Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 head cauliflower, chopped
- 1 whole garlic bulb
- 1 onion, diced
Liquids
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Oils & Seasonings
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the cauliflower and garlic.
- Roast Cauliflower: Toss the chopped cauliflower with 2 tablespoons of olive oil until well coated. Spread it evenly on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes until tender and lightly browned.
- Roast Garlic: Wrap the whole garlic bulb in aluminum foil and roast it in the oven alongside the cauliflower until soft, about the same time as the cauliflower.
- Sauté Onion: While the vegetables roast, heat a pot over medium heat and sauté the diced onion until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the roasted cauliflower to the pot with the sautéed onions. Squeeze the softened roasted garlic cloves from the bulb into the pot, distributing their flavor evenly.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes to blend the flavors together.
- Blend Soup: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or carefully transfer the soup in batches to a blender to puree until completely smooth and creamy.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it melts fully into the soup, giving it a rich texture and cheesy flavor. Avoid boiling after adding the cheese to prevent curdling.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste, stir well, and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best depth of flavor.
- Do not boil the soup after adding cheese to keep it smooth and prevent separation.
- You can substitute vegetable broth to make the soup vegetarian; use chicken broth for richer taste.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian