Creamy Parsnip Soup with Leeks

Looking for a warming, flavorful dish that’s perfect for chilly days? This parsnip soup recipe is a must-try! Luxuriously rich and creamy in texture, this comforting, nourishing soup features sweet parsnips and mild leeks with a touch of fresh thyme for a delightful balance of savory flavors. Top with crispy bacon for a moorish dinning experience or let the soup stand beautifully on its own.
If you have never had parsnips in soup before, you are in for a tasty treat!
Ultra-creamy, super flavorful, and ultimately comforting, you’ll never believe this homemade parsnip soup is healthy and nutritious too. Thick and velvety-smooth, this soup delivers a false sense of cozy decadence because while it is impossibly rich and beautifully buttery, it’s also good for your waistline – and for your soul!! I’m not sure about you, but anytime I feel like I’m indulging in something delicious – while still fitting in my skinny jeans – it’s always a big win.
So, what’s it taste like? Honestly, if you like classic potato soup, you will love this creamy parsnip soup – it tastes like a slightly sweeter, more complex version of potato soup! Or, like a slightly sweeter, thinner version of mashed potatoes! Basically, if you love potatoes and you also like a hint of subtle sweetness, you’re going to fall head over heels in love with this parsnip soup recipe! Deliciously creamy-dreamy, superbly cozy, and fabulously flavorful, it’s everything you never knew you needed in your life!!
And, if you happen to have a picky eater in your house, I urge you to make this parsnip soup recipe! Seriously, it’s the easiest and most delicious way to sneak more healthy vegetables into your diet!! Simply top the soup with a healthy scattering of salty, smoky bacon! Have them take a bite and try to tell me they aren’t a parsnip-loving convert for life!
- 6-8 sliced Bacon – diced (OPTIONAL)
- 3 TBS Unsalted Butter
- 2 Pounds Parsnips – trimmed, peeled and roughly cut into 1’’ pieces
- 2 large Leeks – white & light green parts, rinsed & thinly sliced (about scant 2 cups)
- 2 large Ribs Celery – small dice (about 3/4 cup)
- 2 large Cloves Garlic – peeled & roughly chopped
- 2 tsp Fresh Thyme Leaves
- ½ tsp Ground Nutmeg
- 1/4 cup Dry White Wine
- 5 1/2 Cups No-Sodium Chicken or Vegetable Stock
- 1 whole Dry Bay Leaf
- 1 whole Parmesan Rind – PLUS 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
- 3/4 Cup Heavy Cream or Half and Half – or more to taste
- as needed Kosher Salt and Pepper – to taste
Our family does not drink alcohol so can this be substituted
Our family does not drink alcohol so can this be substituted
Dear Pauline,
You can just skip this ingredient and use a bit more of a stock.