Cozy Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic Soup Recipe

My kitchen always buzzes with excitement when crafting this creamy cheddar cauliflower and roasted garlic soup that delivers incredible comfort.

Warm aromas of caramelized garlic drift through the house, promising something deliciously special.

Sharp cheddar melts into silky smooth textures, creating unexpected depth in every spoonful.

Roasting brings out incredible sweetness in cauliflower, transforming this humble vegetable into something magical.

Cold evenings call for rich, satisfying recipes like this hearty soup that hugs you from the inside.

Minimal ingredients mean maximum flavor, proving gourmet doesn’t need complicated techniques.

You’ll want to savor each spoonful and share this delightful recipe with everyone around your table.

Best Bits of Cheddar Cauliflower Garlic Soup

• Master this soup with minimal cooking skills, requiring basic kitchen techniques like roasting, sautéing, and blending for a hassle-free meal preparation.
• Packed with rich, creamy textures from roasted garlic and melted cheddar, this soup delivers ultimate comfort and warmth during chilly evenings or when craving something soothing.
• Cauliflower provides low-calorie nutrition with high fiber content, while roasted garlic offers immune-boosting properties, making this soup a deliciously healthy meal option.
• Perfect for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or as a make-ahead lunch, this soup adapts easily to different dietary preferences and impresses guests with its gourmet appearance and taste.

Ingredient Rundown for Cheddar Cauliflower Soup

Main Ingredients:

• Cauliflower: Fresh vegetable that creates the soup's core creamy texture and provides mild, nutty flavor.
• Garlic: Roasted for deep, mellow sweetness and aromatic complexity.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that adds rich, tangy flavor and creamy consistency.
• Milk or Cream: Provides smooth, luxurious texture and enhances overall richness.

• Vegetable Broth: Light base that adds depth and helps cook vegetables.
• Butter and Olive Oil: Creates initial flavor foundation and prevents sticking.

• Onion: Sweet base that builds foundational flavor profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance overall taste.

• Chives: Fresh herb that adds bright color and mild onion-like flavor.
• Extra Olive Oil: Provides finishing richness and glossy appearance.

Cooking Instructions That Keep Things Creamy

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Preheat oven to 400F. Place whole garlic bulbs on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and wrap completely in aluminum foil. Roast for 35 minutes until garlic becomes golden and super soft. Remove and let cool naturally.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

• Diced onions
• Cauliflower florets

Cook until onions turn translucent and cauliflower becomes slightly golden, approximately 7 minutes.

Step 3: Create Soup Base

Pour vegetable broth into the pot. Bring liquid to gentle simmer. Cook for 12-15 minutes until cauliflower becomes tender enough to break easily with wooden spoon.

Step 4: Incorporate Roasted Garlic

Squeeze roasted garlic cloves directly into soup pot. Mash softened garlic into soup using spatula. Stir thoroughly to distribute garlic evenly.

Step 5: Blend Smooth

Use immersion blender to puree soup until completely smooth and silky. If using standard blender, carefully transfer soup in batches. Blend until no chunks remain.

Step 6: Finish with Dairy

• Grated cheddar cheese
• Whole milk

Whisk continuously until cheese melts completely. Season with salt and black pepper.

Step 7: Serve Beautifully

• Extra cheddar cheese
• Chopped chives
• Drizzle of olive oil

Expert Notes for Roasted Garlic Soup

• Roast Garlic with Care: Choose fresh, firm garlic bulbs without any green sprouts for the most robust flavor and smooth roasting experience.
• Select Fresh Cauliflower: Pick firm, white cauliflower heads with compact, tight florets to ensure maximum soup quality and creamy texture.
• Blend for Smoothness: Use an immersion blender for easier blending and less mess, working in small batches to achieve a silky, consistent soup texture.
• Customize Dairy Options: Swap whole milk with low-fat milk, half-and-half, or non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk for dietary preferences without compromising taste.
• Enhance Soup Depth: Add a pinch of nutmeg or smoked paprika to elevate the soup's complexity and create a more sophisticated flavor profile.

Store Soup Without Losing Flavor or Texture

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Thaw frozen soup in refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or milk to restore creamy consistency if needed.
• Transfer soup to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly. Check temperature to ensure even warming.

Pairing Suggestions for Cheesy Cauliflower Soup

• Slice a warm, rustic sourdough or French baguette to complement the soup's creamy texture and soak up its rich flavors.
• Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay to cut through the soup's richness and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Create a light side salad with mixed greens, roasted chicken, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup's creamy profile.
• Bake thin prosciutto slices until crisp, then crumble over the soup for a salty, crunchy topping that adds depth and texture.

Flavor Additions to Cheddar Garlic Soup

Vegan Cauliflower Creamy Delight: Replace cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast and dairy milk with unsweetened almond milk for a plant-based version that maintains rich, creamy flavors.

Spicy Southwest Soup Variation: Add diced jalapeños during onion cooking stage and incorporate cumin, chili powder for a bold, zesty southwestern-inspired soup experience with extra heat.

Low-Carb Keto-Friendly Option: Substitute vegetable broth with bone broth, use heavy cream instead of milk, and add extra sharp cheddar for a higher fat, lower carbohydrate soup that fits ketogenic dietary requirements.

Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Include fresh thyme, rosemary, and a splash of white wine during simmering stage to create an aromatic Mediterranean-style soup with complex herbal undertones.

Cheddar Cauliflower And Roasted Garlic Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy cheddar cauliflower and roasted garlic soup delivers rich comfort in every spoonful. Warm kitchen aromas and smooth textures invite friends to gather around a bowl of hearty, cheesy goodness.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 bulb garlic
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced

Seasonings and Garnishes:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Extra shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Crumbled bacon

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Instructions

1. Prepare the garlic for roasting by preheating the oven to 400F (200C). Position the whole garlic bulbs on a baking sheet, generously coat with olive oil, and encase completely in aluminum foil. Roast for 35 minutes until cloves become incredibly soft and release an aromatic fragrance.
2. While garlic transforms in the oven, melt butter and olive oil in a substantial cooking pot over medium temperature. Introduce diced onions and sauté until translucent and delicately softened, approximately 4-5 minutes.
3. Add cauliflower florets to the onion mixture, allowing them to become slightly golden and tender, stirring intermittently for about 5-6 minutes.
4. Pour vegetable broth into the pot, creating a gentle simmer. Allow the cauliflower to cook and become completely tender, approximately 12-15 minutes.
5. Extract roasted garlic cloves from their papery skin by gently squeezing, then incorporate directly into the simmering soup. Blend thoroughly to distribute the rich, caramelized garlic essence.
6. Utilize an immersion blender to transform the soup into a silky, uniform texture. For those without an immersion blender, carefully transfer small batches to a standard blender, ensuring smooth consistency.
7. Return the pureed soup to low heat, gradually introducing grated cheddar cheese and milk. Stir continuously until cheese melts completely, creating a luxurious, creamy consistency.
8. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences. Allow the soup to warm through without boiling.
9. Ladle into serving bowls and enhance with optional garnishes like additional cheddar cheese shreds, finely chopped chives, or a delicate drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Notes

• Roast garlic ahead of time to develop deep, caramelized flavors that elevate the soup’s complexity.
• Use room temperature cheese for smoother melting and more even incorporation into the soup base.
• Choose low-fat milk or plant-based alternatives like almond milk for a lighter, diet-friendly version of the soup.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère or smoked cheddar to create unique flavor profiles that transform the traditional recipe.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 50mg