Creamy Dreamy Cheesy Cauliflower Soup
Recipe Introduction: Get Ready for Cheesy Goodness!
Ever crave something warm, comforting, and utterly delicious? Then cheesy cauliflower soup is your answer. Honestly, this is one of my all-time favourite winter warmer soup recipes .
It's like a big hug in a bowl, perfect for those grey days. What you will get is a proper creamy cauliflower soup .
Cauliflower Cheese Soup: A Classic Reimagined
This delightful soup originates from a humble desire for a nutritious and flavourful dish. It is enjoyed across many cultures.
Our cheesy cauliflower soup recipe is easy. It takes about an hour from start to finish. This yields about 6 servings.
It's enough to feed the whole family or meal prep for the week!
Benefits that Bowl You Over
Cauliflower is packed with Vitamin C and fiber. That makes this soup good for you. It is truly soul soothing. Serve this vegetarian cauliflower soup on a chilly evening.
It pairs well with crusty bread for dunking. What makes this soup special? The roasted cauliflower. Roasting brings out the cauliflower’s natural sweetness.
The deepness in the flavour you don't get any other way. So, if you're looking for some proper comfort food soup this is it!
Now, let’s dive into the ingredients you'll need to create this masterpiece!
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Cheesy Cauliflower Soup
Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up this cheesy cauliflower soup recipe . Getting your ingredients right makes all the difference. Trust me, I've made this a hundred times!
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
- Cauliflower: You'll need 1 large head (about 2 lbs or 900g ). Look for a firm head, without brown spots. It should feel heavy for its size. That's how you know it's fresh.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Use a good quality olive oil. It really elevates the flavour.
- Onion, Carrots, and Celery: 1 medium yellow onion (chopped, about 1 cup/150g ), 2 carrots (chopped, about 1 cup/120g ), and 2 celery stalks (chopped, about 1 cup/120g ). These create the base of our creamy cauliflower soup .
- Garlic: 4 cloves (minced, about 1 tablespoon ). Fresh is best, you know?
- Vegetable Broth: 4 cups (950ml) . You can use chicken broth if you like. Honestly, it's your soup!
- Milk: 1 cup (240ml) . Whole milk gives the soup a nice richness.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 8 ounces (225g) , shredded. Divide it! Save about 2 ounces (55g) for topping. The sharper the cheddar, the better the flavour. This is key for a truly cheddar cauliflower soup .
- Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon (0.5g) . Don't skip this! It adds a warmth that's just amazing.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Season generously!
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up a Bit
Honestly, the combination of nutmeg, salt, and pepper is perfect . It complements the cauliflower's sweetness. Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Smoked paprika works beautifully, too! It really adds depth. These winter warmer soup recipes can handle some spice.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You don't need fancy gadgets for this easy cauliflower soup recipe . You'll need:
- Large baking sheet .
- Large pot or Dutch oven .
- Immersion blender . A regular blender works too. Be careful when blending hot liquids!
This roasted cauliflower soup is easier than you think. Just grab your gear, get your ingredients sorted, and let's get cooking.
You'll have comfort food soup in no time. It’s also a great vegetarian cauliflower soup option, by the way. I sometimes add cauliflower soup with cheese and bacon for an extra layer of flavour.
Creamy Dreamy Cheesy Cauliflower Soup : A Hug in a Bowl
Oh my gosh, let's talk soup! Seriously, is there anything better than a big bowl of warm soup on a cold day? I don't think so.
And this cheesy cauliflower soup ? It's next level comfort food soup . Forget your troubles, grab a spoon, and let's get into it.
This cheesy cauliflower soup recipe is basically a hug in a bowl. Roasting the cauliflower brings out all this incredible sweetness.
Then, that sharp cheddar cheese... honestly, it's chef's kiss . This easy cauliflower soup recipe will become your new go-to.
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
First things first, mise en place , darlings! Chop up your onion, carrots, and celery. Mince that garlic. Get your cauliflower into florets.
Having everything prepped saves so much time. This recipe uses 1 large head cauliflower (approx. 2 lbs / 900g), 1 medium yellow onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks and 4 cloves garlic.
Safety Reminder: When chopping, keep those fingers tucked in! We don't want any kitchen casualties.
step-by-step to Cheesy Bliss
Okay, here's how we make this cauliflower cheese soup happen:
- Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) .
- Toss the cauliflower with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 25- 30 minutes , until tender and slightly browned. This is KEY for flavor!
- While that's roasting, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in the pot with the remaining oil for 5- 7 minutes , until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until you can smell that lovely garlic-y aroma.
- Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth and add the roasted cauliflower. Simmer for 10 minutes .
- Blend until smooth with an immersion blender. Careful with the hot soup! If you have to use a regular blender, do it in batches.
- Stir in 1 cup of whole milk and 6 ounces of cheddar cheese (save 2 ounces for topping). Season with 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Serve hot, topped with the remaining cheddar and chives!
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Soup Game
- Don't skip the roasting step. It's essential for that rich, deep flavor. We're talking roasted cauliflower soup perfection here.
- Avoid over blending the soup. You want it smooth, not gummy.
- For a cauliflower soup with cheese and bacon just add crispy bacon.
Honestly? I reckon this is the best vegetarian cauliflower soup recipe out there, and I will defend this with every fibre of my being.
I really do hope you love this winter warmer soup recipes .
Recipe Notes for the Best Cheesy Cauliflower Soup
Right then, let's talk about the nitty gritty! Honestly, this cheesy cauliflower soup recipe is pretty straightforward, but there are a few things that can take it from "meh" to "Oh my gosh, this is amazing!".
I've made my fair share of creamy cauliflower soup , so I've picked up a few tricks along the way.
Serving Suggestions: Make it a proper meal!
Presentation matters, you know? A swirl of cream and a sprinkle of chives elevate this vegetarian cauliflower soup . Think about serving this comfort food soup in warmed bowls to keep it extra cozy.
For a bit of crunch, try homemade croutons. I like to make mine with garlic bread! Seriously, that stuff is next level! A side of crusty bread is brilliant for mopping up every last drop.
Why not pair it with a grilled cheese on a cold night?
Storage Tips: Keep that cauliflower cheese soup fresh!
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This easy cauliflower soup recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure it's in an airtight container.
If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely first. Then, portion it into freezer safe containers. It’ll last for about 2-3 months.
Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of milk when reheating helps bring back that creamy texture.
Do not microwave with cheese!
Variations: Get creative with your cheddar cauliflower soup !
Fancy a twist? For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. It warms you up on a winter warmer soup recipes kind of night.
Making it vegan? Easy peasy. Swap the milk for unsweetened almond milk. Also, use a vegan cheddar alternative, or add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavour.
Nutrition Basics: Good for you and delicious!
This cheesy cauliflower soup is packed with vitamins and fibre. Cauliflower is a cruciferous veggie, known for its health benefits.
Each serving has around 350 calories, but it varies. It has about 20g protein, 22g fat, and 20g carbs, a nice balanced meal.
Feel good about enjoying this bowl of goodness! And if you are craving smoky flavor, you might want to add some cauliflower soup with cheese and bacon .
So, there you have it! All the tips and tricks to make the best roasted cauliflower soup . Now go on, get cooking! I know you can do it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make cheesy cauliflower soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cheesy cauliflower soup is a great make-ahead meal. In fact, the flavors often meld together even better after a day or two in the fridge. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
You might need to add a splash of broth or milk if it thickens too much.
How can I make cheesy cauliflower soup even cheesier?
Well, you cheeky thing! If you are a cheese lover, there are several ways to crank up the cheesiness. Try using a blend of cheeses like sharp cheddar and Gruyere, or stir in a dollop of cream cheese or mascarpone at the end for extra richness.
You could even top each bowl with a sprinkle of Parmesan or a drizzle of cheese sauce to really take it over the top.
Is cheesy cauliflower soup healthy?
This creamy dreamy cheesy cauliflower soup can be a healthy option! It's packed with vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, and celery, which are full of vitamins and fiber. To keep it on the healthier side, you can use low-fat milk and cheese, and be mindful of the amount of salt you add.
Of course, moderation is key, even with healthy foods. If you're watching calories, perhaps serve yourself a smaller portion.
Can I freeze cheesy cauliflower soup?
Freezing cheesy cauliflower soup is possible, but the texture may change slightly. Dairy based soups can sometimes become a bit grainy after freezing. To minimise this, cool the soup completely before freezing it in airtight containers or freezer bags.
When thawing, do it slowly in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop. Be prepared to give it a good stir and possibly add a splash of milk or cream to restore the smooth consistency.
What are some tasty variations I can make to this cheesy cauliflower soup recipe?
Fancy jazzing things up a bit, are we? You could add a pinch of smoked paprika while sautéing the aromatics for a subtle smoky flavour. Alternatively, roasted garlic cloves blended into the soup give an amazing depth of flavour.
Bacon bits always make a fantastic addition, or a swirl of pesto after serving adds a fresh, herby kick think of it as a little flavour adventure!
I don't have an immersion blender. Can I still make cheesy cauliflower soup?
Don't you worry, you can still whip up this cheesy delight without fancy gadgets! Carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, being mindful of the hot liquid. Blend until smooth, then return it to the pot. Alternatively, a potato masher can work in a pinch for a chunkier soup.
Just be sure to work in small batches for safety and consistent results.
Creamy Dreamy Cheesy Cauliflower Soup
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 22g |
| Fiber | 3g |
