This creamy Cheddar Cauliflower Soup is warm and cheesy, making it a cozy meal anytime! Blended to a smooth texture, it’s packed with flavor and easy to make.
With its rich taste, it feels like a cheat meal but isn’t! I love topping it with more cheese and some crunchy croutons for extra fun. Perfect for chilly days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: This forms the base of the soup. If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, you can use broccoli instead, but cauliflower gives the best creamy texture.
Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth both work well here. If you’re vegetarian, stick with vegetable broth. For a richer flavor, try homemade broth if you have some on hand.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings a bold flavor. If you want to mix it up, try a blend of cheddar and Gruyere for a different twist. For a dairy-free option, use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.
Bacon: This is optional but adds a nice crunch. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can skip the bacon or use a plant-based bacon substitute for a similar flavor.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Texture When Blending the Soup?
Blending the soup correctly is crucial for a smooth, creamy texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- After cooking the cauliflower until tender, allow the soup to cool slightly to avoid splattering.
- If using an immersion blender, start blending from the bottom of the pot, moving upward to incorporate everything smoothly.
- If transferring to a blender, do it in batches and make sure to leave space in the lid for steam to escape.
- For a chunky texture, blend only half and stir it back into the unblended soup.
Cheddar Cauliflower Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 medium head cauliflower, chopped into small florets
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for creamier texture)
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish (Optional):
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Fresh chives, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cheddar Cauliflower Soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, totaling approximately 40 minutes from start to finish. You’ll end up with a warm, comforting bowl perfect for any day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they are softened and fragrant, letting the delicious aroma fill your kitchen.
2. Make the Roux:
Stir in the flour to coat the onions and garlic. Cook this mixture for about 1-2 minutes, which helps to thicken the soup later on. This step is super important for achieving that creamy texture.
3. Add the Broth and Milk:
Gradually whisk in the vegetable or chicken broth and whole milk, stirring continuously to ensure there are no lumps. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, getting all those ingredients to blend nicely together.
4. Cook the Cauliflower:
Add the chopped cauliflower florets to the pot. Cover and let it cook on medium heat for about 15-20 minutes. You want the cauliflower to be very tender, making it easy to blend later on.
5. Blend the Soup:
Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until it is mostly smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer half of the soup to a regular blender, blend it until smooth, and then return it to the pot. Make sure to leave a few small chunks for some texture!
6. Stir in the Cheddar:
Now for the best part! Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it’s melted and smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed!
7. Prepare the Bacon (Optional):
If you’re using bacon, cook the slices in a skillet until they are crispy. Once cooked, crumble them into small pieces to use as a tasty garnish.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot, topping it with additional roasted or steamed cauliflower florets, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, and a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives—if you like! This soup is comforting, creamy, and absolutely delightful.
Enjoy your homemade Cheddar Cauliflower Soup, perfect for warming up on a cool day!
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower for This Recipe?
Yes, frozen cauliflower works great! Just add it directly to the pot without thawing. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, cooking it until tender, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
Can I Make This Soup Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based milk like almond or coconut milk and substitute the cheddar cheese with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. The flavor will still be delicious!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. You might need to add a splash of milk to restore creaminess during reheating.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to get creative by adding other veggies like carrots or potatoes for more flavor and nutrition. Just remember to chop them into small pieces and add them early in the cooking process to ensure they soften up.