Creamy, fresh, and full of flavor, this Apple and Celeriac Soup is perfect for autumn and holiday gatherings. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Apple and Celeriac Soup Recipe:
This recipe is part of a seasonal series my Tastes of the Season blogger friends and I put together. Today’s feature is a comforting Apple and Celeriac Soup. The name might sound unusual, but the combination of celery root and apple produces a bright, savory soup with a subtle sweetness that’s perfect for fall. If you’re after more soup ideas, this post originally included links to many more recipes.
The idea for this soup came from a trip to Ireland where I enjoyed a remarkable celeriac soup and a Thai-inspired noodle soup served with garnishes on the lid. I loved the flavors and the playful presentation and combined both elements into this recipe.
The soup I tasted in Ireland inspired me to create my own version at home. I adapted a celeriac soup recipe and added apples and a garnish presentation to make a memorable starter or light meal.
I combined those inspirations to create a silky celeriac base brightened with apples and finished with crème fraîche. The result is comforting yet fresh.
What is Celeriac?
Celeriac, also known as celery root, is the same plant as celery but grown for its knobby root rather than stalks. It has a mild celery-like flavor and a texture similar to turnips or potatoes, making it a great choice for creamy soups. Because it’s lower in starch than potatoes, celeriac can be a good option in lower-carb dishes as well.
How to Make Apple and Celeriac Soup:
This recipe is straightforward and rewarding. An immersion blender is handy for finishing the soup to a smooth texture, though a regular blender will work if you prefer.
Begin by softening onions and celery in olive oil. Add peeled, chopped celeriac and peeled, cored, chopped apples, cooking briefly to combine flavors. Pour in chicken stock and add fresh thyme, then simmer until the celeriac is tender—about 35–45 minutes. Remove the thyme stems, blend the soup until smooth, then stir in crème fraîche for richness. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
To serve, ladle the soup into bowls or jars for a charming presentation. Drizzle with extra crème fraîche and a little olive oil. For a fun interactive touch, place a lid on each jar and top it with a selection of garnishes—chopped hazelnuts, sliced red Fresno peppers, diced apple, edible flowers, fresh thyme leaves, and fried sage leaves are all excellent choices. Invite guests to add as many or as few garnishes as they like for a memorable experience.
The combination of smooth, savory soup and bright, textured garnishes makes this dish both elegant and approachable.
Apple and Celeriac Soup Recipe:
Apple and Celeriac Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 celeriac, peeled and chopped
- 5 medium Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 48 ounces chicken stock
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 6 ounces crème fraîche
- Salt and pepper to taste
To garnish:
- Crème fraîche
- Olive oil
- Chopped hazelnuts
- Sliced red Fresno peppers
- Diced apple
- Edible flowers
- Fresh thyme leaves
- Fried sage leaves*
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pan. Add the onions and celery and cook over medium heat for 10–12 minutes, until soft.
- Add the peeled, chopped celeriac and apples and cook for 3–4 minutes.
- Add the stock and two sprigs of fresh thyme. Cover and simmer on low for 35–45 minutes, or until the celeriac is tender.
- Remove from heat. Discard thyme stems and blend the soup until smooth with an immersion blender. Stir in the crème fraîche and season with salt and pepper.
- To serve, spoon the soup into bowls or jars. Drizzle with crème fraîche and olive oil, place the lid on the jar, and top with garnishes. Let guests add garnishes as they like.
Notes
*Fried sage leaves: Heat 2–3 tablespoons olive oil in a pan. Fry sage leaves, 5 or 6 at a time, for 8–10 seconds. Remove with a fork and drain on paper towels.
Tastes of the Season Soup Recipes:
Below are other cozy soup ideas that pair well with this season: Easy Slow Cooker White Bean and Ham Soup, Creamy Cauliflower Soup, Butternut Squash Minestrone, Light Creamy Mushroom Soup, Corn Chowder, Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup, Chicken Gnocchi Soup, Chicken and Dumplings, French Onion Soup, Sausage Tortellini Soup, White Chicken Chili, Roasted Pumpkin & Garlic Soup, Healthy Halibut Chowder, Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup (Japanese Udon), Creamy Low-Carb Roasted Cauliflower Soup, Dairy Free Cream of Broccoli Soup, Butternut Squash and Pear Soup, Harvest Lentil Soup, and Creamy Asparagus Soup with Bacon and Lime Crème Fraîche.
This celeriac and apple soup is bright, creamy, and full of little contrasts in texture and flavor. It makes a lovely starter for a dinner party or a cozy bowl for cold evenings. Enjoy experimenting with the garnishes and make it your own.