Description
This creamy Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic Soup offers a comforting and hearty meal perfect for any season. Featuring roasted garlic for a deep caramelized flavor, tender cauliflower, sharp cheddar cheese, and a smooth texture from blender puréeing, this soup is both flavorful and satisfying. Perfect as a cozy lunch or light dinner, it’s easy to prepare with simple ingredients and a stovetop cooking method.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 head of cauliflower, chopped into florets
- 1 bulb of garlic, roasted
- 1 onion, diced
Liquids & Dairy
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk or cream (for a richer soup)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Seasonings & Garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Roast the Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the top off the garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in aluminum foil, and roast for 30-35 minutes until cloves are soft and caramelized. Let cool slightly and then squeeze out the roasted garlic cloves.
- Sauté the Onions: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Cook the Cauliflower: Add chopped cauliflower florets to the pot with onions and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
- Add Broth and Garlic, Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the roasted garlic cloves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the cauliflower is tender and cooked through.
- Purée the Soup: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to purée the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender, then return to pot.
- Add Dairy and Cheese: Over low heat, stir in the milk or cream along with shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted and the soup is creamy and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chives or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use heavy cream instead of milk.
- You can substitute sharp cheddar with extra sharp or mild cheddar depending on taste.
- If you don’t have an immersion blender, use a regular blender in small batches carefully.
- To make the soup vegan or dairy-free, substitute cheese with a vegan cheese alternative and use plant-based milk.
- Roasted garlic adds a sweet, mellow flavor; avoid using raw garlic for best taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
