Roasted Garlic Cheddar Cauliflower Soup
Roasted Garlic Cheddar Cauliflower Soup is a creamy, comforting dish that blends the natural sweetness of roasted garlic with sharp cheddar cheese and the earthy flavor of cauliflower. This nourishing low-carb soup is easy to prepare, perfect for chilly days, and adaptable to various dietary preferences including vegetarian and gluten-free diets.
- Author: Sophie
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Vegetables
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets (about 4 cups)
- 1 whole bulb garlic, separated into cloves (about 8–10 cloves), unpeeled
- 1 medium onion, chopped
Liquids
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
Dairy & Fats
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (for roasting)
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme (optional, for garnish)
- Roast the Garlic and Cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cauliflower florets and whole garlic cloves with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized, infusing the soup with rich, sweet garlic flavor and enhancing the cauliflower’s nuttiness.
- Sauté the Onion: While the vegetables roast, melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent, building a flavorful base that balances the sweetness of roasted garlic.
- Combine and Simmer: Add the roasted cauliflower and garlic (squeeze softened garlic from skins) to the pot with sautéed onions. Pour in the broth, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors and soften ingredients further.
- Blend Until Smooth: Using an immersion blender or transferring the soup in batches to a stand blender, puree until silky smooth, achieving the velvety texture that makes this soup so comforting.
- Add Cheese and Cream: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream or milk over low heat. Stir continuously until cheese is fully melted and soup is rich and creamy. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Avoid boiling after cheese addition to prevent curdling.
Notes
- Ensure thorough roasting of garlic and cauliflower for maximum flavor development.
- Use sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese for a bold cheesy flavor without using excessive quantity.
- Blend the soup carefully to avoid splattering and burns from hot liquid.
- Adjust the soup’s thickness by adding extra broth or cream to reach your preferred consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper at the end, as flavors concentrate after roasting and blending.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: cauliflower soup, roasted garlic soup, cheddar cauliflower soup, low-carb soup, comfort food, creamy soup