Creamy Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic Soup Recipe

Creamy soups bring comfort during chilly evenings, and this cheddar cauliflower and roasted garlic soup recipe delivers pure warmth and satisfaction.

Robust cheddar cheese melts beautifully into tender roasted cauliflower, creating a velvety base that feels like a culinary hug.

Fragrant roasted garlic adds depth and complexity to each spoonful.

The golden-brown cheese mingles with caramelized cauliflower, producing an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen.

Rich and smooth, this soup transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Balanced flavors and a luxurious texture make this recipe a standout choice for anyone seeking delicious comfort food.

You’ll want to savor every delightful bite of this hearty soup.

FAQs

• Why roast the cauliflower and garlic before making the soup?

Roasting brings out deeper, richer flavors by caramelizing the natural sugars in cauliflower and softening garlic’s sharp taste, creating a more complex and delicious soup base.

• Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cheddar?

While sharp cheddar provides a robust flavor, you can substitute with gruyère, gouda, or monterey jack for similar creamy and tangy results.

• Is this soup healthy?

Yes, cauliflower is low in calories, high in nutrients, and packed with vitamins C, K, and B6, making this soup a nutritious and satisfying meal option.

Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic Soup to Warm You Up

• Fuel Your Fitness: Packed with lean protein from chicken and Greek yogurt, this pasta salad supports muscle recovery and provides sustained energy for active lifestyles.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients based on preferences or pantry items, making it a versatile dish that adapts to your taste and nutritional needs.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare ahead of time and store in the refrigerator, perfect for quick lunches, post-workout meals, or grab-and-go dinners during busy weeks.
• Crowd-Pleasing Nutrition: Combines fresh vegetables, protein, and a creamy dressing that appeals to both health-conscious eaters and those seeking delicious, satisfying meals.

Ingredients for Cheddar Cauliflower Roasted Garlic Soup

• Cauliflower Florets: Fresh vegetable that forms the base of the creamy soup.
• Garlic Cloves: Whole cloves that will be roasted to develop a rich, mellow flavor.
• Olive Oil: Used to coat and enhance the roasting of cauliflower and garlic.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the roasted vegetables.

• Onion: Provides a sweet and aromatic foundation for the soup.
• Vegetable Broth, Milk: Liquid components that create the soup's creamy consistency and add depth of flavor.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds a tangy, rich flavor and creamy texture to the soup.
• Salt and Pepper: Final seasoning to balance and enhance the overall taste of the soup.

How to Make Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic Soup

Step 1: Prepare Roasting Ingredients

• Cauliflower florets
• Whole garlic cloves
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Arrange cauliflower on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.

Sprinkle salt and pepper over the florets. Wrap whole garlic cloves in aluminum foil and drizzle with olive oil.

Roast everything for 25-30 minutes until cauliflower turns golden and garlic becomes soft.

Step 2: Sauté Onion Foundation

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add diced onions and cook for 5-7 minutes until they become translucent and soft, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 3: Combine Roasted Vegetables

Transfer roasted cauliflower into the pot with sautéed onions.

Squeeze roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and add them into the mixture. Stir everything together to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 4: Create Soup Base

Pour vegetable broth and milk into the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing ingredients to blend and develop rich flavors.

Step 5: Transform Into Creamy Soup

Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until completely smooth and creamy.

Alternatively, carefully transfer soup to a standard blender in batches. Return blended soup to the pot and warm over low heat.

Step 6: Finish With Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle grated sharp cheddar cheese into the soup. Stir continuously until cheese melts completely and integrates smoothly.

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Tips for Cheddar Cauliflower Soup Success

• Wrap garlic in foil with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent burning and create a rich, mellow flavor that blends smoothly into the soup.
• Use an immersion blender or carefully transfer soup to a standard blender in small batches to ensure a silky, creamy consistency without clumps.
• Grate sharp cheddar cheese at room temperature and add gradually while stirring constantly to help it melt evenly without becoming grainy.
• Adjust soup consistency by adding extra broth if too thick or simmering longer if too thin, creating the perfect texture for your preference.

Variations on Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic Soup

• Vegan Cauliflower Soup: Replace cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast and use plant-based milk for a dairy-free version. Add cashew cream for extra richness and smooth texture.
• Spicy Roasted Pepper Variation: Incorporate roasted red peppers alongside cauliflower for added depth. Mix in some smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to boost heat and complexity.
• Low-Carb Keto Friendly Version: Substitute milk with heavy cream and use extra sharp aged cheddar. Add cauliflower rice or extra roasted cauliflower for increased vegetable content.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Blend in fresh thyme, rosemary, and oregano during roasting. Finish with crumbled feta cheese instead of cheddar for a Mediterranean-inspired profile.

Pairing Ideas for Cheddar Cauliflower Soup

• Savor Complementary Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay perfectly balances the rich, creamy soup with its bright acidity and subtle herbaceous notes.
• Pair with Crusty Artisan Bread: Serve warm sourdough or rustic French baguette slices alongside the soup to provide delightful textural contrast and help soak up the velvety cheese-infused broth.
• Enhance with Herbaceous Side Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with fresh arugula, chopped herbs like parsley and chives, dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the soup's richness and add refreshing brightness.

How to Store Cheddar Cauliflower Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space at the top. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Stop when soup reaches desired temperature.
• Pour soup into a saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth if soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warmed.

Cheddar Cauliflower And Roasted Garlic Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy cheddar cauliflower and roasted garlic soup delivers comfort in every spoonful, blending rich flavors from simple ingredients. Warm cheese notes and caramelized garlic create a luxurious experience you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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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

Aromatics and Seasonings:

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

Cooking Fats and Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400F (200C), preparing a baking sheet for roasting cauliflower and garlic simultaneously.
2. Wrap whole garlic cloves in aluminum foil after drizzling with olive oil, keeping skins intact.
3. Distribute cauliflower florets on baking sheet, coat with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Roast garlic and cauliflower for 25-30 minutes until cauliflower turns golden and tender, and garlic becomes soft.
5. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté diced onions until translucent and soft, approximately 5-7 minutes.
6. Transfer roasted cauliflower to the pot with sautéed onions, squeezing roasted garlic cloves directly from their skins into the mixture.
7. Pour vegetable broth and milk into the pot, allowing ingredients to simmer gently for 10-15 minutes to develop rich flavors.
8. Using an immersion blender, thoroughly puree the soup until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency. Alternatively, carefully transfer to a standard blender in batches.
9. Return blended soup to pot and gradually stir in sharp cheddar cheese until completely melted and integrated.
10. Taste and fine-tune seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed before serving.

Notes

• Roast the cauliflower and garlic at high heat to develop deep, caramelized flavors that enhance the soup’s overall richness.
• Use sharp cheddar for maximum flavor intensity, but consider low-fat options if watching calories.
• Adjust liquid consistency by adding more broth if the soup feels too thick, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese to maintain creamy complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 325 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg