If you’re on the lookout for a soul-warming, silky soup that perfectly blends earthy and creamy flavors, you absolutely have to try the Celeriac Leek Soup with Thyme & Gruyère Toasts: Comfort in a Bowl Recipe. This delightful dish combines tender celeriac and sweet leeks, infused with fragrant thyme, and finished with luxuriously cheesy Gruyère toasts. It’s a bowl of cozy goodness that feels like a warm hug, ideal for chilly evenings or whenever you need that perfect comforting meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Celeriac Leek Soup with Thyme & Gruyère Toasts: Comfort in a Bowl Recipe lies in its simplicity and thoughtful blend of fresh, fundamental ingredients that come together to create a harmonious taste and comforting texture.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps gently sauté the vegetables without overpowering their natural flavors.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Enhances the soup’s creaminess and adds depth to the sautéed leeks and onions.
- 2 large leeks, white and light green parts only, sliced and rinsed: These bring a mild, sweet onion flavor that forms the fragrant base of the soup.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Provides a subtle sharpness that balances the sweetness of the leeks beautifully.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a gentle warmth and aroma, rounding out the flavor profile.
- 1 medium celeriac (celery root), peeled and cubed (about 1 1/2 pounds): This star ingredient offers an earthy, nutty flavor and creamy texture once cooked.
- 1 large potato, peeled and diced: Adds natural creaminess and body to the soup, making it satisfyingly smooth.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried): Brings an herby, slightly floral note that lifts the entire dish.
- 5 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth: Creates a flavorful but light liquid base that lets the vegetable flavors shine.
- 1/2 cup whole milk or cream (optional): Swirls in richness and adds a velvety finish to the soup, though it’s lovely without, too.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- 4 slices crusty bread: Perfect for toasting and holding up to the melted cheese topping.
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese: Delivers a nutty, creamy, slightly sweet flavor that melts wonderfully.
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves: Sprinkled on the toasts to echo the herbaceous notes in the soup for a harmonious pairing.
How to Make Celeriac Leek Soup with Thyme & Gruyère Toasts: Comfort in a Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the leeks and chopped onion, cooking gently until they soften and become translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. This slow sauté enhances their natural sweetness, forming the fragrant foundation of your soup. Don’t forget to stir in the minced garlic for one more minute to awaken the flavors.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables and Broth
Next, toss in the cubed celeriac, diced potato, and fresh thyme leaves. Pour in the broth and bring everything to a boil. This step is where the vegetables begin to tenderize and mingle their flavors in the comforting broth.
Step 3: Simmer Until Tender
Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the celeriac and potatoes are incredibly soft. This tenderness is key for that silky, smooth texture we’re aiming for in this celeriac leek soup with thyme & Gruyère toasts: comfort in a bowl recipe.
Step 4: Blend to Perfection
Once the vegetables are tender, remove the pot from the heat and blend the soup until completely smooth. You can use an immersion blender right in the pot or carefully puree in batches in a countertop blender. Then return the soup to the pot.
Step 5: Finish and Season
Stir in the milk or cream if you’re using it to add a lovely, velvety texture. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting until the flavors sing.
Step 6: Make the Gruyère Toasts
While the soup is finishing, preheat your broiler. Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet, sprinkle evenly with shredded Gruyère cheese, and a little fresh thyme. Broil the toasts until the cheese is bubbling, golden, and irresistibly melty, about 2 to 3 minutes.
How to Serve Celeriac Leek Soup with Thyme & Gruyère Toasts: Comfort in a Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives adds a pop of color and freshness to your bowl. A few extra thyme leaves on top can also amplify the herbaceous aroma that makes this dish so heartwarming.
Side Dishes
Serve this soup alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A small bowl of roasted nuts or a simple plate of pickled vegetables also pairs wonderfully, introducing varied textures and flavors that complement the soup’s mellow taste.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch when entertaining, serve the soup in mini crocks or mugs with a single Gruyère toast cut into small bite-sized pieces for dipping. You could also swirl in a spoonful of pesto or a dollop of crème fraîche for a colorful, layered effect that surprises and delights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Celeriac Leek Soup with Thyme & Gruyère Toasts: Comfort in a Bowl Recipe stores beautifully in the refrigerator. Keep it in an airtight container for up to 3 days, and the flavors will actually deepen over time, making it even more comforting.
Freezing
You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months without compromising texture or flavor. Just cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. The Gruyère toasts are best enjoyed fresh but you can keep bread on hand to toast whenever you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid boiling to preserve its creamy texture. Re-toast the Gruyère bread just before serving to restore that perfect melty crunch.
FAQs
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Use about half the amount of dried thyme as fresh because its flavor is more concentrated. It still lends a lovely herbal note that makes the soup so special.
Is there a substitute for Gruyère cheese?
If Gruyère isn’t available, Emmental or a mild Swiss cheese also work well for melting and mimicking that slightly nutty flavor. Avoid very sharp cheeses as they may overpower the soup.
Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, swap butter for extra olive oil and use a plant-based milk or leave out the cream entirely. Just use vegetable broth and your favorite vegan cheese or omit the toasts if you want to keep it simple.
Why is celeriac used instead of regular celery?
Celeriac provides a much creamier texture and heartier flavor once cooked, which works perfectly in soups. It has a mild, earthy sweetness that stands up better than celery’s crunch and watery nature.
Can I prepare this soup in advance for a dinner party?
Definitely! The soup holds up well to being made a day ahead, and the flavors often deepen overnight. Just reheat gently and prepare the toasts fresh when guests arrive.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm embrace, you really should give the Celeriac Leek Soup with Thyme & Gruyère Toasts: Comfort in a Bowl Recipe a try. It’s a comforting, elegant dish that comes together with simple ingredients yet delivers extraordinary flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this soup promises to be a beautiful, satisfying experience from the very first spoonful.
Print
Celeriac Leek Soup with Thyme & Gruyère Toasts: Comfort in a Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This comforting Celeriac Leek Soup with Thyme & Gruyère Toasts combines the earthy, nutty flavor of celeriac with sweet leeks and savory thyme, finished with creamy, cheesy Gruyère-topped toasts. Perfect for cozy meals, the soup is blended smooth and can be enriched with cream for extra indulgence or kept lighter without. The simple yet elegant French-inspired recipe is easy to prepare on the stovetop and is ideal for chilly days.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 large leeks, white and light green parts only, sliced and rinsed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium celeriac (celery root), peeled and cubed (about 1 1/2 pounds)
- 1 large potato, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 5 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup whole milk or cream (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Gruyère Toasts
- 4 slices crusty bread
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and chopped onion, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid browning.
- Add Garlic and Vegetables: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the cubed celeriac, diced potato, fresh thyme leaves, and pour in the broth. Stir to combine.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the celeriac and potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork.
- Blend the Soup: Remove the pot from heat. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, blend in batches in a regular blender carefully, then return the soup to the pot.
- Finish and Season: Stir in the whole milk or cream if using, then season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Keep warm over low heat while preparing the toasts.
- Prepare Gruyère Toasts: Preheat your broiler. Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet. Sprinkle evenly with shredded Gruyère cheese and a light dusting of fresh thyme leaves. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Serve: Ladle the hot blended soup into bowls and serve immediately with the Gruyère toasts either on the side or dipped into the soup for a delicious pairing.
Notes
- Celeriac provides a unique nutty, earthy depth that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of leeks and the savoriness of thyme and Gruyère.
- For a lighter version, omit the cream and use whole grain or another healthier bread for the toasts.
- This soup freezes well for up to 3 months; reheat gently and stir in extra cream or broth if it thickens too much upon thawing.
- Use fresh thyme if possible for the best flavor, though dried thyme will also work.
