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Celery Root Bisque with Thyme Croutons

This elegant celeriac bisque is a wonderful way to celebrate the subtle, nutty flavour of one of the season’s most versatile root vegetables. Often overlooked for its rugged appearance, celeriac transforms into a silky, sophisticated soup when simmered with fragrant shallots and earthy fresh thyme. The addition of a small amount of potato provides a velvet-smooth texture without the need for heavy thickeners, making it an excellent choice for a refined dinner party starter or a comforting weekend lunch.

As a dairy-free dish, this recipe relies on the natural starch of the vegetables and a touch of cream to achieve its luxurious consistency. If you are preparing for guests, the soup can be made up to two days in advance and gently reheated, allowing the herbal notes to develop further. Serve it in warmed bowls with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and some crusty bread for a truly satisfying homemade meal.

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Ingredients for Celery Root Bisque with Thyme Croutons

  • 60g (1/2 stick) butter

  • 230g chopped celery

  • 60g coarsely chopped shallots (about 3 large)

  • 900g celery roots (celeriac), peeled, woody parts trimmed and discarded, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 1325ml )

  • 30g russet potato, peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces

  • 1200ml low-salt chicken broth

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme

  • 60ml whipping cream

  • Additional chopped fresh thyme

How to make Celery Root Bisque with Thyme Croutons

Melt butter in heavy large pot over medium heat. Add celery; cover and cook until slightly softened, about 3 minutes. Add shallots; sauté uncovered 3 minutes. Stir in celery root cubes and potato, then broth and 1 1/2 teaspoons thyme. Increase heat to high; bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until vegetables are very tender, about 40 minutes. Cool slightly.

Working in batches, transfer soup to blender and puree until smooth. (Can be prepared 2 days ahead. Cool slightly. Cover and refrigerate.)

Stir cream into soup and bring to simmer. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Ladle soup into bowls. Sprinkle with additional chopped thyme and serve.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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