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Creamy Roasted Garlic Soup

Jessica T. Brown
A creamy, aromatic roasted garlic soup featuring a blend of slow-roasted and simmered cloves, sweet onions, Parmesan, and optional potato, offering rich flavor, balanced nutrition, and a cozy, comforting experience in under an hour.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Roasting garlic 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine European, Healthy Comfort Food
Servings 4

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.