Description
Roasted Garlic Cheddar Cauliflower Soup delivers comfort in a warm, creamy bowl of goodness. Cheese and roasted garlic elevate this simple vegetable soup into a satisfying meal that warms souls and delights palates.
Ingredients
- 4 cups (960 ml) vegetable broth (or chicken broth for added richness)
- 3 tbsps (45 ml) olive oil, divided
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets (about 4–5 cups)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 head garlic
- 1 heaping cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Sliced green onions
- Extra cheddar
- Croutons
Instructions
- Garlic Preparation: Preheat oven to 400F (200C). Slice off garlic bulb top, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast 30-35 minutes until golden and tender, concentrating its distinctive flavor profile.
- Vegetable Sautéing: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent, then add cauliflower florets. Allow vegetables to caramelize, developing deep, rich undertones.
- Soup Base Development: Squeeze roasted garlic cloves into pot. Pour broth into vegetable mixture, bringing to a vigorous boil. Reduce heat and simmer 15-20 minutes until cauliflower becomes completely tender.
- Texture Refinement: Puree soup using immersion blender or standard blender, creating a silky-smooth consistency. Adjust liquid volume as needed to achieve desired thickness.
- Flavor Completion: Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream, stirring until cheese melts completely. Season with salt and pepper, balancing the soup’s complex flavor landscape.
- Serving Presentation: Ladle soup into bowls. Optionally garnish with fresh herbs for visual and aromatic enhancement. Pair with crusty bread or light salad for a complete culinary experience.
Notes
Roast Garlic Carefully: Use high-quality, fresh garlic bulbs and ensure even oil coating to prevent burning during roasting process.
Caramelize with Precision: Control medium heat when sautéing cauliflower and onions to develop deep, rich flavor without scorching vegetables.
Blend for Silky Texture: Use immersion blender for fewer dishes or transfer carefully to standard blender in small batches to achieve ultra-smooth consistency without splashing.
Customize Dietary Needs: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for dairy-free version, use low-fat cheese for lighter option, or add vegetable broth for vegan adaptation without compromising rich taste profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg