Heavenly Roasted Garlic Cheddar Cauliflower Soup Recipe

Creamy roasted garlic cheddar cauliflower soup delivers comfort in every spoonful.

Nutty cauliflower blends seamlessly with sharp cheese and mellow roasted garlic notes.

Warm kitchens come alive with this unexpected twist on classic soup.

Robust flavors mingle effortlessly, creating a smooth and satisfying experience.

Rich ingredients promise a nourishing meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Seasonal and simple, this recipe invites you to savor each delectable bite.

Grab a ladle and let the deliciousness begin!

Tasty Sides for Roasted Garlic Cheddar Soup

• Pair with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Slice thick pieces of tangy sourdough bread to dip into the creamy soup, absorbing its rich flavors and adding a delightful textural contrast.
• Match with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc with bright acidity that cuts through the soup's richness and complements the roasted garlic's deep notes.
• Serve with Herb-Roasted Chicken Salad: Create a light chicken salad with fresh herbs like thyme and parsley to balance the soup's intense, creamy profile and provide a protein-packed side.
• Complement with Apple Spinach Slaw: Prepare a fresh apple and spinach slaw with a light vinaigrette to add crunch and a subtle sweetness that enhances the soup's robust garlic and cheese flavors.

Roasted Garlic Cheddar Soup Options

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheddar cheese alternative for a lactose-free version.
• Vegan Victory: Swap cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast, use vegetable broth, and coconut cream to create a plant-based soup that's creamy and rich.
• Low-Carb Lifestyle: Substitute cauliflower with roasted zucchini or turnips to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining a similar texture and flavor profile.
• Protein Power Boost: Add cooked chicken or white beans to increase protein content, making the soup more filling and nutritionally balanced.

FAQs

• What makes roasted garlic different from raw garlic?

Roasting garlic transforms its sharp, intense flavor into a mellow, sweet, and nutty taste. The process softens the garlic’s bite and caramelizes its natural sugars, creating a more complex and delicate flavor profile.

• Can I use different types of cheese in this soup?

Yes, while cheddar works best, you can experiment with gruyere, gouda, or monterey jack. Each cheese will slightly alter the soup’s flavor and creaminess, so choose one that melts well and complements the roasted garlic and cauliflower.

• Is this soup healthy?

This soup is relatively nutritious, featuring cauliflower which is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The roasted garlic provides antioxidants, though the heavy cream and cheese add some fat and calories. It’s a balanced dish with both nutritional benefits and indulgent flavors.

• Do I need special equipment to make this soup?

An immersion blender is ideal for pureeing, but a standard blender works too. Just be careful when blending hot liquids by doing small batches and allowing steam to escape to prevent potential splattering.

Roasted Garlic Cheddar Soup Essentials

• Minimal prep work makes this soup a breeze to create, with simple steps that even novice cooks can master confidently.
• Roasted cauliflower and garlic provide a nutrient-packed base, transforming a classic comfort food into a healthier meal option that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Creamy, cheesy, and rich, this soup delivers ultimate satisfaction with its velvety texture and deep, roasted flavor profile that warms you from the inside out.
• Ready in under an hour, this recipe solves dinner dilemmas with its fast preparation and minimal ingredient list, perfect for busy families craving a delicious homemade meal.

What Goes in Roasted Garlic Cheddar Soup

• Cauliflower: A hearty vegetable that provides a creamy base and nutritious foundation for the soup.
• Garlic Bulb: Roasted garlic adds a rich, mellow, and sweet flavor to the soup.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and smooth texture in the soup.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp and tangy flavor that complements the roasted vegetables.

• Vegetable Broth: Serves as the primary liquid base for the soup.
• Olive Oil: Used for roasting vegetables and sautéing onions.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the soup.
• Fresh Chives: Optional garnish that adds a subtle onion-like flavor and fresh green color.

• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the soup's flavor profile.

Roasted Garlic Cheddar Soup Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Roasting Ingredients

Crank up your oven to a toasty 400F (200C).

Grab your garlic bulb and slice off the top.

Drizzle olive oil generously over the exposed garlic and wrap it snugly in aluminum foil.

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Spread everything on a baking sheet and let them roast for 25-30 minutes until they turn golden and become wonderfully tender.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat a splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Toss in diced onions and cook them until they become soft, translucent, and smell incredible, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Build Soup Foundation

Tumble the roasted cauliflower into the pot.

Squeeze those caramelized garlic cloves directly into the mixture.

Pour in vegetable broth, bring to a bubbling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Create Creamy Texture

Grab an immersion blender and transform the soup into a silky-smooth consistency.

Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until they melt into a luxurious, creamy blend.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle fresh chives on top for a pop of color and flavor.

Top Tips for Roasted Garlic Cheddar Soup

• Wrap the garlic bulb completely in foil to prevent burning and ensure even, caramelized roasting for maximum flavor intensity.
• Cut florets into similar-sized pieces to guarantee uniform roasting and consistent tenderness throughout the soup.
• Remove the pot from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Adjust the broth quantity to achieve your preferred soup consistency – add more for a thinner soup or reduce for a heartier texture.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like smoked cheddar or add a dash of nutmeg to create a more complex and interesting taste.

Save & Warm Roasted Garlic Cheddar Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing dairy-based soups as cream may separate.
• Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Add a splash of broth if soup seems too thick.
• Warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a little vegetable broth or water to restore original consistency. Heat until steaming hot but avoid boiling to prevent cream from breaking.

Roasted Garlic Cheddar Cauliflower Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comforting roasted garlic cheddar cauliflower soup delivers a creamy, rich experience with bold Wisconsin cheddar and caramelized garlic depths. Hearty spoonfuls promise warmth and satisfaction for anyone craving a luxurious winter meal.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 whole garlic bulb

Aromatics and Supporting Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil

Finishing and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh chives (optional for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare for roasting by preheating the oven to 400F (200C), creating an ideal environment for transforming garlic and cauliflower into caramelized, flavor-packed ingredients.
2. Prepare garlic bulb by slicing off the top, then drizzle with olive oil and encase completely in aluminum foil to protect and concentrate its essence during roasting.
3. Coat cauliflower florets with olive oil, seasoning generously with salt and pepper to enhance natural flavors and promote even caramelization.
4. Arrange garlic and cauliflower on a baking sheet, roasting for 25-30 minutes until edges turn golden and vegetables become tender and fragrant.
5. While vegetables roast, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium temperature, sautéing diced onions until they become translucent and develop a soft, sweet character.
6. Transfer roasted cauliflower into the pot, then squeeze softened garlic cloves directly into the mixture, releasing their rich, mellow flavor.
7. Pour vegetable broth into the pot, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to marry the ingredients’ flavors.
8. Use an immersion blender to transform the mixture into a silky, smooth consistency, breaking down the vegetables into a creamy base.
9. Incorporate heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese melts completely and creates a luxurious, velvety texture.
10. Season with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting to achieve perfect balance, then serve hot with optional fresh chive garnish.

Notes

• Roast garlic and cauliflower ahead of time to intensify their natural sweetness and develop deeper, richer flavors.
• Use high-quality aged cheddar for a more robust and complex cheese profile that elevates the soup’s overall taste.
• For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.
• Make this soup gluten-free and low-carb by ensuring vegetable broth is certified gluten-free and skipping any potential wheat-based thickeners.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 70mg