This Cauliflower Cheddar Soup is creamy, cheesy, and comforting—perfect for a cozy meal with simple ingredients like cauliflower, cheddar, and fresh herbs blended to smooth perfection.
Amanda
Prep Time 15 minutesminutes
Cook Time 30 minutesminutes
Total Time 45 minutesminutes
Serving Size 4bowls
Equipment
Large pot or Dutch oven
Immersion blender or regular blender
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Chef’s knife and cutting board
Ladle
Small saucepan
Ingredients
1head of cauliflowercut into florets
1medium oniondiced
2carrotspeeled and sliced
2clovesgarlicminced
2tbspolive oil or butter
3cupschicken broth or vegetable broth
1cuphalf and half, milk, or cream
1.5cupssharp cheddar cheeseshredded
1tbspflour
0.5tspthymeor fresh thyme leaves
Pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakesoptional
Salt and black pepperto taste
Chopped parsley or chivesfor garnish
Instructions
Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
Sauté onion, carrots, and garlic until soft—about 5 minutes.
Add flour and stir for a minute to make a light roux.
Pour in broth slowly, stirring to avoid lumps.
Add cauliflower and thyme. Simmer until the cauliflower is tender, about 15 minutes.
Blend the soup until smooth with an immersion blender or regular blender.
Stir in half and half and cheddar cheese until the cheese melts.
Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne if desired.
Serve hot, garnished with parsley, chives, or roasted cauliflower florets.
Notes
Sharp cheddar gives a tangy punch. Use fresh thyme for the best flavor. To lighten, use more broth or swap cream for milk. Leftovers keep for up to three days; reheat gently for best texture.