Caramelized Onion and Potato Soup

Name: Caramelized Onion and Potato Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 large onions, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup heavy cream; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh chives, for garnish

Highlighted under: Easy Comfort Recipes

I absolutely love creating warm, comforting bowls of soup, and this Caramelized Onion and Potato Soup is near the top of my list. The combination of sweet caramelized onions with creamy potatoes results in a deliciously rich flavor profile that's perfect for chilly evenings. Every time I make this, the kitchen fills with a heavenly aroma that makes me feel right at home. It’s a simple recipe with ingredients I usually have on hand, and the result is always a satisfying dish that warms my heart and soul.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-08T15:26:43.010Z

One chilly evening, I decided to experiment with some ingredients I had left in the pantry. Caramelized onions caught my eye, and I thought they would make for a delicious base for a soup. By allowing the onions to slowly caramelize, I extracted their natural sweetness, which transformed this simple soup into something remarkable. The secret? Patience! Letting those onions cook low and slow is key to enhancing their flavor.

As I blended the soup to create a smooth, velvety texture, I realized this recipe could easily be adjusted to suit different tastes. For instance, adding thyme or a splash of sherry at the end can elevate the flavor beautifully. It became a family favorite, and I hope it does the same for you!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich, sweet flavor from caramelized onions
Creamy and comforting texture that's perfect for any day
Easily adaptable with herbs and spices for extra flair

      

The Art of Caramelization

Caramelizing onions is a crucial step in this soup, offering its signature sweetness and depth. Start by slicing your onions thinly; this allows for even cooking and more surface area for caramelization. Keep the heat at a medium level, ensuring the oil is shimmering before adding the onions. This will help them cook evenly. You want to stir them occasionally, not constantly, allowing them to sit and develop those beautiful golden-brown edges that contribute to their rich flavor.

If your onions begin to stick to the bottom before they're fully caramelized, deglaze the pot with a splash of broth to release those flavorful bits. Look for a color that’s dark golden brown, as this indicates they've reached perfect caramelization. If you prefer a deeper flavor, feel free to let them cook a little longer, but be careful; burnt onions can introduce bitterness to the soup.

Making a Creamy Base

When you blend the soup, be patient to achieve the right smoothness. Use an immersion blender as it allows for easy blending right in the pot. Initially, pulse a few times before blending continuously to get rid of any large potato lumps. If using a standard blender, let the soup cool slightly and blend in batches, filling the blender only halfway to prevent spills. You'll want a velvety consistency that coats the back of a spoon; add more broth if it's too thick for your liking.

The heavy cream shifts this soup from simple to luxurious, lending a silky texture. When adding it, consider warming the cream slightly before stirring it in to help it acclimate to the soup’s temperature and prevent curdling.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, as the creamy texture beautifully complements a crunchy exterior. For a raspy twist, try serving it with a sprinkle of sharp cheese such as Gruyère or a dollop of sour cream for added richness. Chives offer a fresh pop of color and flavor, but consider using crispy bacon bits or even a drizzle of truffle oil for an elegant touch.

If you're looking to switch up the flavor, consider adding herbs such as thyme or rosemary when you're simmering the potatoes. These will infuse the soup with an aromatic essence that elevates the dish. For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk, keeping in mind it will slightly alter the flavor.

Ingredients

For the Soup

4 large onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh chives, for garnish

Make sure to have everything prepared before you start cooking, as this soup comes together quickly!

Instructions

Caramelize the Onions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized and brown.

This slow cooking helps develop their sweetness.

Add Garlic and Potatoes

Once the onions are caramelized, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Add the diced potatoes and vegetable broth, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

Blend the Soup

Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth. You can also transfer it to a regular blender in batches. Return the blended soup to the pot.

Finish with Cream

Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat the soup for a few minutes until warmed through before serving.

Garnish and Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chives. Enjoy this warm and cozy soup with some crusty bread!

Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.

Pro Tips

For added depth of flavor, try using homemade vegetable broth or adding a splash of white wine during the cooking process.

Storage Tips

This Caramelized Onion and Potato Soup is ideal for meal prep and can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Allow it to cool completely before sealing and refrigerating. When you're ready to enjoy, gently reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even warming.

If you're looking to store it for longer, consider freezing the soup. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or if you’re in a hurry, use the defrost setting on your microwave.

Troubleshooting

If your soup turns out grainy after blending, it's likely due to overcooking the potatoes. Make sure to cook them just until fork-tender but not mushy, as this helps maintain a smoother texture. If you find your soup lacking flavor, a touch more salt or a squeeze of lemon juice can help brighten the flavors significantly.

Should you find the caramelization process takes too long, increase the heat slightly but remain vigilant. This should speed things up, but be careful not to burn the onions. If burning occurs, scrape up those bits and add a bit more oil or onion to rebalance the batch.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this soup a day ahead. Store in the refrigerator and simply reheat before serving.

→ Can I freeze the soup?

Absolutely! Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container for freezing. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

→ What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs well with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even grilled cheese sandwiches for a complete meal.

→ Can I make this vegan?

Yes! Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative and ensure your broth is vegan.