There’s something truly magical that happens when garlic meets the oven. This comforting soup delivers a velvety smooth texture. Its subtle sweetness comes from caramelized onions. It’s a hug in a bowl.
I often make a big batch of this roasted garlic soup on Sundays. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight meal. Plus, leftovers are even better the next day. It’s a true crowd-pleaser.
Why I Love This Recipe
This roasted garlic soup is a weeknight savior. It feels incredibly elegant, yet it’s so simple to whip up. I love the depth of flavor roasted garlic brings. It’s also incredibly versatile!
- Effortless Elegance: Dishes out fancy restaurant vibes with minimal fuss.
- Flavor Powerhouse: Roasting garlic unlocks its sweet, mellow side.
- Weeknight Wonder: Easily fits into busy schedules.
Roasted Garlic Soup Ingredients
The beauty of this creamy soup lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Roasting garlic mellows its bite into sweet, buttery perfection. Caramelized onions add a natural sweetness. Together, they create a deeply flavorful, comforting bowl.
- Garlic: The star of the show! Roasting transforms it. It becomes sweet and spreadable.
- Olive Oil & Butter: These start our flavor base. They help caramelize the onions.
- Yellow Onions: Slow cooking brings out their inherent sweetness. This adds amazing depth.
- Thyme: A touch of dried thyme adds an earthy note. It complements the garlic.
- Broth: Vegetable or chicken broth forms the soup’s liquid foundation. Use good quality broth for best taste.
- Russet Potato: This thickens the soup naturally. It makes it wonderfully creamy.
- Heavy Cream: For richness and a silky smooth finish. A little goes a long way.
- Salt & Pepper: Seasoning is key. Always taste and adjust.
- Chives: Fresh chives offer a bright, oniony garnish. They add a lovely finished touch.
Substitutions and Tips
Feel free to swap ingredients! For a vegan version, use vegan butter and full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream. Don’t have russet potatoes? Yukon Golds work too. Make sure to caramelize those onions slowly for maximum sweetness. This patience pays off in flavor!
How to Make Roasted Garlic Soup
Making this deeply flavorful soup is a joy. It starts with simple steps. Each one builds amazing flavor. Let’s walk through it together.
Roasting the Garlic
First, preheat your oven. Aim for 400°F (200°C). It’s a great temperature for roasting. Slice off the top quarter of each garlic head. This exposes the cloves. Place them on foil. Drizzle with olive oil. Wrap tightly. Roast for about 45 minutes. You want them super soft. The aroma will be incredible.
Caramelizing the Onions
While garlic roasts, begin the onions. Melt butter and oil. Use a large pot. Low heat is best. Add sliced onions. Stir them often. This takes patience. Cook for 20-25 minutes. Onions should be deeply golden. Slow caramelization is key. It brings out sweetness. This is a truly foundational step.
Combining and Simmering
Once garlic is soft, squeeze cloves out. Add them to the pot. Mash them gently. Stir in thyme for one minute. Then, pour in the broth. Add diced potato. This versatile soup needs this. Bring it to a simmer. Let it cook covered. Potatoes should be very tender. This is about 15-20 minutes.
Blending and Finishing
Now for the magic! Use an immersion blender. Puree the soup until smooth. It will become wonderfully creamy. Stir in heavy cream. Warm it gently. Don’t let it boil. Season with salt and pepper. Always taste and adjust. Garnish with fresh chives. This comforting soup is ready.
How to Store Roasted Garlic Soup
This comforting roasted garlic soup stores beautifully. Let it cool completely first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop. You can also warm it in the microwave. If it seems too thick, add a splash of broth or cream.
For longer storage, freezing is an option. Ladle cooled soup into freezer-safe containers. Leave some headspace for expansion. Frozen roasted garlic soup is best within three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat as usual. This makes enjoying this creamy soup easy later.
Tips for Success
- Roast garlic until very soft. This ensures a smooth, sweet flavor base.
- Caramelize onions slowly over low heat. Patience here is so rewarding.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. The right salt balance is key.
- Don’t boil the soup after adding cream. Keep it gentle.
- Use good quality broth. It really makes a difference.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Baking Sheet & Foil: Essential for roasting garlic.
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: For sautéing and simmering.
- Sharp Knife: For slicing onions and garlic heads.
- Cutting Board: A stable surface for prep.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: For ingredient accuracy.
- Immersion Blender: To create a silky smooth texture. A regular blender works too.
Serving Suggestions
- Crusty bread for dipping is a must.
- A light green salad complements the richness.
- Serve with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with extra chives or parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This roasted garlic soup is fantastic made a day in advance. The flavors actually meld even better overnight. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What if I don’t have an immersion blender?
No worries at all! You can use a regular blender. Just let the soup cool slightly first. Blend in batches until smooth. Be very careful, as hot liquids expand in a blender.
How can I make this soup richer or more decadent?
For an extra decadent touch, simply add a bit more heavy cream. A swirl of crème fraîche or even a dollop of sour cream when serving also adds fantastic richness. A drizzle of good olive oil never hurts, either!
Can I freeze roasted garlic soup?
Yes, you can freeze this creamy soup. Let it cool completely first. Then, pour it into freezer-safe containers. It should keep well for about three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
PrintRoasted Garlic Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting, Simmering, Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and flavorful roasted garlic soup that is both comforting and elegant.
Ingredients
- 3 whole heads of garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup peeled and diced russet potato
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh chives, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the top quarter off of each head of garlic to expose the cloves.
- Place the garlic heads on a piece of aluminum foil, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and wrap them tightly in the foil.
- Roast for 40-50 minutes, or until the cloves are very soft and fragrant.
- Let cool slightly, then squeeze the soft, roasted garlic cloves out of their skins; set aside.
- While the garlic roasts, melt the butter and remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat.
- Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until they are deeply caramelized and sweet.
- Add the squeezed roasted garlic cloves and dried thyme to the pot and cook for 1 minute more, mashing the garlic with a spoon.
- Pour in the broth, add the diced potato, and bring to a simmer.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are very tender.
- Carefully use an immersion blender to puree the soup until completely smooth.
- Stir in the heavy cream and heat gently, but do not boil.
- Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chives.
Notes
- For a vegan option, substitute the butter with vegan butter and the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream.
- Ensure the onions are caramelized slowly for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of garlic to your preference.