and served with toast. Garlic bulbs and bread slices in the background. Pin it
A creamy garlic soup in a bowl, garnished with herbs and served with toast. Garlic bulbs and bread slices in the background. | tasteofsavor.com

I wanna tell you about a gem from Lautrec that I've adored for years! This French garlic classic, or velouté, brings rich smoothness and gentle flavor together in every bowl. The best part? You don’t need fancy stuff—a cool trick with mayo turns the basics into pure comfort food. Every spoonful? Feels like sitting in a sunlit bistro in France.

Why You'll Love Garlic Soup

This bowl isn't just tasty—it's feel-good food! Garlic does wonders for your mood and health, so I always make it when I’m under the weather or craving something warm and soothing. It’s my pick whenever I want a light dinner that still fills me up on a brisk night.

Soup Staples You Need

  • Egg: The trick for that dreamy smooth mouthfeel.
  • Olive Oil: Go with really good extra virgin for the biggest flavor boost.
  • Chicken Stock: If you can swing homemade, it lifts the whole thing!
  • Garlic: Go for plump fresh bulbs—you want those fat cloves for sweetness.
  • Salt: Just enough to wake up all the flavors.
  • Fresh Sage: Toss in for a burst of herbal goodness.

Cozy Garlic Soup Directions

The Finishing Move
Mixing in homemade mayo off the burner is what gives you that signature French twist.
Brew the Broth
You'll love watching garlic swirl its magic right into the stock.
Start with Garlic
Prepping right matters—a gentle hand gets rid of bitter shoots before you begin.
Clove Mash Time
Once soft, smash those cloves into silky golden goodness!

Switch It Up

Some days I slide a poached egg or juicy chicken bits on top for a protein bite. Wilting some baby spinach in at the end works so well too. If I’m feeling fancy, a heap of Gruyère on top turns the bowl into total bliss!

Nail That Texture

Patience is everything—cook the garlic slow, then whisk in the mayo after you pull it from the heat. These little moves really are game-changers for that velvety finish.

Stays Tasty Days Later

This soup lasts just fine in the fridge for a few days. Gently rewarm and it’s just as good. Grab a chewy baguette to dip, and you’ll be all set for another cozy meal.

A creamy soup in a black bowl topped with olive oil, spices, and fresh sage, served with rustic bread on a wooden board. Pin it
A creamy soup in a black bowl topped with olive oil, spices, and fresh sage, served with rustic bread on a wooden board. | tasteofsavor.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why should the garlic center be removed?
The middle part can taste bitter, which can affect the whole soup. Taking it out makes the flavor smoother.
→ Why is pre-boiling garlic important?
Softening the garlic first makes it easy to mash and tones down its sharp bite for a balanced flavor.
→ Why is tempering mayo necessary?
Mixing some hot soup with the mayo first stops it from curdling when added to the rest.
→ What happens if the soup boils after mayo is added?
Boiling may cause the mayo to curdle, messing up the soup's creamy texture.
→ Is straining the soup required?
It's optional but recommended if you want that perfectly smooth, traditional finish.

Conclusion

Savory garlic and fresh sage marry in this traditional Southern French dish. A mayo-thickened broth adds creaminess to this quick, flavorful soup.

French Garlic Soup

A creamy Southern France garlic soup with sage and a smooth broth thickened using an easy mayo trick.

Prep Time
~
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Soups & Stews

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: French

Yield: 8 Servings (8 bowls)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 2 quarts chicken broth.
02 A small handful of fresh sage leaves.
03 One large garlic bulb.
04 ⅔ cup of extra virgin olive oil.
05 A single large egg, divided.
06 1 tsp Dijon mustard.
07 A tiny pinch of salt.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat the chicken broth along with sage in a stock pot, then start on the garlic prep.

Step 02

Peel garlic, cut cloves in half, and remove the inner stems. Boil for 3-4 minutes, drain, and mash until smooth.

Step 03

Stir the mashed garlic into the simmering broth, cooking gently for 10 minutes.

Step 04

Use a hand blender to mix together mustard, egg yolk, oil, and salt until creamy. Add the egg white only if needed.

Step 05

Optional: strain the liquid for a smoother finish. Slowly mix some hot soup into the mayo, then pour back into the pot. Keep warm, but don't let it boil.

Notes

  1. Don’t let it boil after combining with mayonnaise.
  2. Strain for a creamier consistency if you'd like.
  3. Inspired by the French Cooking Academy.

Tools You'll Need

  • Stock pot or Dutch oven.
  • Hand blender.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs (from the mayo).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 255
  • Total Fat: 21 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 9 g
  • Protein: 7 g