There’s something magical about a warm bowl of soup on a chilly evening. And when it comes to combining comfort, nutrition, and ease, nothing beats a creamy cauliflower soup. This simple recipe transforms humble cauliflower into a rich, cheesy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners, quick weeknight meals, or cozy lunches with crusty bread.
Why You’ll Love This Cauliflower Soup
Cauliflower soup is more than just another veggie-based recipe. It delivers:
- Creamy texture without heaviness – Thanks to a simple roux and milk.
- Cheesy goodness – Sharp cheddar adds depth and comfort.
- Quick cooking time – Ready in about 30 minutes.
- Versatility – Perfect as a main course with bread or as a starter for any meal.
It’s one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to whenever you crave cozy comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this comforting cauliflower soup, you’ll need:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, broken into florets
- 1 medium carrot, shredded
- ¼ cup celery, chopped
- 2 ½ cups water + chicken or vegetable bouillon
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk (2% or whole for richer taste)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt, pepper, and optional hot sauce for flavor
These simple ingredients come together to create a soup that’s hearty yet light, indulgent but still wholesome.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Simmer the Veggies
In a Dutch oven, combine cauliflower, carrot, celery, water, and bouillon. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 12–15 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Do not drain the broth—you’ll need it for the base.
2. Make the Roux
In a separate saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. This will help thicken your soup without making it too heavy.
3. Create the Creamy Base
Gradually whisk in the milk. Cook until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce, then stir in the cheddar cheese until melted.
4. Combine Everything
Pour the cheese sauce into the simmered vegetables and stir well. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or hot sauce if desired.
5. Serve Hot
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, bacon bits, or homemade croutons. Serve with crusty bread for the perfect cozy dinner.
Recipe Variations
- Roasted Cauliflower Soup – Roast cauliflower florets before adding them to the broth for a deeper flavor.
- Smooth & Creamy – Blend part of the soup with an immersion blender for extra creaminess.
- Vegetarian Option – Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Extra Protein – Stir in diced ham or shredded chicken.
What to Serve With Cauliflower Soup
This soup pairs beautifully with:
- A fresh green salad for balance.
- Toasted garlic bread or focaccia.
- A baked potato topped with leftover soup for a hearty twist.
Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Avoid freezing dairy-based soups; they can turn grainy. Best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
- Reheat: Gently warm on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.
Why Cauliflower Soup Is Perfect for Fall & Winter
Cauliflower soup isn’t just a recipe—it’s a seasonal staple. As temperatures drop, we crave meals that are cozy, hearty, and satisfying. With its creamy base, cheesy flavor, and nourishing vegetables, this soup delivers everything we want in a cold-weather comfort dish.
It’s also a great way to introduce kids (or picky eaters) to vegetables. The cheesy base masks the cauliflower’s sharpness, creating a kid-friendly, family-approved dinner.
Final Thoughts
This creamy cauliflower soup recipe is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a rich, velvety soup that feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether you enjoy it for lunch or dinner, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
So grab your cauliflower, shred some cheddar, and get ready to cozy up with a bowl of this comforting classic. Save this recipe now—you’ll want it on repeat all season long.
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Creamy Cauliflower Soup Recipe – A Cozy Comfort Food
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (2 quarts) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy cauliflower soup is cheesy, cozy, and ready in just 30 minutes. A comforting recipe made with tender cauliflower, cheddar cheese, and simple ingredients. Perfect for family dinners or cold nights.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower, broken into florets
- 1 medium carrot, shredded
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 2 1/2 cups water + 2 tsp chicken or vegetable bouillon
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 2 cups milk (2% or whole)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: 1 tsp hot sauce
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, combine cauliflower, carrot, celery, water, and bouillon. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 12–15 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- In a saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Gradually whisk in milk. Cook until thickened, then stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
- Pour cheese sauce into the vegetable mixture. Stir well and season with hot sauce if desired.
- Serve hot with parsley, bacon bits, or croutons.
Notes
For a deeper flavor, roast cauliflower before simmering. Blend part of the soup for extra creaminess. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Avoid freezing dairy-based soups.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 616mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cauliflower soup, creamy cauliflower soup, cheesy soup, comfort food recipe