Comforting Garlic Soup with Sage and Garlic-Mayonnaise Recipe

I can’t tell you how many times a bowl of this Comforting Garlic Soup with Sage and Garlic-Mayonnaise Recipe has turned an ordinary evening into something cozy and memorable. It’s that perfect blend of rich garlic flavor softened by fresh sage, all wrapped up in a silky, warming broth with a luscious garlic-mayo dollop on top. If you’re anything like me, you’ll find this soup to be just what you need when the weather cools down or when you want a gentle, soothing dish after a busy day.

What makes this recipe stand out is the garlic-mayonnaise swirl — it’s such a simple addition but transforms the soup’s texture and flavor to a whole new level. You don’t need to be a culinary expert to pull this off, which is one of the reasons I keep coming back to it. Trust me, once you make this Comforting Garlic Soup with Sage and Garlic-Mayonnaise Recipe, it’s going to become one of your go-to comfort foods.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic in this soup comes from a few simple ingredients that complement each other beautifully — fresh garlic and sage bring deep, earthy aromas while the homemade garlic-mayonnaise adds a creamy touch without heaviness. When shopping, look for a plump, firm garlic bulb and fresh, vibrant sage for the best results.

• Chicken stock: Using good-quality homemade or low-sodium store-bought stock gives the soup a rich base flavor without overpowering the garlic.
• Fresh sage: Fresh is essential here; dried sage can be too strong and not as aromatic.
• Garlic bulb: The star of the show—choose firm, unblemished bulbs for a potent, sweet garlic flavor once roasted or simmered.
• Egg (yolk and white separated): For the garlic-mayonnaise, fresh eggs make it creamy and silky, so keep them cold until ready to use.
• Dijon mustard: Adds just the right tang and helps emulsify the mayo smoothly.
• Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors without making the mayo salty.
• Olive oil or vegetable oil: I prefer olive oil for its fruity depth, but neutral oils work well if you want a milder flavor.

Variations

I love experimenting with this recipe to suit whatever mood I’m in or what ingredients I have on hand. Getting creative here is a lot of fun — and you can easily personalize it to fit your dietary needs or the season.

• Vegetarian version: Swap the chicken stock for vegetable broth. I tried this during a meatless week, and it still offered that warm, earthy garlic comfort without missing a beat.
• With cream: For an extra rich touch, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end — perfect if you want a velvety texture on a chilly night.
• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red chili flakes to the garlic-mayonnaise for a subtle heat that balances the soothing soup beautifully.
• Herb swap: If you don’t have sage, fresh thyme or rosemary are great alternatives that complement garlic nicely.

How to Make Comforting Garlic Soup with Sage and Garlic-Mayonnaise Recipe

Step 1: Infuse the Stock with Sage and Garlic

Start by pouring your chicken stock into a pot and gently heating it over medium-low heat. Now, take your fresh sage and garlic bulb—no need to peel the garlic cloves; leaving them whole and unpeeled adds a mellowened garlic sweetness. Toss both into the stock and let them simmer together for about 30-40 minutes. This slow infusion releases the earthy fragrances and sweet garlic essence that make the soup so comforting. Keep the heat moderate — you want a gentle simmer, not a boil, to avoid bitter flavors.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic-Mayonnaise

While your broth works its magic, it’s time to whip up the garlic-mayonnaise, which really steals the show here. Separate your egg yolk from the white, saving both—you won’t need the white for this mayo but keep it for another use. In a bowl, whisk the yolk with the Dijon mustard and a pinch of salt until combined. Gradually drizzle in your olive oil while whisking continuously to build a creamy, thick mayo. The key is to pour the oil slowly so the mixture emulsifies nicely and doesn’t break. This took me a couple of tries when I first started, but your arm gets a workout, and the reward is well worth it. Once it’s smooth, stir in some finely minced roasted or cooked garlic for that garlicky punch.

Step 3: Strain and Serve the Soup

Once your stock has absorbed the sage and garlic flavors, strain out the solids. I like to press gently on the garlic cloves to squeeze out every bit of goodness, then discard the sage stems. The resulting broth should be clear but deeply flavorful. Warm the soup to serving temperature — not boiling. Ladle it into bowls and top each one with a generous dollop of that homemade garlic-mayonnaise. The mayo melts slightly, turning the soup into this luscious, creamy delight. Believe me, seeing those swirls in the bowl is as fun as tasting it!

How to Serve Comforting Garlic Soup with Sage and Garlic-Mayonnaise Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top my soup with a few fresh sage leaves lightly toasted in butter or olive oil — this adds a delightful crunch and enhances the sage aroma. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper brightens things up, and occasionally I add a touch of grated Parmesan for a salty, savory boost. These simple garnishes bring extra layers to this comforting soup without overpowering its gentle flavors.

Side Dishes

This garlic soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread — I love to toast a slice of sourdough brushed with olive oil or garlic butter for dipping. A crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette keeps things fresh alongside the richness of the soup. When I’m feeling indulgent, a warm grilled cheese sandwich alongside adds some nostalgic comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this soup in little ramekins with a drizzle of browned butter on top and a single crispy sage leaf, which makes a lovely, elegant presentation. You can even pipe the garlic-mayonnaise into pretty swirls using a small spoon or piping bag to impress guests. It’s such a simple recipe, but a few creative touches can turn it into a dinner party showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually pour any leftover soup into airtight containers and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Because the broth is clear and simple, it holds up really well without losing flavor or depth. Just keep the garlic-mayonnaise separate in the fridge so it stays fresh and creamy until you’re ready to serve again.

Freezing

This soup freezes really well if you want to make a big batch ahead. Freeze the finished broth in portions, but don’t add the garlic-mayonnaise before freezing; mayo doesn’t freeze well and can separate. When thawed, just reheat gently and whisk up a fresh batch of garlic-mayo to swirl in.

Reheating

When reheating, do it slowly over low heat on the stove to keep the delicate garlic scents from cooking off or turning bitter. Stir often and avoid bringing it to a boil. Once warmed through, serve it with fresh garlic-mayonnaise and any garnishes you like — the freshness really makes all the difference.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Comforting Garlic Soup with Sage and Garlic-Mayonnaise Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s such a simple way to create something nourishing and delicious that feels truly special. Whether you’re cozying up on a rainy day or looking for a gentle but flavorful soup, this one delivers every time. I promise, once you’ve made it your own with the tips and variations I’ve shared, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. Give it a try and discover your new favorite comfort food — I’m betting it’ll become a staple in your household, too!

Comforting Garlic Soup with Sage and Garlic-Mayonnaise Recipe

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4.6 from 92 reviews

This Comforting Garlic Soup is a warm, flavorful dish made with fragrant chicken stock, whole roasted garlic, and fresh sage. Accompanied by a handmade garlic-infused mayonnaise, it provides a creamy and rich complement to the broth. Perfect for chilly days or when you crave something soothing yet packed with bold taste.

• Author: Mary
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Soup Ingredients

• 64 oz chicken stock
• 1 small bunch fresh sage
• 1 large bulb garlic

Garlic Mayonnaise Ingredients

• 1 large egg, yolk and white separated
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Pinch of salt
• 2/3 cup olive oil or preferred vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Prepare the garlic: Peel the large bulb of garlic and separate the cloves. Roast or simmer them gently until they are soft and golden to bring out the mellow, sweet flavors.
2. Make the soup base: In a large pot, bring the chicken stock to a gentle simmer. Add the small bunch of fresh sage and the prepared garlic cloves. Let the soup simmer for about 20-30 minutes to infuse the flavors and create a comforting broth.
3. Prepare the garlic mayonnaise: In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolk with 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard and a pinch of salt until smooth. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuously whisking to emulsify the mixture into a creamy mayonnaise. Finely mash or blend in a roasted garlic clove to infuse garlic flavor into the mayonnaise.
4. Finish the soup: Remove the sage from the broth and adjust seasoning with salt if necessary. Optionally, blend some of the soup for a thicker consistency, then return it to the pot and warm through.
5. Serve: Ladle the hot garlic soup into bowls and garnish each with a dollop of the homemade garlic mayonnaise. Serve immediately for a soothing, flavorful experience.

Notes

• You can roast the garlic by wrapping the whole bulb in foil and baking at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-40 minutes for a sweeter taste.
• If concerned about using raw egg in the mayonnaise, use pasteurized eggs or substitute with a store-bought mayonnaise and add a minced garlic clove.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken stock with vegetable stock.
• The soup can be strained for a smoother texture or left chunky for more bite.
• Adjust the amount of garlic according to your taste preference; garlic intensity varies with freshness and roasting time.

Keywords: garlic soup, comforting soup, chicken stock soup, homemade mayonnaise, garlic mayonnaise, sage soup, warm soup recipe