Celery Root Bisque

Featured in: Everyday Home Meals

This luxurious bisque transforms humble celery root into an elegant, velvety soup perfect for refined gatherings. The combination of aromatic vegetables, creamy milk, and a hint of nutmeg creates depth while maintaining the vegetable's subtle sweetness. After simmering to tenderness, the mixture is puréed until completely smooth, then enriched with cream for that signature luxurious texture. The result is a sophisticated starter that balances earthiness with creaminess, ideal for dinner parties or special occasion meals.

Updated on Mon, 26 Jan 2026 05:05:58 GMT
Velvety celery root bisque garnished with fresh chives, served warm in a rustic white bowl for an elegant starter. Pin It
Velvety celery root bisque garnished with fresh chives, served warm in a rustic white bowl for an elegant starter. | tongsoffset.com

Experience the sophisticated charm of this French-inspired Celery Root Bisque. This elegant, velvety soup showcases the delicate and nutty flavor of celery root, transformed into a smooth masterpiece that is perfect for special occasions or refined gatherings. By combining simple aromatics with the earthy depth of celeriac, you create a starter that is both comforting and incredibly luxurious.

Velvety celery root bisque garnished with fresh chives, served warm in a rustic white bowl for an elegant starter. Pin It
Velvety celery root bisque garnished with fresh chives, served warm in a rustic white bowl for an elegant starter. | tongsoffset.com

The secret to this soup's depth lies in the gentle sautéing of leeks, onions, and garlic in a mixture of butter and olive oil. This aromatics base provides a sweet foundation that allows the celery root and Yukon Gold potatoes to shine once they are simmered to tender perfection in a high-quality vegetable stock.

Ingredients

  • 2 large celery roots (about 900 g), peeled and diced
  • 1 medium leek, white and light green parts only, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 medium Yukon Gold potato, peeled and diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups (1 liter) vegetable stock
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk (or unsweetened non-dairy milk)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
  • Salt and white pepper, to taste
  • Chopped chives or microgreens for garnish
  • Drizzle of extra cream or truffle oil (optional)
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Keeps spices within easy reach while cooking, helping you season dishes quickly during everyday meal prep.
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Instructions

Step 1
In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add leek, onion, and garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened but not browned.
Step 2
Add celery root and potato. Stir to coat with the aromatics and fat. Cook for 3–4 minutes.
Step 3
Pour in vegetable stock and add bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 25–30 minutes until vegetables are very tender.
Step 4
Remove the bay leaf. Add milk and nutmeg.
Step 5
Purée the soup using an immersion blender (or carefully transfer to a blender in batches) until completely smooth.
Step 6
Stir in heavy cream. Reheat gently (do not boil). Season with salt and white pepper to taste.
Step 7
Ladle into warmed bowls. Garnish with chives or microgreens and an optional drizzle of cream or truffle oil.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure a perfectly smooth bisque, make sure the celery root and potato pieces are diced uniformly so they cook at the same rate. When puréing, if you find the consistency too thick, you can add a splash more vegetable stock until it reaches your desired silkiness. Always reheat gently after adding the cream to avoid breaking the emulsion.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegan-friendly version, simply substitute the heavy cream and whole milk with full-fat coconut milk or a rich, homemade cashew cream. You can also replace the butter with additional olive oil or a vegan butter alternative to maintain the soup's creamy profile while keeping it entirely plant-based.

Serviervorschläge

This bisque pairs beautifully with a side of crusty artisan bread or herbed croutons for added texture. To complete the experience, serve it alongside a glass of crisp white wine, such as a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly oaked Chardonnay, which complements the earthiness of the celery root.

Silky smooth celery root bisque in a ceramic bowl, topped with a swirl of cream and delicate microgreens. Pin It
Silky smooth celery root bisque in a ceramic bowl, topped with a swirl of cream and delicate microgreens. | tongsoffset.com

Whether you are hosting a formal dinner or simply looking to elevate your weeknight meal, this Celery Root Bisque offers a touch of French elegance in every spoonful. Its balanced seasoning and rich texture make it a timeless choice for any soup lover.

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Ideal for slow-simmered sauces, braised vegetables, baked dips, and cozy one-pot meals with even heat.
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Recipe FAQs

What makes celery root bisque different from regular cream soups?

Celery root bisque has a uniquely delicate, slightly sweet flavor with subtle herbal notes. The vegetable's natural starchiness creates an exceptionally smooth texture without needing excessive thickening agents, making it lighter yet still luxuriously creamy.

Can I make this bisque ahead of time?

Absolutely. This bisque actually develops more flavor when made ahead. Prepare it completely, then refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash more cream or milk if it thickens too much during storage.

What's the purpose of adding potato to this soup?

The Yukon Gold potato acts as a natural thickener and enhances the velvety texture. Its mild flavor doesn't compete with celery root, but its starch content helps create that signature bisque consistency while adding body to the purée.

Why use white pepper instead of black pepper?

White pepper provides the desired heat without visible specks that would interrupt the bisque's pristine, creamy appearance. It also has a slightly milder, more earthy flavor profile that complements rather than overpowers the delicate celery root.

What garnishes work best with celery root bisque?

Fresh chives add mild onion flavor and vibrant color contrast. Microgreens provide delicate texture and visual appeal. For extra luxury, a drizzle of truffle oil or additional cream creates beautiful marble patterns while enhancing the elegant presentation.

How do I achieve the smoothest texture?

Blend thoroughly with an immersion blender until no texture remains. For ultra-smooth results, pass the puréed soup through a fine-mesh sieve before adding cream. This removes any remaining fibers, creating that restaurant-quality silky consistency.

Celery Root Bisque

An elegant French soup showcasing delicate celery root flavor with creamy richness.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
35 minutes
Overall Time
50 minutes
Recipe by Charlotte King


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Type French

Serving Size 6 Portions

Diet Preferences Meat-Free, Gluten-Free

What You'll Need

Vegetables

01 2 large celery roots (about 2 lbs), peeled and diced
02 1 medium leek, white and light green parts only, sliced
03 1 medium onion, chopped
04 1 medium Yukon Gold potato, peeled and diced
05 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids

01 4 cups vegetable stock
02 1 cup whole milk or unsweetened non-dairy milk
03 1/2 cup heavy cream

Fats

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasonings

01 1 bay leaf
02 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
03 Salt and white pepper to taste

Garnish

01 Chopped chives or microgreens
02 Drizzle of extra cream or truffle oil (optional)

How to Make It

Step 01

Sauté aromatics: In a large soup pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add leek, onion, and garlic, sautéing for 3 to 4 minutes until softened but not browned.

Step 02

Cook root vegetables: Add celery root and potato. Stir to coat with the aromatics and fat. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 03

Simmer vegetables: Pour in vegetable stock and add bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 25 to 30 minutes until vegetables are very tender.

Step 04

Add dairy and seasonings: Remove the bay leaf. Add milk and nutmeg.

Step 05

Purée soup: Purée the soup using an immersion blender until completely smooth, or carefully transfer to a countertop blender in batches.

Step 06

Finish and season: Stir in heavy cream. Reheat gently without boiling. Season with salt and white pepper to taste.

Step 07

Serve and garnish: Ladle into warmed bowls. Garnish with chives or microgreens and an optional drizzle of cream or truffle oil.

Gear Needed

  • Large soup pot
  • Immersion blender or countertop blender
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Ladle

Allergy Info

Always double-check for allergens in each item and talk to a healthcare expert if unsure.
  • Contains milk and cream (dairy)
  • Ensure stock is gluten-free for strict gluten-free compliance

Nutrition Details (per portion)

These details are only for reference and not a substitute for actual professional advice.
  • Caloric Value: 210
  • Fats: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Proteins: 4 g