If you’re searching for the coziest, most comforting soup to warm up your day, you have to try this Creamy Roasted Garlic Potato Soup Recipe. I absolutely love how roasting the garlic mellows its bite and adds this deep, sweet flavor that transforms a humble potato soup into something truly special. Once you make this, I promise you’ll keep it on repeat for chilly nights or anytime you need a little kitchen hug.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, Deep Flavors: Roasting the garlic turns it irresistibly sweet and soft, giving the soup amazing complexity.
- Velvety Texture: The combination of potatoes, cream, and parmesan is pure silk in a bowl.
- Comfort Food Classic: This soup feels like a warm hug on a chilly day – perfect for family meals or impressing guests.
- Easy to Customize: Whether you want it dairy-free, thicker, or loaded with toppings, it adapts beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create that luxurious texture and flavor balance that’s key to this Creamy Roasted Garlic Potato Soup Recipe. I recommend choosing good-quality potatoes and fresh herbs to really bring out the best taste.
- Head of garlic: Roasting whole garlic softens the cloves into a sweet, buttery paste you’ll want to savor.
- Olive oil: Just a bit to coat the garlic before roasting—it helps caramelize those cloves perfectly.
- Russet potatoes: I love russets here because they break down beautifully, giving you that creamy base.
- Salted butter: Adds richness; if you use unsalted butter, adjust salt later.
- White onions: Their mild sweetness works perfectly alongside the roasted garlic.
- Leek: Adds a subtle, oniony depth that lifts the soup without overpowering it.
- Flour: Helps thicken the soup into that silky, velvety consistency.
- Low sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth): Choose low sodium so you can control the seasoning precisely.
- Whole milk (or 2%): For creaminess without being too heavy.
- Heavy cream: Just enough for that indulgent mouthfeel we all crave.
- Fresh thyme: Adds a hint of earthiness that brightens the soup.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Melts in beautifully and adds a nutty savoriness.
- Salt + pepper: To taste—season gradually as you cook!
- Chopped chives or grilled cheese croutons: For topping and extra flavor punch.
Variations
I love mixing things up with this Creamy Roasted Garlic Potato Soup Recipe depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. Feel free to personalize—it’s one of those recipes that responds well to tweaks and still shines.
- Dairy-free option: I’ve swapped the milk and cream with coconut milk before, and it was surprisingly delicious and still creamy!
- Veggie version: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegan (just skip the parmesan or use a plant-based alternative).
- Extra veggies: Sometimes I toss in some cooked celery or carrots when sautéing the leeks and onions for a flavor boost.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a little kick—my husband loves that twist.
How to Make Creamy Roasted Garlic Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Roast garlic until golden and tender
Start by preheating your oven to 375ºF and positioning the rack in the middle. Slice just the tops off the garlic head so the cloves peek through, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Wrapping it in foil keeps the garlic moist and prevents burning. Roast for about 40-45 minutes until the cloves are soft and golden. This step is a game-changer for flavor, so don’t skip it! Once done, let it cool enough to squeeze out that buttery, sweet garlic goodness.
Step 2: Boil potatoes until tender and ready to cube
While your garlic roasts, bring a big pot of water to boil and add the peeled potatoes. Keep an eye on them—they should be tender enough to pierce easily with a fork in about 15 minutes. Drain well and let them cool slightly before cubing them. This step lays the foundation for that creamy texture we’re after.
Step 3: Sauté onions and leeks for a soft, flavorful base
Melt the butter in a large dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Toss in your chopped onions and thinly sliced leeks, then cook for about 6-8 minutes until they soften and turn translucent. This sweet, mellow aroma is one of those kitchen moments that tells you something amazing is happening. Stir occasionally to avoid browning.
Step 4: Build the soup with thickener, broth, and seasonings
Lower the heat to medium and sprinkle the flour in, stirring constantly for 60-90 seconds. This cooks out the raw flour taste and helps the soup thicken beautifully later. Slowly whisk in 4 cups of your broth, followed by the milk and cream. Add fresh thyme, a pinch of kosher salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Bring it just to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes so it thickens slightly.
Step 5: Add potatoes, roasted garlic, and parmesan cheese
Stir in the cubed potatoes, squeeze in that glorious roasted garlic, and sprinkle in the freshly grated parmesan. The flavors start to meld here, and the soup becomes incredibly inviting.
Step 6: Blend until silky smooth (or leave chunky!)
Grab your immersion blender and puree the soup right in the pot until it’s smooth and luscious. No immersion blender? Transfer in batches to a blender and pulse until creamy. If at this point your soup is too thick, just add some extra broth to loosen it up to your liking. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed. I like mine extra smooth, but if you prefer a chunkier texture, blend just half the soup and stir the rest in.
Step 7: Serve hot with your favorite toppings
Ladle the soup into bowls and finish with a sprinkle of parmesan, fresh chopped chives, or my absolute favorite: crispy Gruyère grilled cheese croutons. This finishing touch elevates the soup to next-level comfort food in my experience.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Roasted Garlic Potato Soup Recipe
- Roast Garlic Patience: Don’t rush the garlic roasting step—it’s what takes this soup from good to unforgettable.
- Potato Variety: Russet potatoes break down nicely for creaminess, but Yukon golds will add a buttery flavor if you prefer a chunkier texture.
- Adjust Consistency: Blend then add broth a little at a time so your soup is neither too thick nor too thin.
- Avoid Overcooking Liquids: Once it reaches a simmer, keep an eye so cream and milk don’t scorch or separate.
How to Serve Creamy Roasted Garlic Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
The garnishes are where you can really have fun. I love topping my soup with chopped fresh chives—they add a fresh, oniony pop that balances the creaminess. Parmesan shavings or a bit more grated cheese melt wonderfully on top. But if you want something indulgent, Gruyère grilled cheese croutons are a family favorite around here. They soak up the soup and add texture and savory notes that are just dreamy.
Side Dishes
When I serve this soup, I like pairing it with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Crusty bread or a warm baguette is a must-have for dipping. On colder nights, a side of roasted veggies or a light sandwich can turn it into a full meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve served this soup in mini hollowed-out bread bowls—it makes the presentation fun and cozy. You could also drizzle a swirl of cream or herb oil on top before serving for that extra wow-factor. Another idea I tried recently was sprinkling crispy bacon bits or toasted nuts on top for contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After making this Creamy Roasted Garlic Potato Soup Recipe, leftovers go straight into airtight containers in the fridge. I’ve found it keeps perfectly well for up to 3 days without losing flavor or texture, just make sure to give it a good stir before reheating.
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully, which is a lifesaver on busy weeks. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and it lasts up to 3 months. Just be aware that sometimes the creaminess softens slightly after thawing, but a quick stir and gentle reheat bring it back!
Reheating
I reheat my leftover soup gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to keep it smooth and to prevent scorching. If the soup thickened too much in the fridge or freezer, I just add a splash of broth or milk while reheating to loosen it up. Microwaving works in a pinch, but stirring halfway through helps it heat evenly.
FAQs
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Can I make this Creamy Roasted Garlic Potato Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth and substitute the parmesan cheese with a plant-based alternative if needed. The soup will still be rich and flavorful thanks to the roasted garlic and creamy base.
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What’s the best way to peel and prepare the potatoes?
I recommend peeling the potatoes before boiling, which helps them cook evenly and results in a smoother soup. After boiling until tender, let them cool slightly before dicing or cubing to keep your fingers safe and avoid a mushy texture.
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Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes! This soup actually tastes better the next day after the flavors meld. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently. It also freezes well if you want to make a big batch ahead of time.
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How do I avoid the soup being too thick or too thin?
Start by adding 4 cups of broth, then adjust after blending by adding more liquid ¼ cup at a time until you hit your desired consistency. This way, you avoid ending up with a soup that’s too runny or too paste-like.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Roasted Garlic Potato Soup Recipe is truly one of my kitchen all-stars. It’s easy to make but tastes like you spent hours fussing over it—perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself to something special. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and that it becomes your go-to for those cozy nights in. Don’t forget to top it with your favorite garnishes and dig in while it’s steaming hot—trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
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Creamy Roasted Garlic Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Roasted Garlic Potato Soup is a creamy and luxurious comfort food featuring sweet, tender roasted garlic blended into a smooth and silky potato base. With a blend of sautéed onions and leeks, subtle thyme, and a touch of Parmesan cheese, this hearty soup delivers incredible depth of flavor perfect for cozy meals.
Ingredients
Roasted Garlic
- 1 head of garlic, whole
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Main Ingredients
- 1¾ pounds russet potatoes, peeled
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 cup white onions, chopped
- 1 leek, cleaned and thinly sliced (whites and light greens)
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 4-5 cups low sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 cup whole milk (or 2%)
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon fresh thyme (or ¼ teaspoon dried thyme)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings
- Chopped chives
- Gruyère grilled cheese croutons or crackers (optional)
Instructions
- Roast Garlic: Preheat the oven to 375ºF and position a rack in the center. Slice off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Wrap the garlic in foil and place it on a baking sheet. Roast for 40-45 minutes, until the garlic is soft and tender. Allow to cool before squeezing out the roasted garlic cloves.
- Boil Potatoes: While the garlic roasts, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the peeled potatoes and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes, let cool slightly, then cube them.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large Dutch oven or pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and sliced leeks, and sauté for 6-8 minutes until soft, translucent, and fragrant.
- Make the Soup Base: Reduce heat to medium and stir in the flour. Cook for 60-90 seconds until the flour is lightly golden, stirring constantly. Slowly whisk in 4 cups of chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream. Add fresh thyme, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Potatoes and Garlic: Stir in the cubed potatoes, squeeze in the roasted garlic, and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well to combine all flavors.
- Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender and blend until smooth. If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth (up to 1 cup) to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top with additional Parmesan cheese, chopped chives, and optional Gruyère grilled cheese croutons or crackers for garnish and texture.
Notes
- Roasting garlic sweetens its flavor, making it mellow and perfect for a creamy potato soup.
- You can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make this soup vegetarian.
- Gruyère grilled cheese croutons add a delicious, cheesy crunch; simply cut grilled cheese sandwiches into cubes and toast briefly.
- This soup reheats well and thickens, so add extra broth when reheating if it feels too thick.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduce or omit the heavy cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg