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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven to 400°F, setting the stage for roasting vegetables and garlic.
- Steam cauliflower florets until extremely tender, approximately 15-20 minutes. Thoroughly mash the steamed florets in a mixing bowl.
- 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.
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter and sauté carrots, onion, and celery until onions become translucent and vegetables soften.
- Incorporate parsley, ground pepper, and flour into the vegetable mixture. Stir continuously for one minute to create a smooth base.
- Slowly introduce broth, dissolve bouillon cubes, and blend in mashed cauliflower. Simmer for 15 minutes, allowing vegetables to become completely tender.
- 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