Gallurese soup

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PRESENTATION

Gallurese soup is this classic dish from northern Sardinia, known around there as Zuppa Gallurese or sometimes Sardinian bread soup. It’s got deep roots in the sheep-herding culture of the region—so it's got those simple, humble beginnings. Really comforting stuff. Picture layers of tender bread and cheese, all soaked in rich sheep broth and baked into a melty, cozy casserole. People often say it's kind of like a Sardinian lasagna, with hearty layers—just with bread instead of pasta. And the top? It turns all golden and crispy, while the inside stays moist and cheesy. So, so good. It’s perfect when it’s cold out or for special occasions—giving that stick-to-your-ribs satisfaction after a long day.

In Sardinia, families love putting their own twist on traditional Sardinian recipes like this one. And you know what? They use local cheeses and whatever bread they’ve got lying around—usually something stale that absorbs the broth just right. Some add extra spices or mix in different cheeses, but at its heart, the dish is all about simple ingredients: good bread, strong cheese, and a flavorful broth made from sheep or beef. Compared to other Sardinian soup recipes, this one just stands out with its hearty vibe and super melty center. You’ll often spot it at festivals, weddings, or big family gatherings. Really brings back memories of old villages—kitchens filled with that aroma of baked cheese and broth. It’s nothing fancy—honestly, that's what makes it special. True Sardinian comfort food, simple and filling, offering a taste of the island’s history. Dive into a hot dish of this and you’ll get why it’s celebrated as the ultimate Sardinian casserole. Whether you’re exploring Sardinia’s culinary heritage or just looking for a cozy meal, this soup is sure to warm your heart—and soul, no question.

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INGREDIENTS
Ingredients for a 8x8 inch baking dish
Stale bread 9.5 oz (270 g) - of semolina
Sardinian pecorino cheese 9.2 oz (260 g)
Casizolu cheese 0.7 lb (325 g)
Meat broth 4 ¼ cups (1 l) - of sheep and lamb
Black pepper to taste
Preparation

How to prepare Gallurese soup

To prepare Gallurese soup, the first thing you need to do is make a good Beef Broth with a strong flavor based on lamb and sheep. Cut the Casizolu cheese in half 1 and grate it 2; do the same with the pecorino 3 and gather the cheeses in a bowl.

Add pepper 4, mix 5, and set aside. Cut the loaf into slices about 3/8 inch thick 6.

Then take a deep baking dish measuring about 8x8 inches and lay the slices of bread on the bottom, making sure not to leave any empty spaces 7. Now distribute a layer of grated cheeses on top 8 to completely cover the slices 9.

Continue with another layer of bread 10, one of cheese, and then bread again. You will need to make 4 layers in total. Pour the meat broth over the last layer of bread to cover 11, poking holes in the bread with a fork so that the liquid can be absorbed better. With the back of a spoon, press the bread on the surface to moisten it well 12.

Wait a couple of minutes to let the broth be well absorbed, then distribute the rest of the cheese on top 13, covering completely 14. Season with another sprinkle of pepper and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 30 minutes, or until a golden crust forms on the surface. Once cooked, remove from the oven, let rest for a few minutes, and then serve the Gallurese soup hot 15.

Storage

Gallurese soup can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days. Freezing is not recommended.

Tip

Casizolu is a stretched curd cheese made from cow's milk typical of Sardinia; if you can't find it, you can use caciocavallo or provola as an alternative.

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.