Creamy Cheddar Cauliflower & Roasted Garlic Soup Recipe
This Creamy Cheddar Cauliflower & Roasted Garlic Soup offers a comforting blend of velvety cauliflower, sweet roasted garlic, and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for chilly days, this rich yet wholesome soup is enhanced with fresh herbs and a smooth creamy texture making it both flavorful and satisfying.
- Author: Victoria
- 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 and Aromatics
- 1 head cauliflower, chopped into florets
- 1 bulb garlic, roasted
- 1 onion, diced
Liquids and Fats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk or cream (for a richer soup)
Dairy and Seasoning
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 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 tightly in aluminum foil, and roast for 30-35 minutes until the cloves are soft and caramelized. Allow 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, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Cook the Cauliflower: Add the chopped cauliflower florets to the pot with the onions and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors.
- Add Broth and Garlic: Pour the vegetable broth into the pot and add the roasted garlic cloves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes until the cauliflower is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender, purée the soup directly in the pot until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, blend the soup in batches in a countertop blender, then return it to the pot carefully.
- Add Cheese and Milk: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the milk or cream gradually, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continually until the cheese has melted fully and the soup becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the warm soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped chives or parsley if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute the cheddar cheese with a plant-based cheese and use a non-dairy milk option.
- Roasting the garlic enhances its sweetness and depth — do not skip this step for best flavor.
- This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove to prevent the cheese from separating.
- If you prefer a thinner consistency, add additional vegetable broth or milk to adjust the soup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 245 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: creamy cauliflower soup, roasted garlic soup, cheddar cauliflower soup, vegetarian soup, comfort food soup