This cozy Cheddar Cauliflower Soup is creamy, cheesy, and perfectly warm for chilly days. With fresh cauliflower and smooth cheddar, it’s a tasty treat for everyone!
Making this soup is a breeze! I love how fast it comes together. Just blend, heat, and enjoy—perfect for a busy night or a lazy weekend! You can’t go wrong with cheese! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: Choose fresh cauliflower that’s firm and white. If you can’t find cauliflower, broccoli can be a tasty alternative! Just adjust the cooking time a bit as broccoli tends to cook faster.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This adds great flavor! For a different taste, try using Gruyère or Monterey Jack. Vegan cheese can also work if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
Onion: I use yellow onions for sweetness, but white or even shallots work well, too. If onions aren’t an option, leeks can offer a nice mild flavor.
Milk or Half-and-Half: For a lighter soup, you can swap with almond or oat milk. Just make sure they are unsweetened! If you need it richer, using cream will do the trick.
Smoked Paprika: This gives a warm taste. If you don’t have it, regular paprika works fine, or even try adding a pinch of cayenne for a bit of heat!
How Do I Get the Soup to Be Smooth and Creamy?
The blending stage is key to achieving that velvety texture. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Once the cauliflower is soft, use an immersion blender to puree right in the pot. This is super easy and avoids transferring hot liquid!
- If using a countertop blender, let the soup cool a bit before blending in small batches. Always cover the lid with a towel to prevent splatters.
- For a chunky texture, blend only half of the soup and mix it back with the unblended portion.
Adding the cheese after blending helps it melt smoothly, creating a creamy soup you’ll love!
How to Make Cheddar Cauliflower Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 medium head cauliflower, chopped into small florets
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for warmth)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil, for sautéing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cheddar Cauliflower Soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and roughly 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll spend about 40 minutes making this comforting soup from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This will build a lovely base flavor for your soup!
2. Cook the Cauliflower:
Add the chopped cauliflower florets to the pot and stir to combine. Allow the cauliflower to cook for 3-4 minutes, just enough to start softening it before adding the broth.
3. Simmer:
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer until the cauliflower is very tender, about 15-20 minutes. This step is key to a creamy soup!
4. Make the Roux:
Meanwhile, in a separate small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk or half-and-half, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Remove this from heat when done.
5. Blend the Soup:
Once the cauliflower is tender, carefully use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have one, you can blend in small batches in a countertop blender (make sure to let it cool slightly to avoid splatters). You can leave a few small cauliflower pieces for texture if you’d like!
6. Combine Everything:
Stir the thickened milk mixture and grated cheddar cheese into the soup. Keep stirring over low heat until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy. Add smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste for extra flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra shredded cheddar and freshly chopped parsley or chives. Serve warm alongside toasted bread or crackers for a perfect meal!
Enjoy this rich, velvety, hearty Cheddar Cauliflower Soup on a chilly day—a perfect blend of cheesy comfort and healthy veggies!
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cauliflower is a convenient option and works just as well. There’s no need to thaw it beforehand; just add it directly to the pot. You may want to reduce the cooking time slightly since frozen cauliflower can become tender faster.
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover Cheddar Cauliflower Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens, just add a splash of milk or broth to achieve your desired consistency.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! To make the soup dairy-free, use your favorite non-dairy milk (like almond, oat, or coconut) and dairy-free cheese. Make sure to check the labels as some brands may have different melting qualities.
What Can I Serve with This Soup?
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, crackers, or a simple mixed green salad. You can even add some protein, like grilled chicken or bacon bits, for extra heartiness!
