Creamy Cheddar Cauliflower & Roasted Garlic Soup Recipe
This creamy cheddar cauliflower and roasted garlic soup is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any season. Roasting the garlic adds a subtle sweetness, while sharp cheddar cheese brings richness and depth. The soup is smooth and velvety, made with tender cauliflower and a touch of cream, making it an ideal appetizer or light meal.
- Author: Grace
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting, Sautéing, Simmering, Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Vegetables
- 1 head cauliflower, chopped into florets
- 1 bulb garlic, roasted
- 1 onion, diced
Liquids
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk or cream (for a richer soup)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Dairy
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Seasonings & Garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh chives or parsley, for garnish (optional)
- Roast the Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the top off the garlic bulb to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, wrap in aluminum foil, and roast for 30-35 minutes until the cloves are soft and caramelized. Allow it to cool slightly, then squeeze out the roasted garlic cloves and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Cook the Cauliflower: Add the chopped cauliflower florets to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine flavors and soften the cauliflower slightly.
- Add Broth and Garlic: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the roasted garlic cloves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until the cauliflower is tender and cooked through.
- Blend the Soup: Use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the pot until smooth and creamy. If using a countertop blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
- Add Cheese and Milk: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the milk or cream gradually. Slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until it’s fully melted and the soup reaches a creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chives or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy a comforting bowl of cheesy cauliflower goodness.
Notes
- For a richer taste, use heavy cream instead of milk.
- To make it vegan, substitute the cheddar cheese with a plant-based cheese and use a non-dairy milk.
- You can prepare the roasted garlic a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator.
- To add some heat, sprinkle with a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on medium-low heat to avoid curdling the cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 240ml)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: creamy cheddar cauliflower soup, roasted garlic soup, vegetarian soup, cheesy cauliflower soup, comfort food soup