Name: Celeriac, Pear and Blue Cheese Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 40 g butter; 1 brown onion, halved and finely chopped; 1 garlic clove, crushed; 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme; 1 large celeriac (about 750 g), peeled and finely chopped; 2 ripe Beurre Bosc pears, peeled, cored, and finely chopped; 2 L (8 cups) vegetable stock; 125 g blue cheese (such as King Island Roaring Forties), crumbled; Salt and freshly ground black pepper; Fresh thyme leaves, to serve

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Short description

This celeriac, pear, and blue cheese soup is a rich and velvety dish that balances earthy celeriac, sweet pears, and the bold tang of blue cheese. Elegant yet comforting, it’s perfect as a starter for dinner parties or as a cozy winter meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines sweet, savory, and earthy flavors in perfect harmony.
Luxuriously creamy without needing heavy cream.
A sophisticated dish that’s easy to prepare.
Ideal for entertaining or a warming weeknight dinner.
Pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a crisp salad.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

40 g butter
1 brown onion, halved and finely chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme
1 large celeriac (about 750 g), peeled and finely chopped
2 ripe Beurre Bosc pears, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
2 L (8 cups) vegetable stock
125 g blue cheese (such as King Island Roaring Forties), crumbled
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Fresh thyme leaves, to serve

Directions

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until foaming. Add onion, garlic, and thyme. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes until onion softens.
Add celeriac and pear, then cook for 5 minutes until lightly golden.
Pour in vegetable stock, bring to the boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, or until celeriac is tender.
Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly for 5 minutes. Stir in the crumbled blue cheese.
Blend the soup in batches until smooth. Transfer to a clean saucepan.
Place over low heat and cook, stirring, for about 3 minutes until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme leaves and extra black pepper before serving.

Servings and timing

Serves 6.
Preparation time: 15 minutes.
Cooking time: 30 minutes.
Total time: about 45 minutes.

Variations

Replace blue cheese with goat’s cheese for a milder tang.
Add a splash of cream for extra richness.
Stir in toasted walnuts or hazelnuts for crunch.
Try Asian pears instead of Beurre Bosc for a slightly different sweetness.
Add a drizzle of truffle oil for a gourmet twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often, until warmed through. Avoid boiling once cheese is added, as it may affect texture.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, it keeps well in the fridge and reheats beautifully.

2. What’s the best type of blue cheese to use?

A creamy, mild blue cheese like Gorgonzola or King Island Roaring Forties works best.

3. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, just ensure you use vegetarian-friendly blue cheese and vegetable stock.

4. Can I omit the blue cheese?

Yes, but the soup will be milder. You can substitute with cream cheese or goat’s cheese.

5. What can I serve with this soup?

Crusty bread, garlic croutons, or a fresh green salad pair well.

6. Can I blend the soup with a stick blender?

Yes, an immersion blender works well and saves time transferring batches.

7. Do I need to peel the celeriac?

Yes, celeriac has a tough skin that should be removed before cooking.

8. Can I use apples instead of pears?

Yes, apples work too, but pears provide a softer sweetness.

9. Why is my soup too thick?

Add more stock or water until you reach your desired consistency.

10. Can I freeze this soup with the cheese added?

Yes, but thaw gently and stir well when reheating, as the cheese may slightly alter texture.

Conclusion

Celeriac, pear, and blue cheese soup is a refined yet comforting dish that highlights the best of seasonal ingredients. With its earthy base, sweet pear notes, and a luxurious touch of blue cheese, this soup makes a stunning starter or a cozy meal with bread on the side. Perfect for both everyday dining and special occasions.

Maggie