When the weather cools down, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to comfort your soul. This Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic Soup is creamy, rich, and packed with flavor. Roasted garlic and cauliflower create a velvety base, while sharp cheddar cheese adds a luscious, cheesy finish. Easy to make and oh-so-delicious, this soup is perfect for cozy evenings or impressing guests at dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 head cauliflower, chopped into florets
• 1 bulb garlic, roasted (see instructions below)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chives, for garnish (optional)

Why You’ll Love This Soup

• Creamy Without Cream: Blending cauliflower makes this soup naturally velvety.
• Bold Garlic Flavor: Roasting the garlic mellows its flavor, adding a rich, nutty undertone.
• Cheesy Comfort: Sharp cheddar makes every bite irresistible.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour with simple ingredients.

How to Make Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic Soup

1. Roast the Garlic

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Slice the top off the garlic bulb to expose the cloves. Drizzle with a teaspoon of olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30-35 minutes, until soft and golden. Let it cool, then squeeze the cloves out of their skins.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent.
• Add the chopped cauliflower florets and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Simmer the Soup

• Pour in the vegetable broth and add the roasted garlic.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender.

4. Blend to Perfection

• Use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until creamy.
• Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

5. Season and Serve

• Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed.
• Ladle into bowls, garnish with chopped chives (if using), and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs beautifully with:

• Crusty Bread: Perfect for dunking into the creamy soup.
• Side Salad: A fresh green salad adds a crisp contrast.
• Crackers or Crostini: For a crunchy topping.

Tips for the Best Cheddar Cauliflower Soup

1. Roast for Depth: Roasting the garlic and cauliflower adds an extra layer of flavor.
2. Choose Sharp Cheddar: Sharp or aged cheddar gives the soup a more pronounced cheesy taste.
3. Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more broth until it reaches your desired texture.
4. Make it Vegan: Skip the cheddar or replace it with a dairy-free alternative, like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Final Thoughts

This Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic Soup is the perfect blend of creamy comfort and bold flavor. It’s a recipe you’ll find yourself making on repeat during cooler months. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or alongside a salad and bread, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.

Give this recipe a try and let me know how much you love it! Don’t forget to share your photos and tips. Happy cooking! 🥦🧄🧀