This creamy, comforting cauliflower soup is the perfect dish for chilly evenings or when you’re craving something warm and satisfying. The combination of cauliflower, carrots, celery, and gold potatoes creates a rich and flavorful base, while the addition of cheddar cheese adds a delightful creamy texture. With simple ingredients like garlic, thyme, and oregano, this soup is packed with savory, aromatic flavors that make every spoonful a treat. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a main course, this Cauliflower Soup is sure to warm your heart and fill your belly.

The soup is rich without being overly heavy, and the mild, slightly nutty flavor of cauliflower shines through beautifully. This recipe can be easily adapted to your preferences, making it a versatile addition to any meal plan. Perfect for meal prepping, this soup also stores well and can be enjoyed as leftovers the next day, making it a practical yet delicious option for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s easily customizable with your favorite seasonings and toppings, allowing you to create the perfect version that suits your tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful soup that’s simple to make and bursting with creamy goodness, this Cauliflower Soup is the perfect recipe. The combination of cauliflower, vegetables, and cheese creates a rich, comforting texture that will satisfy your cravings. The addition of chicken stock provides depth of flavor, while the thyme and oregano bring an aromatic touch to each spoonful. It’s an easy recipe that comes together quickly but feels like a luxurious bowl of goodness. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some vegetables without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re serving it to family, guests, or just enjoying a cozy dinner on your own, this soup is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

Olive oil
Butter
Yellow onion, diced
Carrots, diced
Celery, diced
Gold potatoes, unpeeled and diced
Garlic, minced
Dried thyme and oregano (or fresh/freeze-dried)
Cauliflower, cut into small pieces
Chicken stock (or vegetable stock for a vegetarian option)
Flour
Whole milk
Cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

Variations

Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock and substitute the butter with vegan butter. You can also use a dairy-free milk alternative and a non-dairy cheese.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to give the soup a spicy kick.
Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or basil instead of thyme and oregano for a unique flavor.
Cheese Variations: Try using different cheeses like Gruyère, Parmesan, or Gouda for a different depth of flavor. You can even add a little cream cheese for extra richness.
Add Greens: Stir in some spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for an extra boost of vitamins and nutrients.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs

Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and oregano to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for another minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Cauliflower

Stir in the diced potatoes and cauliflower pieces. Cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the cauliflower to slightly soften.

Step 4: Make the Roux

Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables and whisk it in well to form a roux. Let the flour cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 5: Add Stock and Simmer

Slowly pour in the chicken stock, stirring continuously to ensure there are no lumps. Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes and cauliflower are tender.

Step 6: Blend the Soup

Once the vegetables are tender, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender, blend, and return it to the pot.

Step 7: Add Milk and Cheese

Pour in the whole milk and stir in the freshly shredded cheddar cheese. Continue to cook over low heat, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup becomes creamy.

Step 8: Season and Serve

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

Tips for Making the Recipe

Blending the Soup: If you don’t have an immersion blender, let the soup cool slightly before blending in batches. Be careful not to splatter hot soup while blending.
Creamier Texture: For an even creamier soup, you can add a few tablespoons of heavy cream or cream cheese along with the milk.
Customize the Thickness: If you prefer a thinner soup, add more stock or milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Save Time: Use pre-chopped cauliflower and frozen diced potatoes to save time on prep.

How to Serve

This Cauliflower Soup is perfect for a cozy meal on its own or as a starter to a larger meal. It pairs wonderfully with a simple salad, a crusty piece of bread, or a grilled cheese sandwich. If you want to make it extra filling, serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a protein like grilled chicken or baked tofu. For an elegant touch, garnish with extra shredded cheddar cheese, a swirl of sour cream, or fresh herbs like parsley or chives.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding more milk or stock if necessary to bring the soup back to its creamy consistency.

Freezing

This soup freezes well! Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it up on the stovetop.

Reheating

When reheating, you may need to add a little more stock or milk, as the soup may thicken in the refrigerator. Stir well and heat over low to medium heat until hot.

FAQs

1. Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative, use non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk), and omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

2. Can I use a different cheese?

Absolutely! You can use Gruyère, Parmesan, or Gouda for different flavors, or even add a combination of cheeses for extra richness.

3. Can I make this soup spicy?

Yes, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or even diced jalapeños to give the soup a spicy kick.

4. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes very well. Make sure to let it cool completely before freezing. It can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.

5. How do I make the soup smoother?

Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. You can also blend it in batches in a countertop blender for a smooth texture.

6. Can I add more vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to add extra vegetables like spinach, kale, or leeks to the soup for additional flavor and nutrients.

7. What kind of stock should I use?

You can use chicken stock, vegetable stock, or even bone broth. The stock you choose will influence the flavor of the soup, so pick one based on your preference.

8. Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes, use vegetable stock, dairy-free butter, non-dairy milk, and omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.

9. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for a few days. It also freezes well, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it later.

10. How do I make the soup thicker?

If you prefer a thicker soup, add more potatoes or use a little extra flour in the roux. You can also reduce the amount of liquid added.

Conclusion

This Cauliflower Soup is a rich and creamy comfort food that’s perfect for any time of year. With the delicious blend of vegetables, herbs, and melted cheddar cheese, every spoonful is filled with flavor. Whether you enjoy it as a cozy meal on a cold day or as a starter for a larger meal, this soup will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. Simple to make, yet packed with satisfying flavors, this Cauliflower Soup is sure to warm you up from the inside out.