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Celery Bisque with Stilton Toasts

This elegant celery bisque is a sophisticated take on a classic vegetable soup, offering a silky texture and a delicate, aromatic flavour. By simmering pale leeks and buttery potatoes with fresh celery, you create a refined base that feels far more indulgent than its simple ingredients suggest. The addition of a little cayenne pepper provides a gentle warmth, perfectly balancing the fresh, green notes of the vegetables.

Ideal as a light lunch or a dinner party starter, this vegetarian dish is elevated by the inclusion of savoury Stilton toasts. The salty tang of the blue cheese provides a brilliant contrast to the creamy soup and a swirl of cool crème fraîche. It is a wonderful way to use seasonal British produce for a healthy yet comforting homemade meal.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Celery Bisque with Stilton Toasts

  • 3 tablespoons butter

  • 900g sliced celery (about 8 stalks)

  • 350ml chopped leeks (white and pale green parts only

  • from 2 medium)

  • 350g Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, diced

  • 950ml (or more) low-salt chicken broth

  • 80ml plus additional crème fraîche

  • 1/4 teaspoons cayenne pepper

  • Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

  • Stilton Toasts

How to make Celery Bisque with Stilton Toasts

Melt butter in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add celery and leeks. Sauté until celery is slightly softened, about 4 minutes. Add potatoes and 950ml broth. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, uncovered, until all vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes. Working in batches, puree soup in blender until smooth. Return to same pot. Whisk in 50g crème fraîche and cayenne pepper. Season soup to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 2 days ahead. Cool, then cover and refrigerate. Rewarm over medium heat before serving, adding more broth to thin if desired.)

Ladle soup into bowls. Swirl 1 to 2 teaspoons additional crème fraîche into each. Sprinkle with parsley, if desired. Serve with Stilton Toasts.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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