Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic Soup

This creamy, comforting soup combines the nutty sweetness of roasted garlic with the richness of sharp cheddar and the delicate flavors of cauliflower. Perfect for a cozy and satisfying meal!

Ingredients

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into small florets
• 1 bulb garlic, roasted
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup milk or cream (for a richer soup)
• 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Roast the Garlic

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice off the top of the garlic bulb to expose the cloves.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30–35 minutes, until the cloves are tender and golden brown.
4. Let the garlic cool, then squeeze the roasted cloves out of their skins. Set aside.

2. Sauté the Onion

1. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.

3. Cook the Cauliflower

1. Add the cauliflower florets to the pot and stir well to coat with the oil and onions.
2. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the cauliflower to soften slightly.

4. Simmer the Soup

1. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
2. Cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender.

5. Blend the Soup

1. Remove the pot from the heat.
2. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, blend in batches using a countertop blender, being careful with the hot liquid.

6. Add Roasted Garlic and Cream

1. Stir in the roasted garlic cloves, blending them into the soup until fully incorporated.
2. Add the milk or cream and return the pot to low heat. Cook gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

7. Incorporate the Cheese

1. Gradually add the grated cheddar cheese to the soup, stirring continuously until it melts and the soup becomes smooth and velvety.
2. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

8. Serve and Garnish

1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired.
2. Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

• Roasting Enhances Flavor: Roasting the garlic creates a sweet, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy soup.
• Cheese Choice: Use sharp cheddar for a bold flavor, or mix with mild cheddar for a creamier taste.
• Blending: For an ultra-smooth texture, strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve after blending.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Flavorful: The perfect balance of creamy cheddar and sweet roasted garlic.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps and one pot make it weeknight-friendly.
• Customizable: Adjust the creaminess with milk or cream and add extra toppings like croutons or crispy bacon.