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Roasted Cauliflower and Garlic Cheddar Soup
Emily

Roasted Cauliflower and Garlic Cheddar Soup

A velvety, comforting soup made with roasted cauliflower, caramelized garlic, and melted sharp cheddar. Creamy, savory, and perfect with crusty bread on a chilly evening.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American, Vegetarian
Calories: 260

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets (about 4–5 cups)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 head garlic
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
  • 0.5 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1 heaping cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • croutons or toasted bread (for serving)

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Aluminum foil
  • Large pot
  • blender
  • wooden spoon
  • knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread cauliflower florets on a lined baking sheet. Drizzle with 1–2 tbsp olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat.
  2. Prepare garlic by slicing off ¼ inch from the top to expose cloves. Place in foil, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap. Place on baking sheet with cauliflower.
  3. Roast cauliflower and garlic for 30–35 minutes, flipping cauliflower halfway, until golden and caramelized.
  4. Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot. Add diced onion and sauté 5–8 minutes until soft and translucent.
  5. In a blender, combine sautéed onion, roasted cauliflower, roasted garlic (squeezed from skins), and broth. Blend until smooth, about 1 minute.
  6. Return blended soup to pot. Simmer over medium heat. Stir in shredded cheddar and cook until melted and creamy. Simmer an additional 10–15 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Ladle into bowls. Garnish with green onions and serve with croutons or toasted bread.

Notes

For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk. Use chicken broth for a richer flavor, or keep it vegetarian with vegetable broth. Garnish with croutons, green onions, or extra cheese.