This Cheddar Cauliflower & Roasted Garlic Soup is creamy, cozy, and packed with flavor — a healthier twist on classic cheesy soup. 🥣✨
It’s made with roasted cauliflower, caramelized garlic, and sharp cheddar cheese for a rich and comforting taste that’s perfect for chilly nights or a light lunch.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Soup
✅ Velvety smooth without heavy cream
✅ Full of flavor from roasted garlic and cheddar
✅ Low-carb and naturally gluten-free
✅ Freezer-friendly and easy to reheat
🧄 Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 whole garlic bulb
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or coconut oil)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (or unsweetened almond milk for lighter version)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika or nutmeg for extra depth
- Garnish: extra cheddar, green onions, or crispy bacon bits
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Garlic and Cauliflower
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place cauliflower florets on a baking sheet.
- Slice the top off the garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil.
- Drizzle the cauliflower with the remaining olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast for 25–30 minutes, until the cauliflower is golden and tender, and the garlic is soft and caramelized.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
Add diced onion and cook for 5 minutes, until soft and translucent.
Step 3: Add the Roasted Vegetables
Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into the pot.
Add the roasted cauliflower and broth.
Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
Step 4: Blend Until Smooth
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until creamy.
(Or carefully transfer to a blender in batches.)
Step 5: Stir in Milk & Cheese
Return to low heat. Stir in milk and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Season with salt, pepper, and optional smoked paprika or nutmeg.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle into bowls and top with:
🧀 Extra shredded cheddar
🥓 Crispy bacon bits
🌿 Chopped chives or parsley
🌟 Tips & Variations
✨ For a thicker soup, reduce the broth slightly.
✨ For a vegan option, use plant-based milk and vegan cheddar.
✨ Add a handful of steamed carrots or potatoes before blending for extra heartiness.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in a sealed container.
- Freeze: Up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat: Gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.
💛 Final Thoughts
This Cheddar Cauliflower & Roasted Garlic Soup is the ultimate comfort food that’s both rich and nourishing. The roasted garlic adds a deep, savory sweetness that makes every spoonful irresistible.
Serve it with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete, satisfying meal. 🥣💛
Print
🧀 Cheddar Cauliflower & Roasted Garlic Soup
Ingredients
• 1 large head cauliflower, chopped (about 6 cups)
• 1 whole garlic bulb, cloves separated and peeled
• 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
• ½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
• Fresh chives or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss cauliflower florets and garlic cloves with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet.
- Roast 25–30 minutes, until tender and golden at the edges.
- In a pot over medium heat, warm remaining 1 tbsp oil. Sauté onion 4–5 minutes until soft.
- Add roasted cauliflower and garlic (including any juices). Pour in broth and simmer 10 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to purée until smooth (or blend in batches in a regular blender).
- Stir in milk and cheddar cheese. Heat gently (do not boil) until melted and creamy. Add smoked paprika if using.
- Taste and adjust seasoning—add more cheese, salt, or a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra cheddar and fresh chives.
✨ Great with crusty bread or a crisp green salad!
💡 Make it dairy-free: Use nutritional yeast + vegan cheese and unsweetened almond milk.
PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time : 15 mins , Cook Time : 40 mins , Total Time : 55 mins , Servings : 4 , Calories : 180 per serving , Net Carbs: 14g , Fats: 10g , Protein: 10g