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Creamy Cauliflower Cheese Soup

creamy cauliflower cheese soup - featured image

A cozy, creamy soup combining roasted cauliflower and sharp cheddar cheese for a comforting and flavorful bowl perfect for chilly days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets (about 800g/28oz)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 150g/5oz)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth (1 liter)
  • 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half (240ml)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A few sprigs fresh thyme for garnish (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for roasting cauliflower)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss cauliflower florets with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt on a large baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and tender.
  2. While cauliflower roasts, heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  4. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir constantly for 2 minutes to make a roux.
  5. Slowly pour in 4 cups broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Add roasted cauliflower to the pot and simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
  7. Remove pot from heat and blend soup with an immersion blender until smooth. If using a countertop blender, blend in batches and vent lid carefully.
  8. Return soup to stove on low heat. Stir in 1 cup milk or cream and 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese.
  9. Season with ½ teaspoon mustard powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir until cheese melts and soup is creamy and warm. Do not boil.
  10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme or extra cheese if desired.

Notes

Roasting the cauliflower is essential for deep flavor. Blend soup carefully to avoid splashes. Adjust thickness with extra milk or broth if needed. Use gluten-free flour to make gluten-free. For vegan version, substitute butter with olive oil, dairy milk with plant-based milk, and cheddar with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: cauliflower soup, creamy soup, cheese soup, comfort food, roasted cauliflower, cheddar cheese soup, easy soup recipe