French Garlic Soup (with Cheesy Crostinis) Recipe

If you adore rich, comforting soups that warm you up from the inside out, then you are going to love this recipe for French Garlic Soup (with Cheesy Crostinis). This dish combines the bold, aromatic flavor of roasted garlic with the creamy smoothness of a perfectly blended broth, elevated by a touch of sage and thyme. The crowning glory is the golden, crispy crostinis topped with melted Parmesan that add an irresistible cheesy crunch. Every spoonful feels like a hug in a bowl, making this soup a hearty yet elegant choice for any day you crave something special and satisfyingly warm.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the simplicity of the ingredients fool you—every item here plays an essential role in crafting the deep, layered flavors and satisfying textures of this French Garlic Soup (with Cheesy Crostinis). From the sweetness of sautéed onions to the punchy richness of Parmesan, these staples come together to create a dish that’s both humble and luxurious.

• Salted butter: Provides a creamy base and helps soften the onions and garlic gently without burning.
• White onion (minced): Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the robustness of garlic.
• Garlic cloves (24, halved): The star ingredient, offering that unmistakable pungent and aromatic depth.
• Thyme sprigs: Fresh herbaceous notes that brighten the soup while complementing the garlic’s earthiness.
• Dried sage: Adds a warm, slightly peppery flavor that enhances the soup’s complexity.
• Chicken broth: The savory liquid base that infuses the soup and provides richness without overpowering.
• Cornstarch: Used as a gentle thickening agent to achieve a velvety texture.
• Parmesan cheese (finely grated plus rind): Adds salty umami and a creamy finish, with the rind intensifying the broth during simmering.
• Large eggs: Whisked into the soup for a silky, slightly thickened consistency.
• Baguette: Sliced thin for crostinis that get gloriously crisp with a cheesy topping.
• Extra virgin olive oil: For brushing crostinis to ensure a golden, flavorful crust.

How to Make French Garlic Soup (with Cheesy Crostinis)

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by melting the salted butter in a pot over medium heat. Once it’s warm and shimmering, toss in the minced onion, sliced garlic cloves, thyme sprigs (don’t forget to discard the stems), dried sage, and a good pinch of salt. Keep the heat low so the garlic softens delicately without browning too much, allowing the flavors to meld in about five minutes. This gentle sauté is crucial for building that irresistible base flavor your French Garlic Soup (with Cheesy Crostinis) depends on.

Step 2: Add Broth and Simmer

Sprinkle the cornstarch over the softened aromatics and mix it in well. Then, pour in the chicken broth along with the Parmesan rind. Let this simmer gently for 15 minutes, giving the flavors time to marry while the cheese rind slowly infuses its rich umami into the liquid. This step creates an incredibly flavorful and silky broth foundation for your soup.

Step 3: Blend Until Smooth

Using an immersion blender (or a regular blender in batches), carefully blend the soup until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency with no lumps of garlic or onion remaining. Bring the blended soup back to a simmer and then turn the heat off for the moment. This smooth texture is what gives the French Garlic Soup (with Cheesy Crostinis) its satisfying, velvety mouthfeel.

Step 4: Temper the Eggs

In a separate large bowl or measuring cup, beat the eggs until well combined. Slowly drizzle the hot soup into the eggs while whisking constantly—this method prevents scrambling and gently raises the temperature of the eggs. Then, gradually add 2 to 3 cups of broth before stirring the egg mixture back into the pot. Turn the heat to low-medium and bring it back to a gentle simmer to finish cooking. The eggs thicken the soup naturally, adding luxurious creaminess without cream.

Step 5: Prepare the Cheesy Crostinis

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Slice your baguette diagonally into thin ⅓-inch pieces for the perfect crostinis. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, brushing both sides lightly with extra virgin olive oil for that golden crunch. Sprinkle each slice generously with finely grated Parmesan cheese. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the crostinis are crisp and the cheese is bubbling and golden. For extra browning, pop them under the broiler briefly but watch closely—they can go from perfectly toasted to burnt very fast! These crostinis are the perfect crispy companion to ladle into your French Garlic Soup (with Cheesy Crostinis).

How to Serve French Garlic Soup (with Cheesy Crostinis)

Garnishes

Keep it simple to let the soup shine—freshly cracked black pepper, a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan, or a few fresh thyme leaves add just the right final touch. The crostinis can be floated on top or served on the side for dipping. Their crispiness and cheesy flavor make every bite an exciting contrast to the silky soup.

Side Dishes

This soup really stands on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables pair beautifully. The light acidity of the salad cuts through the richness, while roasted veg adds earthy depth without overpowering the delicate garlic flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, serve the soup in rustic stoneware bowls and float the crostinis on top just before serving so they stay crisp. Or, try layering the crostinis at the bottom of the bowl and ladling the soup over for a dramatic melt-in-your-mouth experience. You can also drizzle a touch of good olive oil or a few drops of garlic-infused oil over the finished soup to elevate the aroma and visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

French Garlic Soup (with Cheesy Crostinis) keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. It’s best to store the crostinis separately to keep their crispiness intact. When ready to enjoy again, just gently reheat the soup to preserve the flavor and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the soup without the crostinis for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove to avoid curdling the eggs or separating the soup.

Reheating

Reheat the soup slowly over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching and ensure the eggs remain smooth and silky. Avoid boiling as this can change the texture. For the crostinis, refresh their crunch by popping them in a hot oven or toaster oven for a few minutes just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Absolutely! Vegetable broth works well for a vegetarian version and still delivers great flavor. Just choose a rich, well-seasoned broth to keep the soup flavorful.

Is it necessary to use the Parmesan rind?

The rind adds wonderful depth and umami to the broth, but if you don’t have it, simply increase the grated Parmesan slightly. The soup will still be delicious, just slightly less complex.

Can I make the crostinis ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best to store them in an airtight container to maintain crispness and reheat briefly before serving. They tend to soften if left exposed to air for too long.

How can I make this soup vegan?

To make a vegan version of French Garlic Soup (with Cheesy Crostinis), substitute the butter with olive oil or vegan margarine, use vegetable broth, and replace eggs with a thickener like blended silken tofu or cashew cream. For the crostinis, choose a vegan cheese alternative or omit it and simply brush with olive oil.

What is the best way to slice the baguette for crostinis?

Slice the baguette on a bias into thin (about ⅓-inch) slices. This exposes more surface area for the olive oil and cheese to create that perfect golden crunch in the oven.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about a bowl of French Garlic Soup (with Cheesy Crostinis) that comforts and excites your palate all at once. This recipe brings together simple ingredients with thoughtful technique to create a dish that feels both special and cozy. Whether you’re treating yourself on a chilly evening or sharing with friends, this soup’s creamy body and crispy cheesy toppings will win hearts every time. So go ahead, make a pot and indulge in this beautiful French classic—you won’t regret it.

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