This Cheddar Cauliflower Soup is warm and cheesy, perfect for chilly days! It blends creamy cauliflower with sharp cheddar for a tasty comfort dish.
Honestly, who can resist a bowl of cheese soup? I love adding some crispy bacon on top for a fun crunch! It’s super easy to make and always hits the spot!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: This is the star of the soup! A medium head of cauliflower gives a lovely creamy base. If you can’t find fresh cauliflower, frozen cauliflower works too—just be sure to thaw and drain it well.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the soup a bold flavor. You can switch to mild cheddar for a less intense taste or even use a different cheese like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for variety.
Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth adds depth. If you’re looking for a lower sodium option, there are low-sodium versions available. You could also use homemade broth for a fresher taste.
Milk or Cream: This ingredient adds creaminess. Use whole milk for a richer soup, or a dairy-free option like almond milk if you’re avoiding dairy. You might find coconut milk adds a nice flavor too!
How Do I Get the Soup Smooth and Creamy?
Getting that creamy texture is all about blending! Here’s how to do it right:
- After cooking the cauliflower until tender, let it cool slightly to reduce steam if using a blender.
- If you have an immersion blender, it’s perfect for pureeing the soup directly in the pot to your desired consistency.
- If using a regular blender, blend in batches and be careful with hot liquids! Leave the lid slightly ajar to let steam escape.
- After blending, return the soup to the pot and adjust consistency with extra broth or more milk/cream, if needed.
For an even creamier version, consider adding a bit of cream cheese or even some roasted garlic for an extra layer of flavor!
Cheddar Cauliflower Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 medium head cauliflower, chopped into small florets (about 4 cups)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk or cream (adjust for desired creaminess)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh chives or green onions, for garnish
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty cheddar cauliflower soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook. In total, you should plan for around 40 minutes to have it ready to serve—a quick and cozy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them for about 5 minutes or until they become soft and translucent. This will build the flavorful base for your soup!
2. Cook the Cauliflower:
Add the chopped cauliflower florets to the pot and stir it around for a couple of minutes. This will help combine the flavors of the onion and garlic with the cauliflower.
3. Simmer with Broth:
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to let it simmer. Cook until the cauliflower is very tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes.
4. Blend the Soup:
After the cauliflower is tender, it’s time to make the soup creamy! Use an immersion blender to purée the soup right in the pot until it’s mostly smooth (you can leave a bit of texture if you prefer). If you don’t have a hand blender, carefully transfer half of the soup to a blender, blend it, and then return it to the pot.
5. Add Creaminess and Cheese:
Stir in the milk or cream and bring the soup back to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese while stirring constantly. Continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is delightful and smooth.
6. Season and Serve:
Taste the soup and season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Once it’s just right, ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle extra shredded cheddar cheese and chopped chives or green onions on top for a fun garnish.
7. Enjoy Your Creation!
Serve the soup hot, and enjoy a comforting, delicious bowl of cheddar cauliflower goodness!
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower Instead?
Absolutely! Frozen cauliflower is a convenient substitute. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the pot to prevent excess water in your soup.
How Can I Make This Soup Dairy-Free?
You can easily make this soup dairy-free by using almond or oat milk instead of regular milk or cream, and substituting the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free cheese option. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor if you want that extra depth!
What Should I Do If the Soup Is Too Thick?
If your soup ends up thicker than you’d like, simply add more broth or milk, a little at a time, while stirring until you reach your desired consistency. Warm it through after adding for best results.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes! This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk if it needs a little extra creaminess!
