Okay, flavor adventurers, buckle up because I’m about to drop a flavor bomb on you! I’m absolutely obsessed with my Homemade Garlic Soup right now. It’s the kind of soup that hugs you from the inside out, packing a punch of garlic goodness that’ll make you say, “WHOA!” This Homemade Garlic Soup isn’t just a recipe; it’s a celebration of bold flavors, just like everything we do here at Cuba Queen.
I remember the exact moment this recipe truly clicked. I was testing different roasting times for the garlic, trying to get that perfect balance between mellow sweetness and that unmistakable garlic kick. Finally, one batch came out perfect.
The aroma alone was intoxicating. That’s when I knew I had nailed it. The creamy texture, the layers of garlic flavor…it was pure magic. You taste that first spoonful and BAM! Instant flavor party in your mouth. It’s ridiculously satisfying, and I’m bursting to share this Homemade Garlic Soup recipe with you so we can both bathe in its garlicky glory!
INGREDIENTS You Need for This:
- 8 heads of garlic: Yep, you read that right! Don’t be scared – roasting them mellows the flavor. Trust me on this.
- 4 tablespoons olive oil: Extra virgin, because we deserve the best.
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the garlic.
- 4 cups vegetable broth: You can use chicken broth if you aren’t looking for a Vegan Garlic Soup, but I love the clean taste of veggie broth.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is where the magic happens! It makes the soup unbelievably creamy.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds an earthy, aromatic note.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Adjust to your taste.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is always best!
- Optional garnishes: Croutons, fresh parsley, a swirl of cream, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
The secret to epic Homemade Garlic Soup is using fresh, high-quality garlic. You’ll find the best garlic at your local farmer’s market, hands down. Splurge on the good stuff for this one—trust me, your taste buds will thank you. This Homemade Garlic Soup ingredient list is SHORT but mighty! If you are looking for a budget-friendly alternative, you can always use pre-minced garlic in a jar, but the flavor will not be as intense. Store your garlic in a cool, dark place to keep it fresh for as long as possible.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
- Roast the garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice off the tops of all the garlic heads, exposing the cloves. Place them on a baking sheet, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and wrap each head loosely in foil. Roast for 45-60 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden brown. Don’t stress – your Homemade Garlic Soup is going to be incredible!
- Sauté the onion: While the garlic is roasting, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Pro tip for Homemade Garlic Soup perfection: don’t let the onions brown!
- Squeeze out the garlic: Once the garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and into the pot with the sautéed onion. This is where your Homemade Garlic Soup transforms into pure magic!
- Simmer the soup: Add the vegetable broth, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. In my kitchen, this Homemade Garlic Soup takes exactly 15 minutes to reach flavor nirvana.
- Blend until smooth: Carefully transfer the soup to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until completely smooth and creamy. Be careful when blending hot liquids! I have found that using an immersion blender is best when making this Creamy Garlic Soup.
- Stir in the cream: Return the soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Heat through gently, but don’t boil. Here’s where most people mess up their Homemade Garlic Soup – but not you!
- Taste and adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or thyme to your liking. While your Homemade Garlic Soup is working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold! Your Homemade Garlic Soup should look creamy, smell intensely garlicky, and taste like heaven in a bowl. I’ve found that this Easy Garlic Soup is perfect for a weeknight meal.
PRESENTATION:
Presentation is everything! Ladle your Homemade Garlic Soup into bowls and garnish with croutons, a swirl of cream, fresh parsley, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Homemade Garlic Soup at dinner parties!
For a super bold pairing, serve this Homemade Garlic Soup with grilled cheese sandwiches or a crusty loaf of bread for dipping. It’s also amazing as a starter before a hearty pasta dish. This Homemade Garlic Soup absolutely slays at dinner parties!
If you have any leftover Homemade Garlic Soup, it’s fantastic reheated or even used as a base for a creamy pasta sauce. I have even experimented with adding some diced tomatoes to the leftover Homemade Garlic Soup for a different variation. For a seasonal twist, try adding roasted butternut squash or sweet potato to the soup for a fall-inspired flavor.
FAQs:
- Can I make this Vegan Garlic Soup? Absolutely! Just substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. It will still be incredibly creamy and delicious. If you are looking for a vegan version of a Roasted Garlic Noodle Soup, check out Roasted Garlic Noodle Soup – Sarah’s Vegan Kitchen.
- What if I don’t have heavy cream? You can use half-and-half or milk, but the soup won’t be as creamy. If you like this recipe, make sure to check out this recipe for Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup.
- Can I use pre-minced garlic? I don’t recommend it. Freshly roasted garlic has a much sweeter and more complex flavor.
- How long does this soup last? It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can I freeze this soup? Yes! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
- Can I make this Homemade Garlic Soup spicier? Go for it! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup while it’s simmering. I often add a little bit of cayenne pepper to my Homemade Garlic Soup for an extra kick.
- How do I know when my Homemade Garlic Soup is perfectly done? The garlic should be soft and golden brown, and the soup should be smooth and creamy.
This Homemade Garlic Soup reminds me of another flavor explosion: Creamy Reuben Soup, it’s another one your family will request again and again.
CONCLUSION:
This Homemade Garlic Soup is the ultimate expression of Cuba Queen’s love for bold, unapologetic flavors. It’s comforting, satisfying, and guaranteed to impress. Looking for a vegan version? You should try Four Heads of Garlic Soup (vegan & super creamy) • It Doesn’t Taste …, your kids will love it!
My Homemade Garlic Soup Power Tips:
- Roast the garlic until it’s deeply golden brown for the sweetest, most mellow flavor.
- Don’t skimp on the cream! It’s what makes this soup so decadent and luxurious.
- Adjust the seasoning to your liking. Don’t be afraid to add a little extra salt, pepper, or thyme.
I’ve created so many variations of this Homemade Garlic Soup, but a few of my favorites include:
- Roasted Garlic and Tomato Soup: Add a can of diced tomatoes to the soup while it’s simmering.
- Roasted Garlic and Butternut Squash Soup: Add roasted butternut squash to the soup for a fall-inspired flavor.
- Roasted Garlic and Potato Soup: Add diced potatoes to the soup while it’s simmering.
The Roasted Garlic and Tomato Soup gets the biggest reactions every time! For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out this recipe for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers. You should also look at Roasted Garlic Soup – Good Dinner Mom for another twist on this classic dish!
I have complete confidence that you’re going to rock this recipe. Make this Homemade Garlic Soup your signature dish, and get ready for the flavor applause! Now go forth and create some Homemade Garlic Soup memories! Don’t forget to share your results with me!
Homemade Garlic Soup
This comforting homemade garlic soup is packed with flavor and is incredibly easy to make. A simple and healthy dish perfect for a chilly evening or when you need a boost!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- Crusty bread, for serving (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, add dried thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
- Bring the soup to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and with crusty bread on the side, if desired.
Notes
For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of butter or cream at the end. You can also blend the soup for a smoother texture.