Homemade Garlic Soup: An Incredible Recipe

Okay, let’s dive into the comforting world of Homemade Garlic Soup! It’s a dish that has saved many of my weeknights. I remember the first time I made it; it was a particularly chaotic Tuesday, the kids were running wild, and I was staring blankly into the fridge. I needed something quick, easy, and preferably immune-boosting. Enter: Homemade Garlic Soup! My family, even my pickiest eater, devoured it. I was shocked! It’s been a staple ever since. If you are looking for a soup that is family friendly, cheap and easy to make then read on fellow kitchen warriors!

• 8-10 cloves garlic, peeled and roughly chopped. (Don’t be shy – garlic is the star of this Homemade Garlic Soup show!)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil. (Or any oil you have on hand – avocado oil works great too.)
• 4 cups vegetable broth. (Chicken broth also works if you aren’t going for a vegan option.)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme. (Adds a lovely earthy flavor.)
• ½ teaspoon salt. (Adjust to taste, of course.)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper. (Freshly ground is always best!)
• 1 bay leaf. (This adds a subtle depth. Don’t skip it!)
• Optional: Crusty bread for serving. (Because who doesn’t love dipping bread in soup?)

No worries if you don’t have fresh thyme, I use dried all the time in my Homemade Garlic Soup. You can grab the broth at Target while doing your regular grocery run. This Homemade Garlic Soup doesn’t have to break the bank, either. Use whatever broth you have in your pantry. As for prep, just peel and roughly chop the garlic. Mama doesn’t have time for fancy mincing! Store any leftover broth in an airtight container in the fridge for later use. My family loves when I add a swirl of cream at the end.

Trust me, this Homemade Garlic Soup ingredient list is SHORT because mama doesn’t have time for fancy! Here’s a Homemade Garlic Soup trick that saved my sanity: pre-peel the garlic cloves and store them in a jar of olive oil in the fridge.

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and softened, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, or it will become bitter! Here’s where I used to mess up my Homemade Garlic Soup – don’t make my mistake! Keep a close eye on the garlic!
2. Pour in the vegetable broth, add the thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer. Your Homemade Garlic Soup should smell amazing by now!
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour for a deeper flavor. While your Homemade Garlic Soup is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee! It is also the perfect time to fold that laundry pile!
4. Remove the bay leaf. Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches, being very careful as hot liquids can expand and cause splattering. If using a regular blender, vent the lid to allow steam to escape. Don’t panic if your Homemade Garlic Soup looks a little pale at this stage. The blending process lightens the color, but the flavor is all there!
5. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If you want a richer flavor, add a drizzle of olive oil or a pat of butter at the end.
6. Serve hot, garnished with a swirl of cream, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or a few croutons, if desired. Enjoy!

In my chaotic kitchen, this Homemade Garlic Soup usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. But, like, actual 30 minutes, not “mom-time” 30 minutes. Sometimes I’ll even double the batch of this Garlic Soup Recipe and freeze half for a crazy night. Trust me, future you will thank you!

The kids devour this Homemade Garlic Soup when I serve it with grilled cheese sandwiches. It’s a simple, comforting meal that everyone loves. This Homemade Garlic Soup is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when you have zero energy to cook.

I love to top this Roasted Garlic Soup with a swirl of heavy cream or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt for added richness. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness. For a heartier meal, serve it with some crusty bread for dipping, or alongside a grilled cheese sandwich. My mother likes to eat this with a little bit of cheese and crackers.

Leftover Homemade Garlic Soup is great for lunch the next day! I often pack it in a thermos for the kids to take to school. You can also use it as a base for other soups or stews.

During the fall and winter, I often add roasted vegetables like butternut squash or sweet potatoes to the soup for a heartier and more seasonal dish. In the summer, I might add a squeeze of lemon juice or a handful of fresh herbs for a brighter flavor.

When I’ve had friends over for dinner, they have asked for my Garlic Soup Recipe, it’s that good!

• Can my picky eater handle this Homemade Garlic Soup?It’s possible! The garlic flavor mellows out during cooking. Start with fewer cloves and see how they react.
• What if I burn my Homemade Garlic Soup? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!)We’ve all been there! If it’s just slightly burnt, try scooping the soup into a clean pot, leaving the burnt bits behind. If it’s badly burnt, it’s best to start over. I’ve had to do this!
• Can I make this Homemade Garlic Soup ahead for meal prep?Absolutely! This Garlic Soup Recipe is even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Is this Homemade Garlic Soup healthy?Yes! Garlic is packed with immune-boosting properties. Plus, this soup is low in calories and high in nutrients.
• Can I make this a Creamy Garlic Soup?Yes, you can absolutely turn this into a Creamy Garlic Soup! Just stir in some heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a richer, more decadent texture.
• I don’t have vegetable broth. Can I use water?While you can use water, I wouldn’t recommend it. The broth adds so much flavor. If you don’t have vegetable broth, chicken broth is a good substitute.
• Can I freeze this soup?Yes, this soup freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

This Homemade Garlic Soup is special to my family because it’s a simple, comforting meal that always hits the spot. It’s also a great way to sneak some extra garlic into our diets, especially during cold and flu season.

Here are my Homemade Garlic Soup Mom Hacks:

• Garlic Prep Power: Pre-peel your garlic and store it in olive oil in the fridge for ultimate time-saving.
• Broth Boost: Use bone broth instead of vegetable broth for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Freezer Friend: Double the batch and freeze half for a crazy night when you need a quick and easy meal.

Here are a few family-tested Homemade Garlic Soup variations:

• Roasted Garlic Soup: Roast the garlic cloves before adding them to the soup for a deeper, sweeter flavor.
• Spicy Garlic Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
• Cheesy Garlic Soup: Stir in some shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese at the end for a cheesy delight.

My daughter loves the cheesy version of the Homemade Garlic Soup, while my son prefers it plain with crusty bread. I personally love to spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own! I hope this helps you fellow kitchen warriors! Check out Hungarian Burnt Garlic Soup – Natasha’s Home for another version!

I encourage you to make this Homemade Garlic Soup your own and adapt it to your family’s preferences. Cooking doesn’t have to be perfect – it just needs to be delicious and made with love. For another vegan option, take a look at Vegan Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Soup – Blissful Basil.

You’ve got this! Try this easy and yummy Homemade Garlic Soup for an Immune Boosting Garlic Soup! This Homemade Garlic Soup reminds me of another family favorite, my Spicy Black Bean Soup. If you are wanting another type of creamy option, go read up on this blog! Cream of Garlic Soup {Vegan} | The In Fine Balance Food Blog. I hope this Homemade Garlic Soup makes your mealtime a little easier and a lot more delicious! For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out more of my recipes.