Make a rich and velvety cauliflower soup by roasting the cauliflower first, then blending it with sharp cheddar cheese for deep flavor.
Author:Ethan Fleetwood
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:35 min
Total Time:50 min
Yield:4 servings
Category:Soup
Method:Stovetop/Roasting
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Toss the cauliflower florets with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes until tender and lightly browned.
While the cauliflower roasts, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the roasted cauliflower and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes to allow flavors to combine.
Carefully transfer the soup mixture to a blender (or use an immersion blender directly in the pot). Blend until completely smooth and velvety.
Return the pureed soup to the pot over low heat. Stir in the heavy cream and nutmeg. Do not boil after adding the cream.
Remove the pot from the heat. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is fully melted and incorporated.
Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Notes
For a low-carb or keto version, omit the flour/roux if you use one in other recipes, and skip any starchy thickeners. The natural starch from the cauliflower provides thickness.
If you prefer a dairy-free soup, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a sharp dairy-free cheddar alternative or nutritional yeast for cheesiness.
Roasting the cauliflower is key to developing a deeper, slightly nutty flavor that makes this soup taste gourmet.