Description
Roasted Garlic Cheddar Cauliflower Soup is a rich and velvety soup highlighting the sweetness of roasted garlic combined with tender roasted cauliflower and sharp cheddar cheese. This creamy, comforting soup is perfect for chilly nights or cozy lunches, offering wholesome ingredients without being overly heavy.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower (cut into florets)
- 1 whole garlic bulb
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 1 carrot (peeled and chopped)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
Optional Toppings
- Extra cheese
- Croutons
- Chopped chives
- Crispy bacon bits
Instructions
- Roast Garlic: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off the garlic bulb to expose the cloves, drizzle with a little olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 35–40 minutes until soft and golden.
- Roast Cauliflower: On a baking sheet, toss cauliflower florets with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt. Roast in the oven for 25–30 minutes until tender and lightly browned.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat remaining olive oil and butter over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion and carrot for 5–6 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients and Simmer: Add roasted cauliflower and squeeze in the roasted garlic cloves to the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth, add dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook gently for 10 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Blend Soup: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot or carefully transfer soup in batches to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Add Dairy and Cheese: Return soup to pot if needed. Stir in milk or half-and-half and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook gently over low heat until cheese melts and soup is heated through, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with optional toppings like extra cheese, croutons, chopped chives, or crispy bacon bits.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash of cream.
- For a vegan version, substitute with plant-based milk and cheese.
- Roasting the garlic mellows and sweetens its flavor—do not skip this step.
