Onion Bisque with Frizzled Leeks & Rosemary Recipe

If you’re yearning for a velvet-smooth soup with a bit of drama on top, Onion Bisque with Frizzled Leeks & Rosemary is exactly what your dinner routine needs! This luxurious bowl harmoniously blends golden, caramelized onions with fresh rosemary and swirls of cream, served piping-hot and crowned with crispy, golden leeks. It’s a French-inspired comfort dish that feels both classic and surprising — the sort of soup that tastes like you’re eating at your favorite neighborhood bistro, but comes together easily in your own kitchen. Whether you’re planning a cozy night in or hoping to impress guests, Onion Bisque with Frizzled Leeks & Rosemary always delivers on flavor, texture, and beautiful presentation.

Onion Bisque with Frizzled Leeks & Rosemary Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the beauty of Onion Bisque with Frizzled Leeks & Rosemary: everything you need is simple, but each ingredient plays a starring role, building the soulful flavor and rich, creamy texture. Don’t skimp or swap — this is a recipe where the details matter!

  • Yellow Onions: The heart of the bisque, you want them deeply caramelized for maximum sweetness and depth.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds an indulgent base and helps the onions soften and brown beautifully.
  • Olive Oil: Prevents the butter from burning and delivers a fruity undertone.
  • Garlic: Just a hint for complexity; don’t let it brown.
  • Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Choose a flavorful, quality broth—this forms the body of your soup.
  • Heavy Cream: The secret to a truly velvety finish and that bistro-level richness.
  • Fresh Rosemary: Finely chopped for bright, herbaceous harmony against the sweet onions.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: Adjust carefully to season every layer just right.
  • Leek: Sliced into matchsticks and fried, these add crunch and a subtle sweetness as your dramatic topping.
  • Vegetable Oil (for frying leeks): High heat stability ensures your leeks crisp up without absorbing too much oil.

How to Make Onion Bisque with Frizzled Leeks & Rosemary

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Start everything off by melting the butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add those mounds of onions and be patient! Stir often for 20 to 25 minutes, letting them turn golden, sweet, and deeply caramelized. The caramelization is what transforms simple onions into the creamiest, richest base for your Onion Bisque with Frizzled Leeks & Rosemary.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Simmer

Once those onions gleam with golden edges, stir in the garlic and let it mingle for just a minute—this wakes up its aroma without letting it brown. Pour in your chosen broth, bring it to a gentle boil, then drop the heat to let everything simmer gently for 15 minutes to blend every flavor.

Step 3: Puree Until Silky Smooth

This next step is magic for your tastebuds! Carefully transfer the hot soup to your blender (or use an immersion blender directly in the pot) and blend until it’s completely smooth and creamy. Creamy texture is the hallmark of a classic Onion Bisque with Frizzled Leeks & Rosemary, so don’t rush this part—let it become pure velvet.

Step 4: Add Cream, Rosemary, and Season

Pour the bisque back into the pot and stir in the heavy cream and finely chopped rosemary. At this moment, taste and tweak with salt and black pepper. Keep the soup warm on low heat while you prepare the finishing touch.

Step 5: Make the Frizzled Leeks

In a small skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. When it shimmers, add your matchstick leeks. Fry, stirring frequently, for 2 to 3 minutes until the leeks are golden, crisp, and irresistibly frizzled. Moving quickly, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool.

Step 6: Serve Your Onion Bisque with Frizzled Leeks & Rosemary

Ladle the steaming bisque into bowls, then pile a generous pinch of frizzled leeks and a fresh sprinkle of rosemary on top. Serve immediately and savor every creamy, crunchy bite!

How to Serve Onion Bisque with Frizzled Leeks & Rosemary

Onion Bisque with Frizzled Leeks & Rosemary Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Let your creativity shine by topping each bowl with plenty of crispy frizzled leeks and a shower of extra finely chopped fresh rosemary. A drizzle of cream or a tiny swirl of olive oil right before serving adds visual pop and even more lusciousness.

Side Dishes

This luxurious bisque pairs beautifully with thick slices of crusty baguette, a tangy green salad with lemony vinaigrette, or a platter of soft cheese and grapes. The subtle onion and rosemary flavors make this a versatile partner for so many sides!

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your presentation by serving Onion Bisque with Frizzled Leeks & Rosemary in vintage soup bowls, or go modern by pouring it into espresso cups for a chic appetizer. For a dinner party twist, try piping a dollop of whipped crème fraîche atop each serving for gorgeous contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover Onion Bisque with Frizzled Leeks & Rosemary in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep frizzled leeks separate in a small uncovered dish to maintain their signature crunch.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze the bisque, make it up to the point before adding cream; let it cool, then pour into freezer-safe containers. Add fresh cream and rosemary after thawing for the very best flavor and texture. The frizzled leeks are best made fresh and don’t freeze well.

Reheating

Gently reheat the bisque over low heat, stirring frequently to preserve its silky texture. If it thickens too much as it sits, whisk in a splash of extra broth or cream. Add your frizzled leeks after reheating to keep them crisp.

FAQs

What’s the difference between bisque and regular onion soup?

A bisque is all about luxuriously creamy texture and a richer, more blended flavor compared to classic broth-based onion soup. Onion Bisque with Frizzled Leeks & Rosemary combines pureed, caramelized onions and cream, resulting in a silky, decadent soup.

Can I make this vegan?

Absolutely! Swap in plant-based butter and coconut cream for the dairy components, and use vegetable broth as your base. You’ll achieve a beautiful vegan Onion Bisque with Frizzled Leeks & Rosemary that’s just as rich and satisfying.

Are there other herbs besides rosemary I can use?

While rosemary brings a piney, aromatic note, thyme or tarragon are tasty alternates. Start with less and adjust to taste, so you don’t overpower the gentle sweetness of the onions.

What’s the trick to perfect frizzled leeks?

Dry your leek matchsticks thoroughly before frying, don’t crowd the skillet, and keep an eye— they go from golden to crisp in a flash! Always drain on paper towels right after frying for maximum crunch atop your Onion Bisque with Frizzled Leeks & Rosemary.

Can I use red or sweet onions instead?

You can, though yellow onions strike the best balance of sweetness and depth. Red onions will create a different color and flavor, while sweet onions can make the bisque almost dessert-like—experiment if you wish but start with yellow for classic results.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe for Onion Bisque with Frizzled Leeks & Rosemary finds its way into your regular rotation—truly, it’s a dish that feels special whether you’re dining alone or feeding friends. The contrast of creamy soup and crisp leeks is irresistible. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll fall in love with every spoonful!

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Onion Bisque with Frizzled Leeks & Rosemary Recipe

Onion Bisque with Frizzled Leeks & Rosemary Recipe


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4.6 from 10 reviews

  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this creamy Onion Bisque with a delightful crunch of frizzled leeks and aromatic rosemary. Perfect for a cozy night in or to impress guests with its elegant presentation.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup:

  • 4 large yellow onions thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary finely chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Frizzled Leeks:

  • 1 large leek, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced into matchsticks
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying leeks)

Instructions

  1. Saute Onions: In a large pot, melt butter with olive oil. Cook onions until caramelized.
  2. Add Flavor: Stir in garlic, pour in broth, and simmer to blend flavors.
  3. Puree: Blend the soup until smooth, then return to pot and add cream, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
  4. Fry Leeks: Heat oil in a skillet, fry leeks until crispy.
  5. Serve: Ladle bisque into bowls, top with frizzled leeks and extra rosemary.

Notes

  • For a vegan version, use coconut cream and plant-based butter.
  • Serve with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: French-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

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