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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Roast garlic and cauliflower for 25-30 minutes until cauliflower turns golden and tender, and garlic becomes soft and caramelized.
- Meanwhile, sauté diced onions in a large pot over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Transfer roasted cauliflower to the pot and squeeze roasted garlic cloves directly into the mixture, combining thoroughly.
- Pour vegetable broth and milk into the pot, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer for 10-15 minutes to develop deep flavor profiles.
- Use an immersion blender to transform the soup into a smooth, velvety consistency, ensuring no chunks remain.
- Gradually incorporate sharp cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until completely melted and creating a rich, creamy texture.
- 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