If you love cozy, comforting food that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, I’m so excited to share this French Garlic Soup with Cheesy Crostinis Recipe with you. This dish is the perfect marriage of deeply fragrant roasted garlic, velvety smooth soup, and irresistibly crispy crostinis topped with bubbly, golden Parmesan cheese. Each spoonful delivers layers of flavor and texture that come together in the most welcoming way. Whether you’re curling up on a chilly evening or impressing friends with something special yet simple, this recipe is truly a star.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this French Garlic Soup with Cheesy Crostinis Recipe so approachable is how the ingredients are straightforward and play such important roles. From the creamy butter that starts the base to the vibrant garlic that brings its signature punch, every item contributes to the overall harmony of taste and texture.
- 2 tbsp salted butter: Adds richness and a gentle sweetness to start cooking the aromatics.
- 1 small white onion, minced: Brings subtle sharpness and a mellow sweetness as it sautés.
- 2 heads of garlic (24 cloves), sliced in half: The heart of this soup, offering a fragrant, roasted flavor that’s far from overpowering when cooked slowly.
- 2 thyme sprigs, stems discarded: Infuses an earthy, aromatic note that complements the garlic beautifully.
- ½ tsp dried sage: Adds depth with a warm, slightly peppery flavor.
- 8 cups chicken broth: The flavorful base liquid, lending body and savoriness to the soup.
- 2 tbsp cornstarch: Gives the soup a luscious thickness without heaviness.
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated + the rind: Provides umami richness and gentle nuttiness.
- 3 large eggs: Create the silky texture through a classic French technique involving tempering.
- ½ baguette (about 12-inch piece), sliced diagonally ⅓-inch thick: The perfect vehicle for the cheesy topping to crisp up on.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated: For topping the crostinis and baking until golden.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Used to brush the crostinis before baking for a crisp, golden finish.
How to Make French Garlic Soup with Cheesy Crostinis Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the aromatics
Begin by melting your butter over medium heat in a sturdy pot. Once bubbly and fragrant, add your minced onions, halved garlic cloves, thyme sprigs, dried sage, and a generous pinch of salt. Keep the heat low and let everything gently soften for about five minutes. This slow cooking transforms the sharpness of the garlic into a mellow, sweet depth that forms the soul of your soup.
Step 2: Thicken and simmer the soup
Sprinkle in the cornstarch and stir to coat the garlic and onion mix evenly. Then, add the rich chicken broth along with the Parmesan rind—this secret addition will subtly melt into the soup, adding that irresistible cheesy undertone. Let the pot simmer for 15 minutes, allowing these flavors to marry and the broth to thicken slightly.
Step 3: Blend until smooth
Once your soup has developed great flavor, it’s time to blend. Use an immersion blender right in the pot for ease, or carefully transfer to a regular blender in batches. Blend until the soup is silky smooth and creamy, then return it to low heat to keep warm.
Step 4: Temper the eggs
In a separate bowl or measuring cup, beat your three large eggs lightly. Slowly drizzle a few ladlefuls of the hot soup into the eggs, whisking continuously to raise the eggs’ temperature gently. This step is critical—it prevents the eggs from scrambling and instead will create a rich, velvety texture in your soup.
Step 5: Combine and finish cooking
Pour the egg mixture back into the pot gradually while stirring. Next, stir in 2 to 3 cups of broth to adjust consistency. Warm it back on low-medium heat just until the soup is gently simmering again, stirring constantly to prevent curdling. Turn off the heat and set aside, confident the base of your French Garlic Soup with Cheesy Crostinis Recipe is now perfectly silky and flavorful.
Step 6: Prepare cheesy crostinis
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Slice the baguette on a bias into thin, 1/3-inch pieces — this shape allows for maximum crispiness and surface area for the cheese. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and brush both sides with luscious extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle each slice generously with the grated Parmesan cheese, then pop the tray into the oven.
Step 7: Bake the crostinis to golden perfection
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese is golden and sizzling, and the bread is crisp. If you want that extra bit of crunch or golden glow, place the crostinis under the broiler for about a minute, keeping a very close eye to avoid burning. These cheesy crostinis are the perfect crunchy contrast to your creamy garlic soup.
How to Serve French Garlic Soup with Cheesy Crostinis Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, you can sprinkle a little extra freshly grated Parmesan or a few thyme leaves over the soup before serving. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can add a beautiful sheen and enhance the garlic aroma even more. These details elevate the presentation and provide extra bursts of flavor.
Side Dishes
This soup is wonderfully filling on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a lightly dressed vegetable medley to balance out the richness. A glass of dry white wine or sparkling water with lemon also complements the meal nicely for a casual yet elegant experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the soup in rustic bowls with two crostinis artfully resting on the rim or floating on top. You can also arrange the crostinis on a wooden board or slate platter alongside small herb garnishes for a chic appetizer vibe that will wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Avoid adding the crostinis until you are ready to serve so they stay crisp and fresh.
Freezing
This soup freezes very well thanks to its smooth texture. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to three months. Avoid freezing the crostinis as they will lose their texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on low heat to prevent curdling, stirring frequently. You may need to whisk the soup briefly with a fork once warm to restore its creamy texture. Add freshly baked crostinis just before serving for the best contrast.
FAQs
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Absolutely! Using vegetable broth will still result in a delicious soup; just choose a rich, flavorful broth to keep that comforting depth.
Is it necessary to use the Parmesan rind?
While optional, the rind adds a subtle, savory boost to the soup’s flavor. If you don’t have it, extra grated Parmesan will help but the rind truly adds character.
How can I make the garlic less intense?
Slowly sautéeing the garlic as in this recipe sweetens and softens its sharpness, making it mellow and delightful rather than overpowering.
Can I prepare the crostinis ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake them ahead and store in an airtight container at room temperature for a day. Re-crisp them briefly in the oven just before serving.
What if I don’t have an immersion blender?
No worries! Use a regular blender in batches, but be sure to let the soup cool slightly before blending to avoid splashes and burns.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this French Garlic Soup with Cheesy Crostinis Recipe that makes it a timeless favorite in my kitchen. It’s comforting, elegant, and surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a wonderful way to show love to yourself and others. I encourage you to give it a try—nothing beats the joy of dipping a crisp, cheesy crostini into a warm bowl of this luscious soup!
Print
French Garlic Soup with Cheesy Crostinis Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Description
This French Garlic Soup with Cheesy Crostinis is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring a rich, creamy garlic broth enhanced with thyme and sage, complemented by crispy baguette slices topped with melted Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a cozy meal, this recipe blends aromatic ingredients with a smooth texture and cheesy crunch.
Ingredients
Soup
- 2 tbsp salted butter
- 1 small white onion, minced
- 2 heads of garlic (24 cloves), sliced in half
- 2 thyme sprigs, stems discarded
- ½ tsp dried sage
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated + rind
- 3 large eggs
Cheesy Crostinis
- ½ baguette (about a 12-inch piece), cut diagonally into ⅓-inch slices
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- Extra virgin olive oil, for brushing
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced onion, halved garlic cloves, thyme sprigs, dried sage, and a generous pinch of salt. Sauté on low heat for about 5 minutes or until the garlic starts to soften, releasing fragrant aromas.
- Add Cornstarch and Broth: Stir in the cornstarch to coat the aromatics evenly, then slowly pour in the chicken broth along with the Parmesan rind. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook gently for 15 minutes to develop deep flavors.
- Blend the Soup: Remove the thyme sprigs and Parmesan rind. Using an immersion blender or carefully transferring to a regular blender, blend the soup until completely smooth and creamy. Return the soup to the pot and bring it to a simmer again, then turn off the heat.
- Temper the Eggs: In a bowl or measuring cup, beat the three eggs thoroughly. Slowly drizzle in the hot soup while continuously whisking to temper the eggs and prevent scrambling.
- Combine Egg Mixture with Soup: Stir in 2 to 3 cups of broth from the pot before adding the egg mixture back into the pot. Place the pot over low to medium heat and gently bring the soup back to a simmer, stirring constantly to thicken and integrate the eggs fully.
- Prepare Crostinis: Preheat your oven to 425℉ (220℃). Slice the baguette diagonally into ⅓-inch thick pieces and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Lightly brush both sides of each slice with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle evenly with the finely grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake Crostinis: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and the bread is crisp. For extra browning and crispness, you may broil the crostinis for about 1 minute, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Ladle the hot, creamy garlic soup into bowls and serve immediately alongside the cheesy crostinis for dipping or topping.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; roasting the garlic before adding can mellow the sharpness if preferred.
- Tempering the eggs carefully is crucial to avoid curdling in the soup.
- The Parmesan rind adds deep flavor—don’t omit this step.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator; reheat gently to prevent eggs from scrambling.
