Introduction

Warm and comforting, this Roasted Garlic Cheddar Cauliflower Soup combines tender roasted cauliflower and sweet garlic with sharp cheddar for a deliciously creamy experience. Perfect for cozy nights, it’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.

A close-up image of a black cup filled with creamy light beige soup, topped with shredded yellow cheese and small green peas scattered on the surface. A slice of crusty bread with a golden-brown crust is being dipped into the soup by a woman’s hand, showing the bread soaking up the creamy texture. The cup is sitting on a white marbled surface, with soft natural light highlighting the creamy and smooth texture of the soup. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets (about 4–5 cups cauliflower florets)
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste
1 head garlic
1 medium yellow onion, diced
4 cups vegetable broth (or substitute chicken broth if not vegetarian)
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 heaping cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
To garnish: sliced green onion & extra cheddar on top
Croutons or toasted sourdough bread for dipping/serving

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Place the cauliflower florets on the baking sheet. Drizzle with 1-2 tablespoons olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat evenly.
Step 3: Prepare the garlic by peeling away the outer papery layers, leaving the skins of the cloves intact. Cut about ¼ inch off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves. Place the garlic on a sheet of foil, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap loosely.
Step 4: Add the foil-wrapped garlic to the baking sheet with the cauliflower. Roast both for 30-35 minutes, flipping the cauliflower halfway through, until golden brown and caramelized.
Step 5: Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-8 minutes until translucent.
Step 6: Once roasted, squeeze the garlic cloves out of their skins and add to a blender along with the roasted cauliflower, sautéed onion, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth, about 1 minute.
Step 7: Pour the blended soup back into the pot and heat over medium until it lightly simmers.
Step 8: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 9: Serve garnished with sliced green onions and extra cheddar. Enjoy with croutons or toasted sourdough bread.

Tips & Variations

For a creamier soup, replace 1 cup of broth with 1 cup of milk.
Add ½ cup of half-and-half or heavy cream instead of ½ cup broth for a richer texture.
Reduce broth to 3 cups if you prefer a thicker consistency.
Customize with additional herbs or spices such as thyme, smoked paprika, or a pinch of nutmeg to enhance flavor.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. For longer storage, freeze the soup for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a black mug filled with creamy soup, light beige in color, topped with small bright green peas and thin strips of yellow cheese, along with a sprinkle of black pepper and herbs. A piece of crusty light brown bread is dipped into the soup from the right side, showing its soft and airy inside texture. The mug is set on a white marbled surface, and the overall look is warm and comforting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, while sharp cheddar gives a classic flavor, you can substitute with gouda, Monterey jack, or even a cheese blend to suit your taste.

Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?

This recipe is vegetarian if you use vegetable broth. To make it non-vegetarian, substitute chicken broth for added richness.