If you’re craving a comforting, creamy, and flavorful soup that’s as healthy as it is satisfying, then this Easy Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic Soup is the perfect choice. This velvety smooth soup combines the mild, nutty flavor of cauliflower with the richness of sharp cheddar and the sweet, aromatic depth of roasted garlic, making it the ultimate winter comfort food. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch or pairing it with dinner, this soup is sure to warm you up on the coldest days.

What makes this soup so special is its creamy texture and rich flavor, all while being incredibly simple to prepare. It’s made with wholesome ingredients like cauliflower, garlic, and cheese, and can easily be made vegan or dairy-free with a few simple substitutions. Whether you’re a cauliflower fan or just looking for a hearty soup, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection!

I first made this Easy Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic Soup as a way to use up some extra cauliflower I had in the fridge. It turned out to be so flavorful and comforting that it became a regular in my rotation. The combination of cauliflower and roasted garlic creates a rich, savory base that pairs perfectly with the sharp cheddar, and the soup is creamy without being too heavy.

Why This Easy Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic Soup Will Be Your New Favorite

• Creamy and comforting: The cauliflower and cheddar come together to create a rich, creamy texture that’s perfect for chilly days.
• Simple ingredients: With just a few basic ingredients, this soup is easy to make and requires minimal prep time.
• Healthy and filling: Cauliflower is a great low-calorie vegetable, and the soup is filling without being too heavy, making it perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.
• Customizable: You can easily make this soup vegan by using dairy-free cheese and milk, or add your favorite herbs and spices to change up the flavor.
• Quick and easy: Ready in just under an hour, this soup is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

What You Need For Easy Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic Soup

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 bulb of garlic, cloves separated and peeled
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup milk (or non-dairy milk for a dairy-free version)
• 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

How to Make Easy Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic Soup

1. Roast the garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the garlic cloves on a piece of aluminum foil and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Wrap the garlic in the foil and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the garlic is soft and fragrant. Once roasted, let the garlic cool slightly before squeezing the cloves out of their skins. Set aside.
2. Sauté the onion: In a large pot, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
3. Cook the cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the pot with the onions and sauté for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the broth and simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth (or chicken broth) and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let the soup cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender.
5. Blend the soup: Once the cauliflower is tender, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Be sure to let the soup cool slightly before blending, and return it to the pot once pureed.
6. Add the roasted garlic and cheese: Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into the soup and stir in the grated cheddar cheese. Continue to cook over low heat, stirring until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
7. Season and serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and flavor.
8. Enjoy: Your Easy Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic Soup is ready to enjoy! Serve with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips For Easy Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic Soup

• Use an immersion blender: If you have an immersion blender, it makes the process of pureeing the soup much easier and cleaner. However, a regular blender works just fine, too.
• Adjust the thickness: If you like a thinner soup, add a little more broth or milk. For a thicker, creamier soup, use less liquid.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to give the soup a little kick.
• For a smoother soup: After blending, you can strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any leftover bits of cauliflower or garlic, making the texture ultra-smooth.

Substitutions and Variations

• Dairy-free version: Use dairy-free cheese and almond milk or coconut milk to make this soup vegan-friendly and dairy-free.
• Other cheese options: If you don’t have sharp cheddar, you can substitute with other cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
• Add herbs: Try adding a handful of fresh thyme or rosemary while the soup is simmering for a herby twist.

Make a Healthier Version

• Low-fat version: Use low-fat or skim milk instead of regular milk to reduce the fat content. You can also reduce the amount of cheese to make the soup lighter.
• More veggies: Add extra vegetables like carrots, celery, or spinach to boost the nutritional value and flavor of the soup.

Closing For Easy Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic Soup

And there you have it! This Easy Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic Soup is a perfect combination of rich, creamy comfort and nutritious goodness. The roasted garlic adds depth to the flavor, while the cheddar cheese brings a smooth, indulgent texture to each bite. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal to enjoy on a cold day or a light and satisfying dish to serve at dinner, this soup is sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to let us know how your soup turns out, and check out more of our comforting and easy recipes for every season!

Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic Soup

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to serve.

Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container for freezing. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove.

Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cauliflower works just as well as fresh. You may need to cook it a little longer, depending on the size of the florets.

How do I know if the soup is blended enough?
The soup should be completely smooth and creamy once blended. If you’re using a regular blender, make sure to blend in batches to avoid overfilling and to get a smooth texture.

What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic gives this soup a depth of flavor that garlic powder can’t quite replicate. However, if you don’t have fresh garlic, use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder instead.

Can I make this soup spicier?
Yes! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or some chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.

What if I don’t have vegetable broth?
You can substitute chicken broth or water if you don’t have vegetable broth, but broth will add more flavor to the soup.

Can I make this soup without cheese?
Yes, you can make it dairy-free by omitting the cheese or using a dairy-free alternative.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add carrots, celery, or spinach to the soup for added flavor and nutrition.

How can I make the soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or add a little more cauliflower to thicken it up.

How can I make the soup creamier without adding too much fat?
You can add a small amount of Greek yogurt or use coconut cream for a creamy texture without using heavy cream.

Easy Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic Soup

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: All Recipes, Dinner Recipe, Lunch Recipe, Soup Recipe

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets

• 1 bulb of garlic, cloves separated and peeled

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)

• 1 cup milk (or non-dairy milk for a dairy-free version)

• 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

Directions

• Roast the garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the garlic cloves on a piece of aluminum foil and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Wrap the garlic in the foil and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the garlic is soft and fragrant. Once roasted, let the garlic cool slightly before squeezing the cloves out of their skins. Set aside.
• Sauté the onion: In a large pot, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
• Cook the cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the pot with the onions and sauté for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add the broth and simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth (or chicken broth) and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let the soup cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender.
• Blend the soup: Once the cauliflower is tender, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Be sure to let the soup cool slightly before blending, and return it to the pot once pureed.
• Add the roasted garlic and cheese: Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into the soup and stir in the grated cheddar cheese. Continue to cook over low heat, stirring until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
• Season and serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and flavor.
• Enjoy: Your Easy Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic Soup is ready to enjoy! Serve with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.