This Cheddar Cauliflower Soup is creamy, cheesy, and super comforting! It’s made with fresh cauliflower and sharp cheddar cheese for a tasty twist that warms you up on cold days.
It’s also a sneaky way to get in some veggies! I love pairing it with crusty bread for dipping. Who can say no to a meal that feels like a cozy hug? 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: This is the star of the soup! Look for a firm, fresh head. If you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen cauliflower. They might lose some texture but work well in soups.
Onion: A small onion adds depth of flavor. You can swap it with shallots for a milder taste or even skip it for a simpler version.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This gives the soup a rich, cheesy flavor. If you want a lighter option, you could use a mild cheddar, or even a dairy-free cheese alternative if you’re lactose intolerant.
Milk: Whole milk offers creaminess, but you can use 2% or even unsweetened almond milk for a lighter version. Just keep an eye on the consistency!
Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth is great for a vegetarian option. For a richer flavor, chicken broth is a good choice, but make sure it’s low sodium if you’re watching your salt.
How Do I Get My Soup to the Right Texture?
Getting the texture just right is key for this soup! You want it creamy but still have some chunks for interest. Here’s how you can do it:
- First, cook the cauliflower until it’s really soft. This makes blending easier.
- If using an immersion blender, blend until mostly smooth but leave some bigger pieces for texture.
- If using a regular blender, blend half of the soup, then mix it back into the pot. This keeps some cauliflower intact!
- For extra creaminess, you can add more milk or some cream, just be sure to adjust the seasoning afterward.
Enjoy your tasty Cheddar Cauliflower Soup! It’s a warm and comforting dish that’s perfect for any day. 🥣
How to Make Cheddar Cauliflower Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 medium head cauliflower, chopped into small florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 to 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: extra shredded cheddar cheese and cauliflower florets for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cheddar Cauliflower Soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook, so you’ll have it ready in about 40 minutes. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 3-5 minutes, until it’s soft and translucent. This adds a sweet flavor to the soup!
2. Add Garlic and Cauliflower:
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Then, toss in the cauliflower florets and pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, until the cauliflower is very tender.
3. Blend the Soup:
Carefully blend the soup using an immersion blender until it’s mostly smooth but still has some texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer half of the soup to a regular blender, puree until smooth, and then return it to the pot.
4. Add Milk and Cheese:
Stir in 1 cup of milk and 1 to 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy. You can adjust the amount of milk depending on how thick you want your soup to be!
5. Season and Serve:
Finally, season your soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve it hot, garnished with extra shredded cheese, a few cauliflower florets, and chopped fresh parsley for a lovely touch. Enjoy!
This comforting cheddar cauliflower soup is creamy, cheesy, and delicious—perfect as a starter or a light main with some crusty bread. Enjoy your warm bowl of goodness! 🍜
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower Instead?
Absolutely! Frozen cauliflower is a great substitute and saves on prep time. Just add it directly to the pot without thawing. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, cooking until it’s tender, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To keep the soup vegetarian, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The depth of flavor will still be rich and satisfying with the other ingredients!
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to restore creaminess and stir well to combine!
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup in advance! Make the soup up to the blending step, then cool it down and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheating gently on the stove and adding the cheese and milk at that time will help maintain its creamy texture.
