This Italian Style Garlic Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! It’s made with simple ingredients like garlic, broth, and crusty bread. Each spoonful is full of flavor and comfort.
I love how the garlic makes it aromatic and cozy—perfect for chilly nights! Don’t forget to pair it with your favorite bread. You might want to double the batch; it’s that good! 🥖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Garlic: This is the star of the soup! Use fresh, large garlic cloves for the best flavor. If you’re not a big fan of garlic, try using half the amount; it will still be delicious.
Broth: Chicken broth gives a rich depth, but vegetable broth works great too for a vegetarian version. If you need a low-sodium option, look for reduced-sodium broths in the store.
Rustic Italian Bread: Day-old bread is perfect since it holds up better in the soup. If you don’t have Italian bread, use any crusty bread like French or sourdough. Just avoid soft sandwich bread.
Parmigiano-Reggiano: This cheese adds a nice salty flavor. You can substitute with Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a similar taste, but I recommend sticking with Parm if you can!
How Do I Get the Garlic Just Right Without Burning It?
Getting garlic to the perfect golden brown without burning is key. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with medium heat. Too high and it will burn quickly.
- Keep stirring! Garlic cooks fast, so don’t leave it unattended.
- Watch for a fragrant aroma and a light golden color; that’s your cue.
- If it starts to brown too fast, lower the heat immediately.
If you burn the garlic, the soup can turn bitter. So stay close to the stove during this step for the best results!
Authentic Italian Style Garlic Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 10 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups rustic Italian bread, cubed (preferably day-old)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Time Needed:
This delicious garlic soup will take about 10 minutes to prep and roughly 30 minutes to cook, making the total time around 40 minutes. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, and once you taste it, you’ll want to make it again!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the thinly sliced garlic. Gently sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it’s fragrant and turns a lovely golden brown. Just make sure you keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn; burnt garlic can turn bitter!
2. Toast the Bread:
Next, add the cubed rustic Italian bread to the pot. Stir it well so it gets coated in the olive oil and garlic. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the bread is slightly toasted and absorbing all those delicious flavors.
3. Simmer the Broth:
Now, pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and increase the heat to bring it all to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This is where the bread will soften and break down, creating a rich and hearty base for your soup.
4. Blend the Soup:
For a creamy texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer it to a regular blender in batches and blend until silky. Just remember to let the steam escape to avoid splatters!
5. Add Butter and Cheese:
Once blended, return the soup to low heat if needed. Stir in the butter and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese until everything is melted and well combined. This will add a lovely creamy richness to your soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as you like!
6. Prepare the Garnish:
For a little crunch, toast some extra bread cubes in a skillet with a splash of olive oil until they’re golden and crispy. These will make a delightful topping for your soup!
7. Serve & Garnish:
Ladle the warm soup into bowls. Sprinkle some additional grated cheese and freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. Add in those toasted bread cubes for that perfect finishing touch!
8. Enjoy!
Serve your delicious garlic soup hot, with more crusty bread on the side for dipping. Enjoy the rich flavor and comforting warmth of this classic Italian dish!
Buon Appetito!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While rustic Italian bread works best for this recipe, you can use any crusty bread like French or sourdough. Just avoid soft sandwich bread, as it won’t hold up as well in the soup.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make the soup vegetarian. The flavors will still be delicious, and you won’t lose any creaminess!
Is There a Way to Store Leftovers?
Yes! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth to maintain the creamy texture, as it may thicken in the fridge.
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or a squeeze of lemon juice for acidity. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can also elevate the taste!
