Quick Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic Soup Recipe

Creamy and smooth cheddar cauliflower soup mingles comfort with unexpected depth of flavor.

Rich aromas will drift through your kitchen while preparing this hearty blend.

Roasted garlic adds a subtle, complex note that transforms an ordinary recipe into something special.

Caramelized edges of cauliflower create delightful texture and enhance the overall taste profile.

Cold evenings demand warm, satisfying dishes that nourish both body and soul.

Each spoonful promises a delicate balance between sharp cheese and mellow roasted vegetables.

Passionate home cooks know that simple ingredients can create extraordinary culinary experiences.

Uncover this delectable recipe and let your taste buds celebrate a symphony of rustic elegance.

Cheddar Cauliflower Roasted Garlic Soup Sensation

Roast and Relish: Transform ordinary cauliflower into a creamy, flavor-packed soup that elevates comfort food.

Garlic Magic: Roasting whole garlic cloves deepens the soup’s rich, nutty flavor profile without complicated techniques.

Simple Ingredient Symphony: Combine basic pantry staples like cheddar, cauliflower, and broth to create a luxurious restaurant-quality dish at home.

Versatile Meal Champion: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a starter – this soup adapts beautifully to different dining scenarios and pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or salad.

Ingredients for Creamy Cheddar Cauliflower Soup

• Cauliflower Florets: A classic vegetable that provides a creamy base and rich texture for the soup.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds a bold, tangy flavor and helps create a smooth, rich consistency.
• Garlic: Roasted garlic brings a deep, mellow, and sweet flavor to the soup.

• Vegetable Broth, Milk: Creates a smooth foundation that helps blend the soup and adds a mild, comforting backdrop to the other ingredients.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: These basic seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients and help with the cooking process.
• Onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic base for the soup.

How to Prepare Cheddar Cauliflower Roasted Garlic Soup

Step 1: Prepare Roasting Ingredients

Crank your oven to a toasty 400F (200C). Grab whole garlic cloves and drizzle them with olive oil, then wrap snugly in aluminum foil.

Spread cauliflower florets on a baking sheet, shower with olive oil, and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Slide the baking sheet into the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes until cauliflower turns golden and tender, and garlic becomes meltingly soft.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Onions

While your cauliflower and garlic are roasting, grab a large pot and warm olive oil over medium heat. Drop in diced onions and let them dance around the pot, stirring occasionally.

Cook for 5-7 minutes until onions transform into a soft, translucent deliciousness.

Step 3: Combine Roasted Treasures

Pull out your roasted goodies from the oven.

Tumble the cauliflower florets into the pot with onions. Squeeze the now-soft roasted garlic directly from its papery skin into the pot.

Give everything a hearty stir to mingle the flavors.

Step 4: Create Liquid Base

Pour in vegetable broth and milk.

Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Allow the ingredients to get acquainted for 10-15 minutes, letting flavors bloom and blend.

Step 5: Blend into Creamy Perfection

Grab an immersion blender and transform the soup into a silky, smooth consistency. If using a standard blender, carefully transfer in batches and return to the pot.

Step 6: Cheese Finale

Sprinkle in sharp cheddar cheese and stir until it melts completely, creating a luxurious, creamy texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper until it sings with flavor.

Tips for Silky Smooth Cheddar Cauliflower Soup

• Roast whole garlic bulbs to unlock deeper, sweeter notes that enhance the soup's overall complexity.
• Blend the soup thoroughly using an immersion blender for a silky-smooth consistency without any chunky bits.
• Add cheddar cheese off the heat and stir gradually to ensure even melting and prevent separation.
• Swap milk with heavy cream or coconut milk for a lower-carbohydrate version that maintains rich creaminess.
• Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the final stage to balance the roasted cauliflower and sharp cheddar flavors.

Variations to Refresh Cheddar Cauliflower Soup

• Spicy Southwest Soup: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and garnish with crispy chorizo crumbles for a bold, zesty flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Soup: Incorporate fresh basil, oregano, and top with crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Bacon and Blue Cheese Soup: Crisp up bacon bits, sprinkle them on top, and mix in tangy blue cheese for a rich, smoky variation.
• Roasted Vegetable Medley Soup: Include roasted bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini alongside cauliflower to create a more complex vegetable base.

Pairings That Perfectly Match Cheddar Cauliflower Soup

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a lightly oaked Chardonnay that complements the creamy soup's richness, cutting through the cheese's intensity while enhancing the roasted garlic's subtle sweetness.
• Serve with Rustic Sourdough Bread: Toast thick slices of hearty sourdough to provide a crunchy contrast to the smooth soup, perfect for dipping and soaking up every delicious drop.
• Match with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with delicate herbs like parsley, chives, and tarragon, dressed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette to balance the soup's creamy texture and provide a refreshing counterpoint.

Storage Tips to Keep Cheddar Cauliflower Soup Fresh

Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Let the soup cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.

Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing dairy-based soups with high milk content, as they may separate when thawed.

Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore creamy consistency if needed. Heat until steaming, stirring to prevent scorching.

Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when soup is hot and smooth.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

Frozen cauliflower works, but fresh cauliflower provides better roasted flavor and texture. Thaw and pat dry frozen florets before roasting to prevent excess moisture.

• Is there a dairy-free alternative for this soup?

Replace milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk. Use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast instead of cheddar for a vegan version.

• How can I make the soup more protein-rich?

Add cooked shredded chicken, white beans, or blend in silken tofu to increase protein content. Alternatively, top with roasted pumpkin seeds or crispy bacon bits.

Cheddar Cauliflower And Roasted Garlic Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy cheddar cauliflower and roasted garlic soup delivers comfort in every spoonful, bringing rustic warmth to winter dining. Rich cheese and mellow garlic create a luxurious blend that invites you to savor each comforting sip.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 medium head cauliflower, chopped into florets
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 2 cups whole milk (or cream)

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 bulb garlic, separated into cloves (skins on)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Fats and Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for roasting)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400F (200C) and prepare roasting ingredients by drizzling whole garlic cloves with olive oil, wrapping in aluminum foil, and spreading cauliflower florets on a baking sheet with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Roast garlic and cauliflower for 25-30 minutes until cauliflower turns golden and tender, and garlic becomes soft and caramelized.
3. Meanwhile, sauté diced onions in a large pot over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
4. Transfer roasted cauliflower to the pot and squeeze roasted garlic cloves directly into the mixture, combining thoroughly.
5. Pour vegetable broth and milk into the pot, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer for 10-15 minutes to develop deep flavor profiles.
6. Use an immersion blender to transform the soup into a smooth, velvety consistency, ensuring no chunks remain.
7. Gradually incorporate sharp cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until completely melted and creating a rich, creamy texture.
8. Taste and fine-tune seasoning with additional salt and pepper, adjusting to personal preference.

Notes

• Select fresh, firm cauliflower with compact, creamy white florets to ensure maximum flavor and smooth texture.
• Roast garlic and cauliflower at high temperature to develop deep, caramelized notes and enhance natural sweetness.
• Allow garlic to cool slightly before squeezing from skins to prevent burning fingers and maintain intense roasted flavor.
• Consider using low-fat milk or dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk for lighter, dietary-friendly version.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like gruyère or gouda for unique flavor profiles and added complexity.
• Blend soup in small batches to achieve ultra-smooth consistency and prevent splattering.
• For gluten-free option, confirm vegetable broth is certified gluten-free before adding to recipe.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 344 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg