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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Add cauliflower florets to the onion mixture, allowing them to become slightly golden and tender, stirring intermittently for about 5-6 minutes.
- Pour vegetable broth into the pot, creating a gentle simmer. Allow the cauliflower to cook and become completely tender, approximately 12-15 minutes.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Season with salt and freshly ground pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences. Allow the soup to warm through without boiling.
- 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