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A top-down view of a beautifully prepared bowl of Mexican garlic soup, garnished with fresh herbs and served in a rustic setting.

Mexican Garlic Soup (Sopa de Ajo): The Ultimate Authentic Recipe

Discover the ultimate authentic Mexican Garlic Soup (Sopa de Ajo) recipe. This simple, comforting, and deeply flavorful soup features a rich garlic broth, toasted bread, and a perfectly poached egg. Ready in just 40 minutes!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil plus more for brushing
  • 2 heads garlic cloves separated and thinly sliced
  • 8 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 4 large eggs
  • 4 thick slices day-old crusty bread like baguette or bolillo
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish
  • 1 lime cut into wedges, for serving
  • Cotija cheese crumbled, for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • 1 Large Pot or Dutch Oven
  • 1 Baking Sheet

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush each side of the bread slices with olive oil and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping once, until golden brown and crisp. Set aside.
  2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook gently for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant and light golden. Do not let it brown or burn.
  3. Carefully pour the chicken broth into the pot. Increase the heat to bring it to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Bring the soup to a gentle, steady simmer (not a rolling boil). Crack one egg into a small ramekin or bowl. Gently slide the egg into the simmering soup. Repeat with the remaining eggs. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the whites are fully cooked but the yolks remain runny.
  5. Place one slice of toasted bread in the bottom of each serving bowl. Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove an egg and place it on top of the bread. Ladle the hot garlic broth over the top. Garnish with fresh cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, and serve immediately with a lime wedge.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, simply use a high-quality vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a slice of jalapeño to the broth while it simmers.