Creamy Rosemary & Roasted Garlic White Bean Soup—packed with caramelized leeks, fresh herbs, and cozy flavors—is a 45-minute miracle. Just 8 ingredients, one pot, and zero fancy skills required.

Let’s talk about the culinary equivalent of a warm hug: Rosemary and Roasted Garlic White Bean Soup. This dish is the overachiever of cozy meals—simple enough for a Tuesday night but fancy enough to impress your mother-in-law. Popular among veggie lovers and carb enthusiasts alike, it’s a versatile crowd-pleaser that doubles as a pantry cleanup project. Roasted garlic adds smoky depth, rosemary brings earthy crunch, and creamy white beans do the heavy lifting. Ready to find out why this soup might just replace your go-to takeout? Let’s dive in.
What Makes This Rosemary and Roasted Garlic White Bean Soup Special?
This isn’t just another bean soup. It’s a symphony of bold flavors and textures that’ll make you question why you ever settled for sad, canned versions. Here’s why it’s a game-changer:
- Double-roasted garlic: Slow-roasted cloves turn sweet, smoky, and spreadable—like garlic butter, but way classier.
- Crispy baked rosemary: Baking whole sprigs transforms the herb into fragrant, crunchy confetti. No sad, floppy herbs here.
- Creaminess without the guilt: Blending half the soup creates a luxe texture without drowning it in heavy cream (though there’s a sneaky splash for good measure).
- The lemon twist: A squeeze of citrus at the end cuts through the richness like a mic drop.
Ingredient Notes
This recipe is a masterclass in “simple ingredients, big flavor.” Here’s why each component matters:
- Garlic: Roasting mellows its bite into caramelized sweetness. Pro tip: Don’t skimp—four heads is not a typo.
- Fresh rosemary: Baking whole sprigs crisps the leaves, infusing the soup with earthy aroma and texture. Dried rosemary? Hard pass.
- Leeks & celery: The unsung heroes. Sliced thin, they add subtle sweetness and crunch. Wash leeks thoroughly—no one wants gritty soup.
- Cannellini beans: Creamy, mild, and packed with protein. Draining (not rinsing) preserves their starch for a thicker base.
- Broth: Use veggie to keep it plant-based, or chicken for extra richness.
- Lemon juice: The secret weapon. Brightens everything up like a sunny day in soup form.
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How To Make Rosemary and Roasted Garlic White Bean Soup
Don’t let the roasted garlic intimidate you—this soup is easier than folding a fitted sheet. Here’s your foolproof roadmap:
- Step 1: Roast the garlic and leeks. Toss them on a sheet pan with rosemary, oil, and S&P. Bake at 425°F for 40 minutes until they’re softer than your post-soup nap goals.
- Step 2: Sauté the soffritto. Cook onions, celery, carrots, and bay leaves low and slow. This isn’t the time for rushing—let them sweat out their drama.
- Step 3: Simmer the base. Add beans and broth, then let it bubble while the garlic works on its tan.
- Step 4: Squeeze. Blend. Repeat. Once the garlic cools, pop the cloves into a blender with half the soup and those crispy rosemary leaves. Blend until smoother than your TikTok transitions.
- Step 5: Finish with flair. Stir in cream, leftover broth, and a lemon squeeze. Taste, adjust seasoning, and pretend you’re on The Great British Bake Off while garnishing.
Storage & Reheating
This soup ages like a fine wine—if wine were a cozy, garlicky hug. Store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. Freeze portions (sans cheese) for 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth to loosen it up. Microwave? Sure, but stir halfway unless you enjoy lava-hot soup volcanoes.
Variations & Substitutions
This recipe is as flexible as your yoga instructor. Mix it up with these twists:
- Veganize it: Skip the cream (use coconut milk) and cheese. Boom—plant-based perfection.
- Herb swap: No rosemary? Thyme or sage will cozy up to the garlic nicely.
- Add protein: Toss in shredded chicken or crispy chickpeas for a hearty upgrade.
- Spice it up: Red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for those who like to live dangerously.
- Broth hack: Use whatever’s lurking in your pantry—even water works in a pinch (just add extra salt).
If this soup were a person, it’d be the friend who remembers your birthday and brings wine. It’s rich but not heavy, fancy but approachable, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell like an Italian grandmother’s dream. Whether you’re battling a cold, impressing a date, or just really into garlic, this recipe is a must-try. Pro tip: Double the batch—leftovers taste even better, and you’ll want to hoard every last spoonful. Now go forth and blend your way to soup glory. 🥄✨
Rosemary and Roasted Garlic White Bean Soup
Ingredients
- 4 heads garlic top ¼-inch trimmed
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 large leeks dark green parts removed, halved lengthwise
- 6 –8 celery stalks thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
- 2 dried bay leaves
- 3 15-oz cans cannellini beans, drained
- 5 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth divided
- ⅛ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- ½ lemon for serving
- Grated Parmesan or fontina cheese for garnish
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Roast Garlic and Leeks: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place trimmed garlic heads and halved leeks on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, season lightly with salt and pepper, and arrange rosemary sprigs over the garlic. Roast for 40 minutes, or until garlic is golden and leeks are tender.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat ½ tablespoon olive oil over medium-low heat. Add diced onion, celery, carrots, and bay leaves. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 12–15 minutes until softened. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
- Simmer Soup Base: Stir in drained beans and 4 cups of broth. Increase heat to medium and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes while the garlic finishes roasting.
- Prepare Roasted Garlic Paste: Once cooled slightly, squeeze roasted garlic cloves into a small bowl, discarding skins. Remove crispy rosemary leaves from stems and finely chop. Mash garlic and rosemary into a coarse paste.
- Blend Soup: Transfer half of the soup mixture, roasted leeks, and garlic-rosemary paste to a blender. Purée until smooth, then return to the pot. For a chunkier texture, blend only one-third of the soup.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in remaining 1 cup broth and heavy cream. Warm over low heat for 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve topped with grated cheese, a sprinkle of fresh rosemary, and a squeeze of lemon juice.