Roasted Garlic Cheddar Cauliflower Soup Recipe

Quick & Creamy Roasted Garlic Cheddar Cauliflower Soup Recipe

Roasted garlic cheddar cauliflower soup crafts humble vegetables into a luxurious culinary experience that warms both body and soul.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with rich, robust flavors that dance across your palate.

Sophisticated yet simple, this soup represents comfort cooking at its finest.

Smooth, velvety consistency emerges from careful preparation and thoughtful ingredient selection.

Robust cheese notes complement the subtle earthiness of roasted cauliflower, creating a harmonious balance of taste sensations.

Each spoonful promises a delightful journey through layers of complex, nuanced flavor profiles.

Nutritious ingredients combine to craft a meal that feels indulgent while remaining remarkably wholesome.

Roasted Garlic Cheddar Cauliflower Soup That Comforts Deeply

  • Elevate Flavor Dimensions: Roasting cauliflower and garlic transforms ordinary ingredients into a deeply caramelized, complex taste profile that bursts with rich, nutty undertones and mellow sweetness.
  • Creamy Comfort Reimagined: This velvety soup delivers luxurious texture without heavy cream, using clever blending techniques to create a silky-smooth consistency that feels indulgent yet surprisingly light.
  • Quick Gourmet Weeknight Solution: From prep to plate, this recipe takes just 45 minutes, offering restaurant-quality elegance with minimal technical skills required, making sophisticated cooking accessible for busy home chefs.

Everything That Goes Into This Cheddar Cauliflower Soup

Vegetables:
  • Cauliflower: Fresh and firm florets that provide a creamy base and subtle nutty flavor for the soup.
  • Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the overall soup profile.
  • Green Onions: Fresh garnish that brings a mild, bright onion flavor and visual appeal.
Dairy and Cheese:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that creates rich, tangy flavor and creamy texture.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic: Roasted whole head for deep, mellow, caramelized flavor without sharp bite.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance and balance the soup's flavors.
Liquid and Oil:
  • Olive Oil: High-quality oil for roasting vegetables and sautéing, adding subtle richness.
  • Broth: Provides liquid base and additional depth to the soup's overall taste.
Serving Suggestion:
  • Sourdough Bread: Crusty bread perfect for dipping and complementing the soup's creamy texture.

The Right Way to Cook Roasted Garlic Cheddar Cauliflower Soup

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Baking Sheet

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Ensure even surface coverage.

Step 2: Ready Cauliflower

Separate cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Arrange on prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with ingredients:
  • Olive oil
  • Kosher salt
  • Black pepper

Toss ingredients until florets are evenly coated.

Step 3: Prepare Roasted Garlic

Remove papery outer layers from garlic head. Slice top quarter-inch to expose cloves. Place garlic on aluminum foil. Drizzle with olive oil. Wrap loosely in foil packet.

Step 4: Roast Cauliflower And Garlic

Place baking sheet with cauliflower and garlic packet in oven. Roast 30-35 minutes. Flip vegetables midway. Watch for golden caramelization.

Step 5: Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil in large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions. Cook until translucent and soft, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Step 6: Create Smooth Soup Base

Transfer roasted cauliflower to blender. Squeeze roasted garlic cloves from skin into blender. Add:
  • Sautéed onions
  • Vegetable broth
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Blend until completely smooth, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 7: Finish And Incorporate Cheese

Pour blended mixture back into pot. Warm over medium heat. Gradually stir in shredded cheddar cheese. Simmer 10-15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings.

Step 8: Garnish And Serve

Ladle soup into bowls. Top with:
  • Sliced green onions
  • Extra grated cheddar

Serve alongside crusty sourdough bread for dipping. Enjoy warm comfort!

Expert Tips for Creamy, Bold Cauliflower Soup

  • Maximize Roasting Flavor: Ensure cauliflower florets are evenly sized and spread out on the baking sheet to achieve perfect caramelization and prevent steaming.
  • Garlic Roasting Secret: Wrapping garlic in foil with a drizzle of olive oil helps create creamy, mellow roasted garlic that blends smoothly into the soup.
  • Blending Technique: Use a high-powered blender and blend in batches if needed to create an ultra-smooth, velvety soup texture without lumps.
  • Cheese Melting Trick: Add cheddar cheese gradually and stir constantly to prevent clumping and ensure a silky, even cheese incorporation.
  • Season Smartly: Taste the soup at different stages and adjust salt and pepper incrementally to build deep, balanced flavor throughout the cooking process.

Store and Reheat Garlic Cheddar Cauliflower Soup Like a Pro

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before transferring to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Freeze: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheat: Warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water to restore creamy consistency if needed. Avoid boiling to prevent cheese separation.

Pairing Options for a Balanced Cauliflower Soup Meal

  • Savor Crusty Sourdough Companions: Pair this creamy roasted garlic cheddar cauliflower soup with warm, toasted sourdough slices to enhance the nutty roasted flavors and provide a delightful textural contrast.
  • Complement with Crisp White Wine: Choose a bright, acidic white wine like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to cut through the soup's richness and refresh the palate with its zesty undertones.
  • Elevate with Fresh Green Salad: Serve alongside a light mixed greens salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup's creamy texture and add a refreshing, crisp element to the meal.
  • Match with Herbal Sparkling Water: For a non-alcoholic option, opt for sparkling water infused with herbs like rosemary or thyme to echo the roasted garlic's earthy notes and cleanse the palate between spoonfuls.

Ways to Switch Up Roasted Garlic Cheddar Cauliflower Soup

  • Spicy Roasted Pepper Variation: Add roasted red peppers alongside cauliflower for a smoky, slightly hot flavor profile. Incorporate a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes during blending to enhance the heat.
  • Mediterranean Herb Remix: Mix in fresh rosemary and thyme during roasting. Replace cheddar with crumbled feta cheese for a tangy Mediterranean twist. Garnish with chopped parsley and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
  • Creamy Bacon Infusion: Crisp some bacon pieces and sprinkle on top before serving. Use bacon fat instead of olive oil for roasting vegetables, adding a rich, savory undertone to the soup. Stir in cream cheese alongside cheddar for extra smoothness.
  • Vegan Nutritional Boost: Substitute vegetable broth and use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar. Add roasted cashews during blending for creamy texture and protein. Top with toasted pumpkin seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.
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Roasted Garlic Cheddar Cauliflower Soup Recipe

Roasted Garlic Cheddar Cauliflower Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Roasted garlic cheddar cauliflower soup brings creamy comfort with its rich, velvety texture and deep flavor profile. Warm cheese notes and caramelized garlic elevate this classic soup, inviting you to savor each spoonful of hearty, wholesome goodness.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets (about 45 cups)
  • 1 head garlic
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)

Cheese and Seasonings:

  • 1 heaping cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Freshly ground salt

Oil and Garnish:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • Sliced green onion
  • Extra cheddar cheese
  • Croutons or toasted sourdough bread (or bread of choice)

Instructions

  1. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper and heat the oven to 400°F, creating an ideal roasting environment for the cauliflower and garlic.
  2. Distribute cauliflower florets across the prepared sheet, ensuring each piece receives a light coating of olive oil and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.
  3. Carefully remove the outer layers of the garlic head, exposing the individual cloves while keeping their protective skin intact. Slice the top quarter-inch off the garlic to reveal the aromatic cloves.
  4. Wrap the garlic head in aluminum foil, drizzling with olive oil to promote caramelization, and place alongside the seasoned cauliflower on the baking sheet.
  5. Roast the vegetables for 30-35 minutes, rotating midway to ensure even golden-brown coloration and deep, rich flavor development.
  6. Meanwhile, sauté diced onions in a pot with olive oil, cooking until they become translucent and release their sweet, mellow essence.
  7. Transfer the roasted cauliflower and softened garlic cloves to a blender, combining with the sautéed onions, broth, salt, and pepper. Blend until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.
  8. Return the blended mixture to the pot, bringing it to a gentle simmer and gradually incorporating shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and integrated.
  9. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  10. Serve the soup in warm bowls, garnishing with finely sliced green onions and an extra sprinkle of cheddar cheese. Accompany with crusty sourdough bread for a complete, comforting meal.

Notes

  • Roasting transforms cauliflower and garlic, intensifying their natural sweetness and creating deeper, more complex flavor profiles.
  • Blending the entire mixture creates an ultra-smooth, creamy texture without requiring heavy cream or additional thickeners.
  • High-quality sharp cheddar cheese provides rich, tangy depth that perfectly complements the subtle roasted vegetable notes.
  • Cooking the onions until translucent develops a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall soup’s balanced flavor foundation.
  • Customize your soup by adjusting cheese quantity or trying different cheese varieties like gruyère or parmesan for unique taste experiences.
  • Leftover soup stores beautifully in refrigerator for 3-4 days, with flavors continuing to meld and develop over time.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 285
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 11 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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