Caramelized Onion Roasted Garlic Bisque Recipe

Introduction

This Caramelized Onion Roasted Garlic Bisque is a comforting and flavorful soup perfect for cozy evenings. Richly layered with sweet caramelized onions and mellow roasted garlic, it offers a smooth, creamy texture that warm the soul.

Ingredients

• 1 large whole garlic head
• 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil (divided use)
• 9 cups thinly sliced sweet onions (about 4 large)
• 2 ½ cups sliced leeks, light green and white parts only (about 2 medium)
• 1 teaspoon salt (divided use)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup dry white wine
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups milk
• Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
• Freshly ground black pepper for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350° F. Remove the papery outer skin from the whole garlic head without separating the cloves. Rub half a tablespoon of olive oil on the garlic, wrap it tightly in foil, and bake for 1 hour. Let cool for 10 minutes, then separate and peel the cloves. Set aside.
2. Step 2: While the garlic roasts, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and leeks, cooking uncovered for 30 minutes with frequent stirring.
3. Step 3: Add ½ teaspoon salt and dried thyme to the pot. Continue cooking uncovered for another 30 minutes or until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized. Stir occasionally, add a splash of water if the onions start to brown too quickly, and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
4. Step 4: Stir the flour into the onion mixture and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the white wine and vegetable broth, bringing the soup to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Step 5: Transfer the roasted garlic cloves and the soup in batches to a blender; add the remaining ½ teaspoon salt. Blend until smooth. Return the blended soup to the pot.
6. Step 6: Stir in the milk and simmer gently for 8 minutes until heated through. Serve garnished with fresh thyme leaves and freshly ground black pepper if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer bisque, substitute half of the milk with cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
• If you prefer a deeper garlic flavor, roast an extra garlic head.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a subtle spicy note.
• To make it vegan, use plant-based milk and ensure vegetable broth is vegan-friendly.

Storage

Store leftover bisque in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent curdling. You can also freeze the bisque for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular onions instead of sweet onions?

Yes, but sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla provide a milder, sweeter flavor that complements the bisque’s richness better.

Is it necessary to roast the garlic?

Roasting the garlic mellows its sharpness and adds a subtle sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor. Raw garlic would be too pungent for this bisque.

Caramelized Onion Roasted Garlic Bisque Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 98 reviews

This Caramelized Onion Roasted Garlic Bisque is a smooth, flavorful soup that combines the deep sweetness of slowly caramelized onions and leeks with the rich, mellow taste of roasted garlic. Finished with a touch of white wine and creamy milk, it makes a comforting and elegant starter or light meal.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Roasted Garlic

• 1 large whole garlic head
• ½ tablespoon olive oil

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 9 cups thinly sliced sweet onions (about 4 large onions)
• 2 ½ cups sliced leeks (light green and white parts only, about 2 medium leeks)
• 1 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Soup Base and Garnish

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup dry white wine
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups milk
• Fresh thyme leaves for garnish
• Freshly ground black pepper for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for roasting the garlic.
2. Roast Garlic: Remove the papery outer skin from the whole garlic head without separating the cloves. Rub ½ tablespoon olive oil on the garlic head, wrap it tightly in foil, and bake for 1 hour. After baking, let it cool for 10 minutes, then separate and peel the cloves, placing them in a small dish for later use.
3. Caramelize Onions and Leeks: While the garlic roasts, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and leeks and cook uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring frequently. Then add ½ teaspoon salt and dried thyme, and continue cooking uncovered for another 30 minutes or until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized, stirring occasionally. Add a small amount of water if the mixture starts to stick or cook too quickly, scraping the brown bits from the bottom of the pot.
4. Create Roux and Add Liquids: Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw taste. Pour in the white wine and vegetable broth, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes to develop flavors.
5. Blend Soup: Add the roasted garlic cloves and the remaining ½ teaspoon salt to the onion mixture. Transfer this mixture into a blender and blend until very smooth. You may need to do this in batches depending on your blender’s size.
6. Finish Soup: Pour the blended soup back into the large saucepan, stir in the milk, and gently simmer for 8 minutes until heated through. Adjust seasoning with freshly ground black pepper if desired.
7. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the bisque into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme leaves and additional freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Use sweet onions such as Vidalia for best caramelization and flavor.
• If you prefer a thicker bisque, reduce the amount of milk or simmer a few extra minutes before blending.
• For a vegan version, substitute milk with a plant-based alternative and ensure the vegetable broth is vegan.
• Blending in batches prevents overfilling the blender and ensures a smooth consistency.
• Serving with crusty bread or a grilled cheese makes this bisque a hearty meal.

Keywords: caramelized onion soup, roasted garlic bisque, creamy onion soup, vegetarian soup, comforting fall soup, homemade bisque