Traditional Country French Style Garlic Soup Recipe
Introduction
This traditional country French style garlic soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that highlights roasted garlic’s sweet, mellow character. It’s simple to make, with a creamy, tangy emulsion adding richness to a fragrant sage-infused chicken broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave a cozy bowl of warmth.

Ingredients
- 1 large garlic bulb (peeled and sliced)
- 1 tbsp dried sage
- Pinch of salt
- 64 oz chicken stock
- 2/3 cup olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 egg yolk (room temperature)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the sliced garlic bulb evenly on a baking tray and drizzle lightly with olive oil. Roast for 30-40 minutes until the garlic is soft and golden, which deepens the flavor and sweetness.
- Step 2: While the garlic roasts, pour the chicken stock into a large pot and bring it to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Add the dried sage and a pinch of salt, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Step 3: Remove the roasted garlic from the oven and mash it into a smooth paste using a fork while still warm—it will mash more easily.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and Dijon mustard until smooth. Slowly drizzle in the remaining olive oil, whisking continuously to create a creamy emulsion.
- Step 5: Stir the mashed roasted garlic and the emulsified egg mixture into the hot chicken stock. Whisk well to combine and serve the soup hot, optionally with roasted baguette slices on the side.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken stock with rich vegetable broth and adjust seasoning accordingly.
- Add a splash of white wine to the stock while simmering for extra depth of flavor.
- If you prefer less intensity, reduce the amount of garlic or roast it for a shorter time.
- Serve with grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley for added freshness.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, whisking occasionally to maintain the emulsion. Avoid boiling once the egg yolk mixture is added, as it can cause curdling.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this soup without raw egg yolk?
The egg yolk adds creaminess and helps emulsify the soup, but if you prefer to avoid raw eggs, you can substitute with a splash of cream or use a blender to puree some cooked potatoes into the soup for richness.
Is this soup very garlicky?
Roasting the garlic mellows its pungency significantly, producing a sweet and rich flavor rather than sharp raw garlic heat. It’s flavorful but balanced and approachable for most palates.
PrintTraditional Country French Style Garlic Soup Recipe
Traditional Country French Style Garlic Soup is a comforting, flavorful soup featuring deeply roasted garlic, aromatic sage, and a rich emulsion of egg yolk and Dijon mustard. This rustic French recipe balances the mellow sweetness of slow-roasted garlic with a creamy, tangy broth, perfect for a cozy meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
For the Garlic Preparation:
- 1 large garlic bulb, peeled and sliced
For the Soup Base:
- 1 tbsp dried sage (preferably Spice Islands)
- Pinch of salt
- 64 oz chicken stock
For the Emulsion:
- 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 egg yolk, room temperature
Instructions
- Roast the Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the sliced garlic evenly on a baking tray and drizzle lightly with a bit of olive oil. Roast for 30-40 minutes until the garlic is soft, golden, and caramelized, which enhances its sweetness and flavor.
- Prepare the Soup Base: While the garlic roasts, pour the chicken stock into a large pot and bring it to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add dried sage and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently to infuse the flavors.
- Mash the Roasted Garlic: Remove the roasted garlic from the oven and, while still warm, use a fork to mash it into a smooth, creamy paste which will blend easily into the soup.
- Make the Emulsion: In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk with Dijon mustard until smooth. Gradually drizzle the remaining olive oil into the mixture while whisking continuously to form a creamy and stable emulsion.
- Combine and Serve: Stir the mashed garlic paste and the emulsified egg mixture into the hot simmering chicken stock. Whisk thoroughly to blend all ingredients into a silky, flavorful soup. Serve immediately hot, optionally with roasted baguette slices on the side.
Notes
- Roasting the garlic slowly is key to developing its sweet and mellow flavor without bitterness.
- Use room temperature egg yolk to ensure the emulsion forms properly and smooths into the soup.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock.
- Serve the soup with crusty bread or baguette slices to soak up the rich broth.
- Adjust salt to taste, especially if your chicken stock is already salted.
Keywords: garlic soup, traditional French soup, roasted garlic, sage soup, creamy garlic soup, rustic soup recipe

