Name: Roasted Garlic Cheddar Cauliflower Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets (about 4-5 cups cauliflower florets); 1 head garlic; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 4 cups vegetable broth (or substitute chicken broth if not vegetarian); 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided; Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste; ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste); Freshly ground black pepper; 1 heaping cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; Sliced green onion; Extra shredded cheddar cheese; Croutons or toasted sourdough bread (or bread of choice) for dipping/serving

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 9 reviews

If you are craving something warm, comforting, and bursting with rich flavors, my Roasted Garlic Cheddar Cauliflower Soup Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. This luscious soup manages to feel indulgent without any heavy cream, relying instead on the natural creaminess of roasted cauliflower and the bold, savory punch of melted sharp cheddar cheese. The heady aroma of roasted garlic infuses every spoonful, making it the ultimate cozy meal any day of the year. Trust me, once you make this soup, it will quickly become a go-to recipe to soothe your soul and impress your guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear blender jug viewed from above contains three main layers; the bottom layer is a golden-colored liquid with a smooth texture, the middle layer consists of light brown to golden roasted garlic cloves with a slightly soft appearance, and the top layer is made up of roasted cauliflower florets that are pale yellow with brown char marks on the edges, showing a bumpy texture. The blender sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you – each one plays an essential role in creating the depth, texture, and color that make this soup so irresistible. You’ll find this list is straightforward, with accessible pantry staples that come together to form a dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Cauliflower florets (4-5 cups): The star ingredient that gives the soup its beautiful body and subtle sweetness.
Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Used for roasting and sautéing to bring out sweetness and add a lovely golden color.
Freshly ground salt and pepper: The simple seasoning duo that enhances every flavor in the soup.
One head garlic: Roasting this whole head softens the sharpness and creates a mellow, caramelized garlic magic.
Medium yellow onion, diced: Adds a touch of sweetness and aromatic depth during the sautéing process.
Vegetable broth (4 cups): The flavorful liquid base that ties all ingredients together; chicken broth works well too if you prefer.
Salt (½ teaspoon plus more to taste): Essential for balance and to bring forward all the subtle flavors.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a hint of warmth to each spoonful.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1 heaping cup): The rich, melty finish that makes this soup unforgettable.
Garnishes – sliced green onion & extra cheddar: Brighten up the soup visually and add a fresh pop of flavor.
Croutons or toasted sourdough bread: Perfect for dipping and adding textural delight.

How to Make Roasted Garlic Cheddar Cauliflower Soup Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Cauliflower and Garlic

First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss the cauliflower florets with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil and season them generously with freshly ground salt and pepper. For the garlic, peel away the papery outer layers but leave the skins on the individual cloves; then slice about ¼ inch off the top of the head to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and place it with the cauliflower on the baking sheet. Roast everything for 30 to 35 minutes, turning halfway through until the cauliflower is beautifully caramelized and golden-brown. This roasting process transforms the vegetables into sweet, nutty flavor bombs.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

While the cauliflower and garlic are roasting, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5 to 8 minutes until it’s soft, translucent, and slightly sweet. This step builds a fragrant foundation for your soup and complements the roasted vegetables perfectly.

Step 3: Blend the Soup

Carefully squeeze the cooled roasted garlic cloves out of their skins directly into a blender along with the sautéed onions, roasted cauliflower, broth, salt, and pepper. Blend until completely smooth—about a minute. Pour the soup back into the pot and warm it over medium heat. This silky smooth soup is where the magic comes together, and the heavenly aroma will already have you reaching for a ladle.

Step 4: Finish with Cheddar Cheese

Bring the blended soup to a gentle simmer and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar. Let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, so that the cheese melts perfectly into the soup, giving it that luscious, creamy finish. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary—this is where you make it your own.

How to Serve Roasted Garlic Cheddar Cauliflower Soup Recipe

A white cup filled with thick, creamy yellow soup topped with green onion slices and small shreds of cheese, placed on a white marbled surface; a piece of crusty brown bread is being dipped into the soup, with the soup visibly stretching from the cup to the bread; the photo shows part of a woman's hand holding the bread, with two more white cups of the same soup in the background slightly out of focus; the scene is warm and inviting, emphasizing the smooth texture of the soup and the crunchy texture of the bread. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding sliced green onions and a sprinkle of extra sharp cheddar on top creates a wonderful contrast in flavor and texture. The bright green of the onions offers freshness to cut through the richness while providing a lovely visual pop that makes the soup shine even brighter.

Side Dishes

This soup is incredibly satisfying on its own, but it pairs beautifully with crunchy croutons or thick slices of toasted sourdough bread. The crispy, chewy texture from the bread perfectly complements the smooth, velvety soup, turning a simple meal into something truly comforting and complete.

Creative Ways to Present

For a bit of flair, serve your soup in mini bread bowls or use avocado halves as natural bowls for an unexpected twist. You can also drizzle a little smoky chipotle oil or swirl in some fresh herb pesto for added layers of flavor that invite experimentation and impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen as the soup rests, making leftovers an even tastier treat. Just give it a gentle stir before reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze the soup without any problem. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. For best texture, omit the cheddar cheese before freezing and stir in fresh cheese when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat to avoid scorching. Stir often and add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. When warm, add the shredded cheddar cheese to melt freshly and revive its creamy character.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cheddar?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar offers a fantastic tang and melts beautifully, you can try Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked cheese for different flavor profiles. Just keep in mind the meltability and taste when swapping cheeses.

Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian when using vegetable broth. If you prefer, you can substitute chicken broth to add a richer meat-based flavor, but vegetable broth keeps it perfectly hearty and vegetarian-friendly.

Do I have to roast the garlic whole?

Roasting the whole garlic head gently caramelizes the cloves and softens their intensity, creating a mellow sweetness that’s signature to this soup. You can roast individual cloves, but the whole head method is easier and imparts the best flavor.

Can I make the soup creamier without using cream?

Definitely! The natural starch from cauliflower combined with melted cheese gives a wonderfully creamy texture without any dairy cream. For extra creaminess, some people blend in a small amount of milk or a dairy-free alternative, but it’s not necessary.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover soup without losing flavor?

Slow and gentle reheating on the stovetop works best. Stir frequently and add a bit of broth if needed. Avoid boiling, which can dull the flavors and cause the cheese to separate.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend this Roasted Garlic Cheddar Cauliflower Soup Recipe enough. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again for its incredible flavor and comforting vibe. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or need an easy, nourishing meal, this soup delivers on all fronts. Give it a try, and get ready for a new favorite that warms your heart and your kitchen!