Creamy Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic Soup Recipe

Creamy, velvety soups have a magical way of warming the soul, especially when a cheddar cauliflower and roasted garlic soup recipe hits the dinner table.

Luxurious cheese and delicate cauliflower blend into a symphony of comfort and flavor.

Each spoonful carries the rich, mellow notes of slow-roasted garlic that dance perfectly with sharp cheddar.

The soup transforms humble ingredients into an elegant meal that feels both rustic and refined.

Winter evenings call for such hearty bowls that provide both nourishment and pure culinary joy.

Smooth, silky, and packed with robust flavors, this soup promises to become your new cold-weather companion.

Prepare to savor every decadent, cheese-laden bite.

Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic Soup Perks

• Creamy, hearty soup packed with roasted vegetables and rich cheddar cheese that warms you from the inside out.
• Loaded with cauliflower and vegetables, this soup delivers incredible flavor while providing essential nutrients and fiber.
• Roasting garlic and vegetables elevates the soup with restaurant-quality depth, yet remains surprisingly easy to prepare for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy gatherings, this soup adapts beautifully as a starter or main course that satisfies different taste preferences.

Ingredients for Cheddar Cauliflower Garlic Soup

• Cauliflower: A versatile vegetable that provides the creamy base and hearty texture of the soup.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds rich, sharp flavor and creates a smooth, melty finish to the soup.
• Roasted Garlic: Brings a deep, mellow, and sweet flavor that enhances the overall taste profile.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Create a classic flavor foundation that adds depth and complexity to the soup.
• Parsley: Provides a fresh, herbal note to brighten the soup's flavor.

• Chicken Broth: Provides the liquid base and adds savory depth to the soup.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, silky texture and adds richness.
• Butter: Helps sauté vegetables and contributes to the soup's creamy consistency.
• Flour: Thickens the soup and helps create a smooth, velvety texture.
• Bouillon Cubes: Intensifies the savory flavor of the broth.

• Salt, Pepper: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the soup.
• Olive Oil: Used for roasting vegetables and adding a subtle richness.

Soup-Making Tools for Cheddar Cauliflower

• Large pot: Essential for sautéing vegetables and simmering soup.
• Steamer basket: Perfect for softening cauliflower florets evenly.
• Baking sheet: Used for roasting cauliflower and garlic in the oven.
• Aluminum foil: Helps wrap garlic for roasting.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping vegetables.
• Chef's knife: Great for precise vegetable cutting.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Colander: Helps drain steamed cauliflower.
• Mixing bowl: Used for mashing cauliflower.
• Cheese grater: Optional for grating fresh cheddar cheese.

Directions for Creamy Cheddar Cauliflower Soup

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Cauliflower

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Steam cauliflower florets until they become incredibly soft and tender.

Drain the florets and gently mash them in a mixing bowl.

Step 2: Roast Vegetable Medley

Coat the remaining cauliflower with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Prepare the garlic by slicing off the top of the head and drizzling with a touch of olive oil.

Wrap the garlic head in aluminum foil.

Place both the seasoned cauliflower and garlic in the oven to roast for 30 minutes.

Once finished, allow them to cool before squeezing the roasted garlic from its bulb.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.

• Carrots
• Onions
• Celery

Sauté for 3-5 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.

Step 4: Create Flavor Base

• Parsley
• Black pepper
• Flour

Cook for one minute, stirring continuously to blend the ingredients thoroughly.

Step 5: Build the Soup Liquid

Gradually pour in the broth, then add bouillon cubes and the previously mashed cauliflower.

Allow the mixture to simmer for 15 minutes, ensuring the vegetables become tender and the flavors meld together.

Step 6: Elevate and Finish the Soup

Reduce the heat to medium-low.

Incorporate the roasted garlic and cream, heating until the soup is steaming but not boiling.

Remove from heat, stir in the cheddar cheese, and serve immediately for the most delicious experience.

Tips for Roasted Garlic Soup Perfection

• Wrap garlic head in foil to prevent burning and ensure creamy, caramelized flavor that blends smoothly into the soup.
• Use a steamer basket to maintain nutrients and prevent waterlogging, resulting in a more concentrated vegetable flavor.
• Mash cauliflower thoroughly before adding to the soup to eliminate lumps and create a silky, consistent base.
• Add cheddar off the heat to prevent separation and maintain a creamy, velvety consistency without graininess.
• Roast extra cauliflower pieces with garlic to intensify the soup's depth and add a subtle caramelized note.

Cheddar Cauliflower Soup Flavor Swaps

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese for a vegan-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap carrots and onions with zucchini and leeks to reduce carbohydrate content, maintaining the creamy texture with cauliflower base.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and garnish with crispy jalapeño slices to give the soup a bold, fiery kick.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Incorporate fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage during the sautéing stage for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired soup.

Plating Cheddar Cauliflower and Garlic Soup

• Hearty Bread Companion: Slice crispy sourdough or rustic whole wheat bread, toasted with a light butter spread to complement the soup's creamy texture.
• Gourmet Topping Twist: Sprinkle crispy pancetta bits, fresh chives, or toasted pumpkin seeds on top for added crunch and flavor complexity.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside a chilled glass of unoaked chardonnay or a light pinot grigio to enhance the soup's rich, velvety profile.
• Fresh Side Salad: Prepare a quick arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness and provide a bright, zesty contrast.

Soup Storage Tips

• Transfer cooled soup to airtight container and store in refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cover surface with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Seal tightly and freeze up to 2-3 months. Avoid adding cream before freezing.
• Pour soup into microwave-safe bowl, cover with microwave-safe lid. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly. Check temperature before serving.
• Pour soup into saucepan, warm over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching. Add splash of broth or water if soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and serve immediately.

FAQs

• Is cauliflower the main ingredient in this soup?

Yes, the recipe uses two different preparations of cauliflower – steamed and roasted – which creates a rich, layered flavor profile with different textures and depths.

• Can I use a different type of cheese if I don't have cheddar?

While cheddar provides a sharp, tangy flavor, you can substitute with other melting cheeses like gruyère or monterey jack for similar creamy results.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this soup?

You’ll need a steamer, large pot, baking sheet, and foil for roasting. Basic kitchen tools like a knife and cutting board are essential for preparing ingredients.

• How can I make this soup healthier?

Use low-fat cream, reduce cheese quantity, or substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter version while maintaining the soup’s creamy consistency and rich flavor.

Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy cheddar cauliflower and roasted garlic soup combines rich flavors of caramelized vegetables and sharp cheese. Warm comfort emerges in each spoonful, inviting you to savor comfort on chilly days.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 2 medium heads cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 head garlic
• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters / 12 ounces) diced carrots
• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters / 12 ounces) medium chopped sweet onion
• 1 cup (240 milliliters / 8 ounces) diced celery

Dairy & Cheese:

• 3 cups (720 milliliters / 24 ounces) shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters / 4 ounces) heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters / 2 ounces) butter
• 1/2 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon olive oil

Pantry & Seasonings:

• 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/3 cup (40 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 cubes chicken or vegetable bouillon
• 1 tablespoon dry parsley
• 1 teaspoon pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 400°F, setting the stage for roasting vegetables and garlic.
2. Steam cauliflower florets until extremely tender, approximately 15-20 minutes. Thoroughly mash the steamed florets in a mixing bowl.
3. Coat remaining cauliflower with olive oil, seasoning with salt and pepper. Trim the top of the garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, and encase in aluminum foil. Roast both for 30 minutes until caramelized and fragrant.
4. In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter and sauté carrots, onion, and celery until onions become translucent and vegetables soften.
5. Incorporate parsley, ground pepper, and flour into the vegetable mixture. Stir continuously for one minute to create a smooth base.
6. Slowly introduce broth, dissolve bouillon cubes, and blend in mashed cauliflower. Simmer for 15 minutes, allowing vegetables to become completely tender.
7. Reduce heat to medium-low. Squeeze roasted garlic cloves into the soup, then gently stir in cream. Heat until steaming, avoiding boiling. Remove from heat, fold in cheddar cheese, and serve immediately.

Notes

• Optimize Cauliflower Softness Steam florets longer for ultra-creamy consistency, ensuring maximum tenderness and smooth blending.
• Enhance Roasting Technique Spread cauliflower pieces evenly on baking sheet for uniform caramelization and deeper flavor development.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar for vegan-friendly version.
• Texture Modification Blend half the soup for silky smoothness while keeping some vegetable chunks for rustic texture and visual appeal.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 80mg