This Caramelized Onion Roasted Garlic Bisque is creamy and full of flavor. Sweet onions and roasted garlic mix together to create a warm, comforting bowl that’s perfect for chilly days.
Trust me, once you taste that rich garlic goodness, you’ll want to cozy up with it again and again! I love serving it with crusty bread for the perfect match. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Onions: Use yellow onions for their sweetness when caramelized. You could substitute with red onions if you prefer a sharper taste or if that’s what you have on hand.
Garlic: Whole heads of garlic roast beautifully, giving a rich, sweet flavor. If you don’t have a whole head, minced garlic can work, but it won’t give the same depth. Remember to adjust the quantity as roasted garlic is milder.
Olive Oil: This recipe calls for olive oil for its health benefits and flavor. If you need an alternative, you can use vegetable oil or even avocado oil, which has a high smoke point.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream gives the bisque a rich texture. For a lighter version, coconut cream is a fantastic dairy-free option. You can also try nut-based creams like cashew cream!
Balsamic Vinegar: This adds a nice depth, but if you don’t have it, try apple cider vinegar or even a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
How Do You Perfectly Caramelize Onions?
Caramelizing onions is a key step in this recipe that adds a lot of flavor. You’ll want to slow cook them to bring out their natural sweetness. Here’s how:
- Start with medium heat to avoid burning the onions. If they brown too quickly, reduce the heat.
- Stir occasionally, but don’t overdo it. Give them time to cook and caramelize, which takes about 25-30 minutes.
- If they start to stick, you can add a splash of water or broth to deglaze the pan and lift the caramelized bits.
This patience is key to achieving those beautifully golden onions that enrich your bisque.
How to Make Caramelized Onion Roasted Garlic Bisque
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 whole head of garlic
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for added depth)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious bisque takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 1 hour of cooking time. Altogether, you should plan for about 1 hour and 15 minutes to prepare this comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy evening.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roast the Garlic:
First, you’ll want to roast the garlic to get that sweet, caramelized flavor. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves. Drizzle it with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and wrap it in foil. Roast it in the oven for about 30-35 minutes until it’s soft and caramelized. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
2. Caramelize the Onions:
Next, let’s caramelize the onions! In a large pot, heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions along with a pinch of salt. Let them cook, stirring occasionally, for about 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for them to turn a deep golden brown and become wonderfully sweet and caramelized. Don’t rush this step; the longer, the better for flavor!
3. Combine Ingredients:
After your garlic is roasted, squeeze the soft garlic cloves out of their skins directly into the pot with the caramelized onions. Stir everything together. Then add the vegetable broth, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for an additional 10 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
4. Blend the Soup:
Now it’s time to blend the soup! Remove the pot from the heat. If you have an immersion blender, you can blend the soup right in the pot until it’s smooth. If not, carefully ladle the soup in batches into a regular blender, blend until smooth, and then return it to the pot. Be careful with hot liquids!
5. Finish the Bisque:
Return the blended soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream, if you prefer). If you like, add the balsamic vinegar for an extra layer of flavor. Heat it gently over low heat until warmed through. Taste your bisque and adjust the seasoning if needed; a pinch more salt or pepper can make all the difference!
6. Serve:
Now it’s time to enjoy your delicious bisque! Ladle it into bowls and garnish with extra thyme leaves. Serve warm, and don’t forget some crusty bread on the side for dipping—it’s perfect for soaking up that creamy goodness!
Can I Use Different Types of Onions?
Absolutely! While yellow onions are great for caramelizing due to their sweetness, you can also use red onions for a slightly different flavor profile, or even shallots for a milder, sweeter bisque. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the onion type.
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
Yes! If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut cream works beautifully and adds a nice richness. You can also use cashew cream or almond milk, but keep in mind these alternatives may alter the final texture and flavor; adding a bit more seasoning might help balance it out.
How Do I Store Leftover Bisque?
To store leftovers, let the bisque cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If the bisque thickens too much, you can add a splash of vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the bisque! Allow it to cool completely, then pour it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove, adding a bit of liquid if needed to restore creaminess.
