Step-by-Step Instructions
Roast the garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the top of the garlic bulb, coat the cloves with olive oil, cover in foil, and roast for 30–35 minutes or until soft and caramelized. Once the garlic is cool, squeeze the cloves out of their skins.
Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Cook the cauliflower: Add the chopped cauliflower to the saucepan and stir for about 5 minutes.
Combine ingredients: Stir in the roasted garlic and vegetable broth. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15–20 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender.
Puree the soup: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you’re using a countertop blender, carefully blend in batches.
Finish it off: Stir in the milk (or cream) and the crumbled cheddar cheese. Heat the soup on low until the cheese melts. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with fresh chives or parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
To elevate your dining experience, consider pairing this soup with some crusty bread or a fresh garden salad. For added gourmet flair, sprinkle some extra cheese on top or serve with a drizzle of olive oil. It makes for an excellent starter for gatherings or a hearty meal on its own!
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
After making this delicious soup, you may have some leftovers. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for about 3-4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to reheat gently to maintain that creamy texture!
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Roasting the garlic: If you’re short on time, you can sauté minced garlic in the oil instead, but roasted garlic adds that rich depth of flavor you won’t want to skip if you can help it.
- Creaminess level: For a thicker soup, add more cheese or use less broth. If you prefer it lighter, add additional broth or water gradually.
- Spice it up: Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of hot sauce to add a unique kick!
Creative Twists
Feel free to customize this soup to your taste! You can add different herbs such as thyme or rosemary for an aromatic variation. For a spicier kick, incorporate some red pepper flakes. Alternatively, you could add other vegetables like carrots or leeks to mix things up.
Common Questions
How long does it take to prepare this soup?
From start to finish, you can expect to spend about 45 minutes, including roasting the garlic.
What can I use as a substitute for vegetable broth?
Chicken broth works wonderfully if you’re not adhering to a vegetarian diet.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup can be made a day in advance; in fact, the flavors often meld beautifully overnight.
With its creamy texture, savory notes, and ease of preparation, this Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic Soup will undoubtedly become a beloved dish in your home. Enjoy making it as much as you enjoy devouring it!
