Zesty Roasted Garlic Cheddar Cauliflower Soup Recipe

Creamy, comforting soups often spark memories of cozy evenings and this roasted garlic cheddar cauliflower soup recipe delivers pure culinary magic.

Robust flavors dance through each spoonful, promising a delightful experience for anyone seeking warmth and satisfaction.

Caramelized garlic brings deep, nutty undertones that complement the rich cheddar perfectly.

cauliflower provides a velvety base, creating a luxurious texture that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Sharp cheddar cheese melts seamlessly into the soup, adding a tangy complexity that elevates every bite.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting this soul-warming dish that feels like a comforting embrace.

Grab a ladle and let this incredible soup transport you to a world of delicious comfort.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 180 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need for Roasted Garlic Cheddar Cauliflower Soup

• Cauliflower: Provides creamy texture and sweet nutty base, select fresh firm florets with no browning.
• Garlic: Develops rich mellow flavor, choose plump heads with tight compact cloves.
• Olive Oil: Helps caramelize vegetables and enhance roasting, use extra virgin for best flavor.

• Onion: Builds foundational savory depth, pick firm yellow onions without soft spots.
• Broth: Creates smooth consistency, select low-sodium version for better seasoning control.

• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers sharp tangy richness, grate fresh block cheese for superior melting.
• Salt and Pepper: Balances and elevates overall flavor profile, use freshly ground black pepper.
• Green Onion: Adds bright fresh garnish, choose crisp green stalks with white firm bases.
• Croutons or Sourdough Bread: Provides delightful textural contrast, select day-old bread for extra crunch.

Kitchen Tools for Roasted Garlic Cheddar Cauliflower Soup

• Baking sheet: Essential for roasting cauliflower and garlic, lined with parchment paper.
• Blender: Crucial for creating a smooth, creamy soup texture.
• Large pot: Needed for sautéing onions and simmering the soup.
• Chef's knife: Required for chopping onions and slicing garlic.
• Cutting board: Used for preparing ingredients safely.
• Foil: Used to wrap and roast garlic.
• Measuring spoons: Helpful for precise seasoning.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring and mixing soup ingredients.
• Ladle: Ideal for serving soup into bowls.

Instructions to Make Roasted Garlic Cheddar Cauliflower Soup

• Veggie Preparation

Gather fresh cauliflower and whole garlic bulbs. Slice cauliflower into soft florets and gently separate garlic cloves.

• Roasting Setup

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange cauliflower pieces and garlic head with care, creating space between ingredients.

• Flavor Infusion

Drizzle olive oil over vegetables. Sprinkle salt and pepper generously to enhance natural flavors. Wrap garlic in foil to protect delicate cloves.

• Oven Transformation

Heat oven to 400°F. Roast vegetables until cauliflower turns golden and caramelized, about 30-35 minutes. Flip ingredients midway for even cooking.

• Soup Foundation

Sauté diced onions in a pot until soft and translucent. Create a rich base that will complement roasted vegetables.

• Blending Magic

Transfer roasted vegetables to blender. Squeeze roasted garlic from its skin. Combine with onions and broth. Blend until smooth and creamy.

• Cheese Finale

Return blended mixture to pot. Gently stir in shredded cheddar cheese. Simmer until cheese melts and soup reaches perfect consistency.

• Serving Elegance

Pour soup into warm bowls. Top with green onion slices and extra cheese. Serve alongside crispy sourdough or crunchy croutons.

Tips for Roasted Garlic Cheddar Cauliflower Soup Perfection

• Stir in diced cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or shredded rotisserie meat for an extra hearty meal.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like smoked gouda, sharp white cheddar, or gruyère to transform the soup's flavor profile.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes, add a dash of cayenne, or stir in some hot sauce for those who enjoy a warming kick.
• Blend in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese for an even more luxurious and silky soup consistency.

How to Serve Roasted Garlic Cheddar Cauliflower Soup Warm

• Cozy Comfort Companion: Pair this velvety soup with a warm, crusty sourdough bread for the ultimate comforting meal that hugs your soul on chilly evenings.
• Cheesy Crunch Topping: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits, toasted breadcrumbs, or homemade croutons on top to add a delightful texture contrast and extra flavor punch to the creamy soup.
• Hearty Meal Upgrade: Transform this soup into a complete dinner by serving alongside a fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or adding grilled chicken strips for a protein-packed experience that satisfies hunger completely.
• Seasonal Side Delight: Create a stunning winter lunch spread by complementing the soup with a small charcuterie board featuring sharp cheddar cubes, sliced apples, and mixed nuts that beautifully echo the cheese and roasted flavors.

How to Keep Roasted Garlic Cheddar Cauliflower Soup Fresh

• Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days, keeping flavors intense and texture smooth. Seal containers tightly to prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
• Smart Freezing Technique: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, leaving slight expansion room. Freeze for maximum 3 months without compromising taste quality. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Quick Reheat Method: Warm soup gradually on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to maintain creamy consistency. Add splash of broth if soup seems too thick during reheating process. Avoid microwave to prevent cheese separation.
• Portion Control Hack: Divide soup into individual serving sizes before storing. This approach allows easy grab-and-go lunch options and prevents repeated temperature changes that might impact soup's delicate texture and flavor profile.

Velvety Garlic Cheddar Cauliflower Soup

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty roasted garlic cheddar cauliflower soup delivers creamy comfort with robust flavor profiles. Sharp Wisconsin cheddar and caramelized garlic elevate this silky blend, drawing you into warm culinary satisfaction.

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Ingredients

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• 1 large head cauliflower (4–5 cups florets)
• 1 head garlic
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) olive oil, divided
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 cups (960 ml) vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 1 heaping cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ tsp salt, plus more to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Green onion (for garnish)
• Extra shredded cheddar cheese (for garnish)
• Croutons or toasted sourdough bread (optional)

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Instructions

1. Roasting Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Distribute cauliflower florets evenly, drizzle with olive oil, and season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Garlic Preparation: Remove outer layers of garlic head, trim top quarter-inch to expose cloves, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap loosely in aluminum foil. Place garlic alongside cauliflower on the baking sheet.
3. Roasting Process: Roast vegetables for 30-35 minutes, rotating midway to ensure uniform caramelization and deep flavor development.
4. Sautéing Base: In a pot, warm olive oil over medium heat and sauté diced onions until they become soft and translucent, creating a flavorful foundation.
5. Blending Stage: Transfer roasted cauliflower and garlic to blender, squeezing roasted garlic cloves from their skins directly into the blender. Add sautéed onions, broth, salt, and pepper, then purée until completely smooth and creamy.
6. Simmering and Cheese Integration: Return blended mixture to pot, heat over medium, and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, stirring consistently to create a rich, velvety texture. Allow soup to simmer for 10-15 minutes.
7. Final Touches: Adjust seasoning to taste, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor profile. Serve in individual bowls, garnishing with sliced green onions, additional cheddar cheese, and crispy croutons or toasted sourdough bread for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Optimize Roasting: Ensure cauliflower florets are evenly spread and not overcrowded to achieve perfect caramelization and prevent steaming.
• Garlic Technique: Expose garlic clove tops fully and wrap loosely in foil to allow even roasting and easy extraction of soft, sweet cloves.
• Blending Strategy: Purée soup until completely smooth for a silky texture, using high-speed blender for best results.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Add cheddar gradually and stir consistently to prevent separation and achieve a creamy, rich consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg