Cauliflower Soup is the ultimate comforting dish, especially on cold days when you’re craving something warm and nourishing. This creamy soup combines the subtle, nutty flavor of cauliflower with the richness of butter, milk, and cheddar cheese, creating a bowl of pure comfort. It’s simple to prepare, using a variety of fresh ingredients like onions, carrots, celery, and gold potatoes, all cooked to perfection and blended into a velvety smooth texture. The herbs—thyme and oregano—add a depth of flavor, while the cheddar cheese brings a delightful sharpness that perfectly complements the soup’s creaminess. Whether you’re serving it as a starter or a main dish, this cauliflower soup is sure to warm you up and satisfy your taste buds. It’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, offering both comfort and nutrition in each spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Creamy

The combination of butter, milk, and cheddar cheese creates a luscious, velvety soup that is indulgent without being overly heavy.

2. Packed with Flavor

The mix of sautéed vegetables like onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, combined with dried herbs like thyme and oregano, gives this soup a rich and layered flavor profile.

3. Nutritious

With cauliflower as the main ingredient, this soup provides a healthy dose of vitamins and fiber while still tasting like a hearty comfort food.

4. Easy to Make

This soup is simple to prepare, requiring just a few key ingredients and basic cooking techniques. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or as a cozy starter.

5. Versatile

This cauliflower soup is perfect on its own but can easily be customized with toppings like croutons, extra cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil. You can also make it heartier by adding protein like shredded chicken or crispy bacon.

Ingredients

Olive oil
Butter
Yellow onion (diced)
Carrots (diced)
Celery (diced)
Gold potatoes (no need to peel)
Garlic (fresh or jarred)
Thyme (dried or fresh)
Oregano (dried or fresh)
Cauliflower (cut into small pieces)
Chicken stock
Flour
Whole milk
Cheddar cheese (freshly shredded)

Variations

Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter and milk (such as almond or oat milk) to make this soup vegan-friendly. You can substitute nutritional yeast for the cheddar cheese for a cheesy flavor.
Spicy Cauliflower Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to bring some heat to the soup.
Creamy Coconut Cauliflower Soup: Replace the milk with coconut milk for a creamy and slightly tropical variation.
Roasted Cauliflower Soup: For a deeper flavor, roast the cauliflower in the oven before adding it to the soup base. This adds a caramelized flavor to the soup.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 2: Add the Cauliflower and Potatoes

Add the cauliflower florets and diced potatoes to the pot, stirring to combine with the other vegetables. Sauté for a couple of minutes to develop some flavor.

Step 3: Add the Stock and Seasoning

Pour in the chicken stock, and add the thyme and oregano. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the cauliflower and potatoes are tender.

Step 4: Make the Roux

In a separate small pan, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle the flour over the butter and whisk constantly until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. This will create a roux that thickens the soup.

Step 5: Add the Roux to the Soup

Slowly add the roux to the soup while stirring constantly. This will help thicken the soup and create a creamy texture.

Step 6: Blend the Soup

Once the vegetables are tender and the soup has thickened, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches. Return the soup to the pot once blended.

Step 7: Add the Milk and Cheese

Stir in the whole milk and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese has melted and the soup is fully creamy.

Step 8: Season and Serve

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with sea salt and black pepper as needed. Serve hot with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese, croutons, or fresh herbs if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use a Good Quality Stock: Chicken stock adds depth to the soup, so using a good quality stock or broth will really enhance the flavor.
Blending the Soup: For a smoother texture, blend the soup completely. If you prefer a chunkier soup, blend only part of it.
Consistency: If the soup is too thick, you can add more milk or stock to reach your desired consistency.
Cheese Choice: Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
Add Protein: To make the soup heartier, add some cooked chicken, bacon, or sausage for extra protein.

How to Serve

Cauliflower soup is perfect when served with a slice of crusty bread or a fresh green salad. You can also top it with more shredded cheddar cheese, croutons, or fresh herbs like parsley or chives. It also pairs beautifully with grilled cheese sandwiches for a nostalgic and comforting meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little extra milk or broth if the soup has thickened too much.

Freezing

This cauliflower soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.

Reheating

To reheat, add a little milk or stock to loosen up the soup, then warm it on the stove or in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cauliflower for this soup?

Yes, frozen cauliflower works just as well as fresh cauliflower. Just be sure to thaw and drain it before using it in the soup.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

3. How can I make this soup thicker?

To make the soup thicker, you can add more flour to the roux or blend the soup longer. Alternatively, reduce the amount of liquid you add.

4. Can I make this soup without cheese?

Yes, you can make the soup without cheese, or use a dairy-free cheese alternative for a vegan version.

5. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can prepare the soup in a slow cooker. Simply sauté the vegetables and add them to the slow cooker along with the stock and herbs. Cook on low for 4-6 hours and blend when done.

6. Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like leeks, parsnips, or zucchini to the soup for extra flavor and nutrients.

7. How do I make the soup spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a diced jalapeño to the soup for a spicy kick.

8. Can I use plant-based milk in this recipe?

Yes, you can use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version of this soup.

9. Can I use store-bought stock?

Yes, store-bought chicken stock or vegetable broth will work just fine. Make sure to choose a low-sodium option to control the salt level.

10. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before freezing and be sure to store it in a freezer-safe container.

Conclusion

Cauliflower soup is a comforting, creamy, and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any season. With its blend of sautéed vegetables, rich stock, and cheddar cheese, this soup offers a delightful combination of flavors that will warm you up from the inside out. It’s easy to make, versatile, and can be customized to suit your preferences. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it as part of a hearty meal, this cauliflower soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.