Ingredients
Method
Roast the Garlic and Prep the Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the top off the garlic bulb to expose the cloves. Place it on a square of aluminum foil, drizzle generously with olive oil, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Wrap the foil tightly around the garlic and roast for 45 minutes, until the cloves are soft and golden.
- Meanwhile, place the cubed potatoes in a medium saucepan, cover with cold water, and add 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then cook for 7–10 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
Make the Soup
- In a large soup pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add the butter and let it melt, then stir in the flour. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes or until the flour turns a light golden color.
- Add the drained potatoes, vegetable broth, and thyme leaves. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from their skins (discard the skins) directly into the pot.
- Bring the soup to a boil and let it cook for 3 minutes.
- Pour in the milk, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring the soup back to a gentle simmer.
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan until melted.
- Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until completely smooth. (If using a countertop blender, work in batches, leave the lid slightly open to vent steam, and cover with a kitchen towel.)
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, topped with cheesy garlic croutons and a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves.
Nutrition
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the milk and cream mixture.
To make this soup dairy-free, use olive oil instead of butter, a plant-based milk and cream, and omit the Parmesan or use a vegan alternative.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth to thin if needed.
The roasted garlic can be prepared up to 3 days ahead and kept refrigerated.
Avoid over-blending the soup; a quick puree gives a velvety texture without making it gluey.
If you don’t have an immersion blender, use a potato masher for a chunkier soup.
For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese before blending.
