This roasted garlic soup is a luxurious twist on classic comfort food, offering a deep, mellow garlic flavor without being overpowering.
The combination of slow-roasted garlic and lightly simmered fresh cloves delivers a rich, creamy taste while keeping the sharp bite of raw garlic in check.
High in protein from chicken broth (or plant-based alternatives) and rich in fiber from onions and optional potato, this soup also incorporates heart-healthy fats from olive oil and butter.
The inclusion of Parmesan adds a touch of savory calcium and protein, making each serving nutritionally satisfying.
With a total prep and cook time of just one hour, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy lunches, or batch meal prep.
Its smooth, creamy texture paired with bright lemon juice makes it a comforting yet balanced dish that appeals to the whole family.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Essential for gently roasting garlic and simmering soup evenly. Its heavy construction ensures perfect heat distribution and long-lasting durability for soups, stews, and braises.
Cuisinart Immersion Hand Blender
Perfect for pureeing the soup directly in the pot, creating a smooth, velvety texture. Saves time and eliminates the need for transferring hot liquids to a blender.
KitchenAid Chef’s Knife
A sharp, durable knife makes peeling, slicing, and chopping garlic, onions, and potatoes effortless, speeding up prep while ensuring consistent results.
USA Pan Bakeware Silicone-Lined Baking Sheet
Ideal for roasting garlic cloves and baking Parmesan crisps evenly. Non-stick surface allows easy cleanup and consistent browning.
OXO Stainless Steel Ladle
Designed for serving soups neatly, this ladle ensures each bowl receives an even portion, making it perfect for family meals or entertaining.
Creamy Roasted Garlic Soup
Equipment
- 1 Large heavy saucepan
- 1 Dutch oven or small glass baking dish
- 1 Immersion blender (or standard blender)
- 1 Chef’s knife1 Ladle
Ingredients
- 26 garlic cloves peeled (for roasting)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 medium onions sliced (about 2 cups)
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- 18 garlic cloves smashed and peeled
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth low-sodium
- ½ cup whipping cream or half-and-half, oat, or almond milk
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large russet potato cut into large chunks (optional)
- 4 lemon wedges
- Optional garnishes: toasted croutons Parmesan crisps, or 8 cloves fresh garlic, minced and lightly sautéed
Instructions
- Prepare the Roasted Garlic: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trim the bottom of each garlic bulb where it connects to the base, then peel and lightly smash the cloves to make peeling easier. Place the garlic in a small baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat, cover tightly with foil or a lid, and roast for about 45 minutes until the cloves turn golden and tender. Roasting can be done a day ahead to save time and enhance the flavor, creating a rich, mellow garlic base.
- Sauté the Onions and Herbs: In a large, heavy saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and fresh thyme, cooking gently until the onions become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, allowing the natural sweetness of the onions to develop and create a flavorful foundation for the soup.
- Incorporate Garlic Flavors: Add the roasted garlic cloves along with the remaining 18 raw garlic cloves to the saucepan. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, to release the aromatic oils from the raw garlic while blending with the roasted cloves. This step ensures a balanced garlic flavor that is rich but not overpowering.
- Add Broth and Optional Potato: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and if using, add the russet potato chunks. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, covering the pot with a lid. Let the soup cook for about 20 minutes, or until the garlic is very tender and the potato pieces are soft, infusing the broth with savory depth.
- Puree the Soup for Creaminess: Remove the potato chunks if included, and blend the soup in batches using a blender, or puree directly with an immersion blender until smooth and velvety. Return the potato chunks to the pureed soup for a hearty texture, ensuring every spoonful has a balance of creamy soup and tender potato pieces.
- Finish with Cream and Seasoning: Stir in the whipping cream or your choice of milk, then bring the soup to a gentle, very low simmer. Carefully season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling, and adjust flavors gradually to achieve the perfect creamy consistency and subtle garlic richness.
- Serve and Garnish Beautifully: Ladle the soup into individual bowls, dividing the grated Parmesan evenly among servings. Squeeze a lemon wedge into each bowl to brighten the flavors.Garnish with Parmesan crisps, toasted croutons, or a sprinkle of lightly sautéed minced garlic if desired, creating an inviting presentation and enhancing both texture and taste.
Notes
- Roasting garlic a day ahead enhances its natural sweetness and mellows sharpness, saving time on the day you make the soup.
- The soup can be doubled easily for larger gatherings or meal prep.
- If using potatoes, add them in during the simmer and remove before blending to maintain creamy texture with tender chunks.
- Optional garnishes like Parmesan crisps, croutons, or lightly sautéed garlic add flavor, texture, and visual appeal.
- Substituting oat or almond milk for cream keeps the soup lighter while maintaining creaminess.
Chef’s Secrets for Perfect Soup
The key to this soup’s rich, balanced flavor lies in layering garlic preparation.
Roasted cloves provide a sweet, caramelized base, while lightly simmered raw garlic gives subtle warmth.
Sautéing onions slowly unlocks natural sweetness that complements the garlic.
When pureeing, work in batches if using a blender, or use an immersion blender to ensure smooth, consistent texture without splashing.
Adding cream at the end over low heat prevents curdling and keeps the soup silky.
A final touch of lemon juice brightens the flavors, lifting the creamy richness without overpowering the delicate garlic notes.
Serving Suggestions for Best Pairings
Serve this roasted garlic soup as a comforting appetizer or main dish.
Accompany with warm, crusty bread or garlic baguettes for dipping.
For contrast in textures, sprinkle toasted croutons or Parmesan crisps on top.
A light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds freshness, while a side of roasted vegetables complements the soup’s mellow, aromatic flavor.
This soup also pairs beautifully with a chilled white wine or sparkling water with a twist of citrus for a balanced meal experience.
Storage Tips for Maximum Freshness
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
The flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day.
For longer storage, freeze the soup before adding cream or garnishes for up to 2 months.
When reheating, warm slowly over medium heat and add a splash of broth or milk to restore the original creamy consistency.
Garnishes like Parmesan crisps or croutons are best added just before serving to maintain texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this soup vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and use oat, almond, or soy milk instead of cream. Nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative adds a savory finish.
2. How do I prevent garlic from being too strong?
Roasting some garlic ahead and simmering the rest until soft reduces the sharpness of raw garlic, creating a smooth, mellow flavor without losing depth.
3. Can I skip the potato?
Absolutely! Potato adds body and creaminess, but the soup is still rich and flavorful without it, especially if you use cream or a milk alternative.
4. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or milk to maintain creaminess. Freeze before adding cream for longer storage.
5. What are the best garnishes for this soup?
Parmesan crisps, toasted croutons, or lightly sautéed minced garlic enhance both flavor and texture. A squeeze of lemon brightens the soup and balances the rich garlic taste.
This recipe has been adapted and simplified from the original version by gooddinnermom. We’ve refined the steps for a smoother cooking experience and added helpful notes, nutrition insights, and essential kitchen tools to make it even easier for home cooks.
