This Italian garlic soup is warm and cozy, perfect for a chilly day. With fresh garlic, broth, and a sprinkle of bread, it brings comfort in every spoonful!
I love how easy it is to whip up—just simmer and enjoy! Plus, your kitchen will smell amazing! It’s like a hug in a bowl. 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Garlic: This recipe shines with lots of garlic. You can use individual cloves or even jarred minced garlic if you’re short on time. But fresh garlic gives the best flavor!
Broth: Chicken broth adds richness, but vegetable broth is great for a vegetarian option. Homemade broth makes it even better, but store-bought works just fine!
Potato: Potatoes create that creamy texture. If you’re looking for a low-carb version, you can substitute with cauliflower or leave it out and add more cream for richness.
Cream: Heavy cream is best for a rich soup, but you can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. Non-dairy milks like almond milk work if you need a dairy-free alternative.
Bread: I love using crusty sourdough for the topping, but any crusty bread will do. You can also use stale bread—it’s perfect for toasting!
How Do I Get My Garlic to Be Just Right in This Soup?
Getting the garlic perfect is key to this soup! Here’s how to do it:
- Use fresh garlic that’s firm and bright in color—this will give the best flavor.
- Make sure to sauté the garlic gently. If it browns, it can turn bitter. Aim for just soft and fragrant—about 5-7 minutes on medium heat.
Cooking it slowly allows the garlic to mellow and sweeten beautifully. If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, you can add it toward the end of cooking—just be careful to avoid burning!
How to Make Italian Garlic Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8-10 large garlic cloves, peeled and minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 large potato, peeled and diced (for creamy texture)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for a mild heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup crusty bread, cut into cubes or toasted slices for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook. So, you’ll need about 40 minutes total to whip up this delicious soup!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Garlic and Onions:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onions. Sauté gently for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are soft and the mixture is fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as this can make it bitter.
2. Add the Potato:
Next, throw the diced potato into the pot and stir for about a minute. The potato will help create that nice, creamy texture in the soup.
3. Add the Broth:
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth now. Bring the mixture to a boil, and once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are nice and tender.
4. Purée the Soup:
Now it’s time to make the soup smooth! Use an immersion blender to puree the soup right in the pot until it’s silky and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, blend until smooth, and then return it to the pot.
5. Add Cream and Season:
Once the soup is pureed, stir in the heavy cream or milk to add richness. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red chili flakes if you like a little spice.
6. Heat Gently:
Continue to heat the soup gently for another 5 minutes, but don’t let it boil—just warm it through!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Now, it’s time to serve your delicious garlic soup! Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with toasted bread cubes or slices, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, and a bit of grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy every warm, cozy bite!
Get ready to fall in love with this comforting, creamy garlic soup! Enjoy it warm with the crunch from the bread for a delightful experience!
Can I Use Less Garlic in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re not a huge fan of garlic, you can reduce the number to 4-6 cloves. The soup will still be flavorful, just with a milder garlic taste.
Is It Possible to Make This Soup Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a cashew cream. It will still be creamy and delicious!
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Definitely! Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.
What to Serve Along with Italian Garlic Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or a side of crusty bread for dipping. You can also serve it with a light pasta dish for a heartier meal.
