Cauliflower Soup Recipe

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This cheesy and creamy Cauliflower Soup recipe is sure to become a new favorite, especially on cold winter days. With its rich and creamy texture, and a blend of sharp white Cheddar and pepper Jack cheese, this soup is sure to become a new favorite. And the best part? It’s easy to make and ready in just a few simple steps. So grab a pot and get ready to enjoy a bowl of creamy, cheesy goodness.

If you enjoy Cauliflower Soup, we have another recipe that you might like to try: our original Cauliflower Soup! This one has added texture from diced vegetables, rather than being blended smooth like this recipe. Be sure to give it a try sometime!

Overhead image of the cauliflower soup recipe

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Try out this Cauliflower Soup recipe, which is part of our collection of favorite soup recipes. Click here to see all the recipes in the collection.

Our Favorite Cauliflower Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a new soup recipe to add to your repertoire, you have to try this creamy and cheesy Cauliflower Soup! It’s the perfect combination of comfort and indulgence, with a velvety smooth texture and a bold, cheesy flavor that will have you coming back for seconds. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also easy to make and can be tailored to your own tastes. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some extra vegetables into your diet!

Get ready to transform a humble head of cauliflower into a bowl of creamy, cheesy goodness that will satisfy your cravings!

Process shots to make Cauliflower Soup: Combine onion, garlic, salt and pepper; sautee. Add flour and sautee again.

How To Make Cauliflower Soup

  • Use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-grated cheese, as the latter can result in a greasier and clumpier soup that may turn grainy.
  • Choose a sharp or extra-sharp white Cheddar cheese for the best flavor. Avoid using plain Cheddar, as it may result in a flat-tasting soup. (See “quick tip” box below).
  • Season the soup with salt and pepper as it cooks to help the flavors permeate this Cauliflower Soup Recipe. If the soup tastes flat, it may just need a pinch more of salt and/or pepper.
  • Use a high-quality broth, such as homemade or Swanson® chicken broth, for the best flavor.
  • Use whole milk for a thick and creamy consistency. Avoid milk substitutes or lower-fat milk.

QUICK TIP

Sharp Cheddar is aged for a longer period of time than regular Cheddar– usually between nine and twelve months. During this aging process, the cheese develops a sharper, more pronounced flavor. Sharp Cheddar has a bold, tangy taste and a firmer texture than regular Cheddar. Extra-sharp Cheddar is aged for an even longer period of time, usually between twelve and eighteen months. As a result, it has an even stronger, more pungent flavor than even sharp Cheddar.  So if you want a more intense flavor, opt for extra-sharp Cheddar, while sharp Cheddar will have a more moderate flavor.

Process shots: Add in chicken stock while stirring constantly; add milk and then cauliflower.

Cauliflower Soup Recipe FAQs

1Why is my Cauliflower Soup bland?

There are a few reasons that your cauliflower soup tastes bland:

  1. Not enough seasoning: Make sure to add enough salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices to the soup. It may also be helpful to add some acidity, such as lemon juice or vinegar, to balance out the flavors.
  2. Lack of texture: If your soup is smooth and creamy, it may be missing some texture. Try adding some bacon or croutons to give the soup some crunch.
  3. Poor-quality ingredients: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients can make a big difference in the flavor of your soup. If you’re using old or subpar vegetables, it may be difficult to get a flavorful soup.
  4. Insufficient cooking time: Sometimes, soups need to simmer for a longer period of time in order for the flavors to fully develop. If you haven’t simmered the soup long enough, it may end up tasting bland.
  5. Not enough fat: Soups often benefit from a little bit of fat, whether it’s butter, milk, or olive oil. These ingredients can help to round out the flavors and add richness to the soup.

2What spices go well with cauliflower?

Keeping the seasoning minimal allows the flavors of the cheese and cauliflower to really stand out.

Adding red pepper flakes can give the soup a nice kick of heat if that’s something you enjoy. You could also try adding a pinch of cumin or paprika for a little extra depth of flavor. Just be careful not to add too much of any one seasoning, as it can overpower the delicate flavors of the soup.

3How do you thicken Cauliflower Soup?

There are several ways we thicken this cauliflower soup recipe:

  • Flour: Whisking a small amount of flour into the soup pot at the beginning of the cooking process helps to thicken the soup.
  • Purée the soup: Using an immersion blender or regular blender to blend the soup will result in a thicker, creamier consistency.
  • Use whole milk: This higher-fat milk will result in a rich, velvety texture.
  • Add cheese: The cheese will melt and help to thicken the soup.

4What brings out the flavor of cauliflower?

There are several ways to bring out the flavor of cauliflower:

  1. Add spices: Even just salt and pepper unlock loads of flavor potential.
  2. Use a flavorful broth: Using a flavorful broth can help to infuse the cauliflower with additional flavor.
  3. Pair it with complementary ingredients: Cauliflower goes well with a variety of ingredients, such as garlic and onion. Using these ingredients in the soup with cauliflower can help to enhance its flavor.

5What is the secret to making good soup?

There is no one “secret” to making good soup, as it depends on the type of soup and the personal preferences of the cook and the eaters. However, there are a few general tips that can help to make a good soup:

  1. Use good-quality ingredients: Soup is a great way to showcase the flavors of fresh, seasonal ingredients, so be sure to use the best ingredients you can find.
  2. Build flavor gradually: Start by sautéing aromatic vegetables, such as onions, celery, and carrots, in a little bit of oil or butter. This will help to build the flavor base of the soup. Then, add in any additional ingredients and broth or water, and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat and allow the soup to simmer, which will help the flavors to fully develop.
  3. Season well: Don’t be afraid to use salt and pepper to season your soup. Remember that you can always add more, but it’s difficult to take it away once it’s been added. It can be helpful to taste the soup as it cooks and adjust the seasoning as needed.

6Should you rinse cauliflower before cooking?

It is generally recommended to rinse cauliflower before cooking to remove any dirt or debris that may be on the surface. That goes for pretty much any vegetable.

To rinse cauliflower, cut it into florets and place them in a colander. Run cold water over the florets, gently agitating them to ensure that all surfaces are rinsed. Dry florets using a clean towel or paper towel to remove any excess water before cooking.

Process shots: Cook soup until cauliflower is tender; transfer to a blender and proces suntil smooth. Gradually mix through cheese.

STORAGE

Storage

  1. Cool the Cauliflower Soup completely. Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before storing it.
  2. Transfer the soup to an airtight container. Use a large, sturdy container with a tight-fitting lid to store the soup.
  3. Store the soup in the refrigerator. It will keep for about 3-5 days.

I wouldn’t advise freezing this creamy, dairy-based cauliflower soup recipe. If you need a smaller quantity, it may be best to halve the recipe to reduce the amount of soup. Soups with a high dairy content tend not to freeze well–they often separate and curdle. When it comes time to reheat the refrigerated soup, we recommend doing so on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Boiling the soup may cause the ingredients to separate. You may need to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to thin the soup if it has thickened while being stored. 

Image of the cauliflower soup recipe ready to be enjoyed

What To Serve With Cauliflower Soup 

There are many options for accompaniments to this Cauliflower Soup Recipe. Here are a few ideas:

Image of a spoonful of the dish being taken out

More Soups To Love:

Recipe is inspired by Zupas‘ Wisconsin Cauliflower Soup Recipe.

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Cauliflower Soup Recipe

5 from 1 vote
This cheesy and creamy Cauliflower Soup recipe is sure to become a new favorite, especially on cold winter days. With its rich and creamy texture, and a blend of sharp white Cheddar and pepper-jack cheese, this soup is sure to become a new favorite. And the best part? It's easy to make and ready in just a few simple steps. So grab a pot and get ready to enjoy a bowl of creamy, cheesy goodness.
Print Recipe

Cauliflower Soup Recipe

5 from 1 vote
This cheesy and creamy Cauliflower Soup recipe is sure to become a new favorite, especially on cold winter days. With its rich and creamy texture, and a blend of sharp white Cheddar and pepper-jack cheese, this soup is sure to become a new favorite. And the best part? It's easy to make and ready in just a few simple steps. So grab a pot and get ready to enjoy a bowl of creamy, cheesy goodness.
Course Dinner, Soup, Vegetarian
Cuisine American, Vegetarian
Keyword cauliflower soup recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Chelsea Lords
Calories 305kcal
Cost 8.12

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup diced yellow onion (1 medium onion)
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic (2-3 cloves)
  • 1 large (2 lbs.) cauliflower, chopped into 1-inch pieces (5 cups florets)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose white flour
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • Fine sea salt & black pepper
  • 1 cup freshly grated sharp white Cheddar cheese (Note 1)
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated pepper Jack cheese
  • Optional: 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Optional toppings: thinly sliced green onions, crispy crumbled bacon, additional cheese, crusty buttered bread for dipping

Instructions

  • ONION AND GARLIC: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add onions, garlic, salt & pepper to taste (I add 3/4 tsp salt & 1/4 tsp pepper) to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes until the onions and garlic are softened and translucent.
  • SOUP BASE: Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly until smooth. Then, gradually pour in the milk while continuing to whisk until the mixture is completely smooth.
  • CAULIFLOWER: Once the soup base is smooth, add chopped cauliflower. Stir and press the cauliflower below the liquid. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium low and cook, uncovered, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower is tender (easily pierced by a fork).
  • BLEND: Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender (in batches) to blend (read Note 2 first if blending) until very smooth. Return the blended soup to the pot.
  • ADD CHEESE: Remove the pot from heat and stir in cheese, a handful at a time, until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding additional salt (I add another 1/4 tsp) or pepper (I add another 1/4 tsp) as needed. If using, stir in the optional Dijon mustard.
  • GARNISH: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional shredded cheese, thinly sliced green onions, and cooked, crumbled bacon. Serve with crusty buttered bread on the side. Enjoy!

Video

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Cheese: Use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-grated, as the latter can result in a greasier and clumpier soup that may turn grainy. Freshly grate the cheese, then gently pack in measuring cups for an accurate measurement.
Choose a sharp or extra-sharp white Cheddar cheese for the best flavor. Avoid using plain Cheddar, as it may result in a flat-tasting soup. (Sharp/extra-sharp Cheddar is aged longer, delivering a stronger, more intense flavor.)
Note 2: Blending the soup: Let soup slightly cool before blending to avoid it exploding! Blend in batches as needed (we blend in two batches). Keep in mind that steam will build up pressure, so it's important to increase the blender speed slowly and to keep a close eye on the soup to prevent it from overflowing or spilling out. When removing the blender lid, do so with caution, as the soup will likely release steam. If your blender does not have a setting for blending hot liquids or soups, you can use a folded towel to cover the blender lid and hold it in place with your hands. This will help to reduce the pressure from the steam.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 305kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 59mg | Sodium: 722mg | Potassium: 673mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 607IU | Vitamin C: 75mg | Calcium: 388mg | Iron: 1mg

We do our best to provide accurate nutritional analysis for our recipes. Our nutritional data is calculated using a third-party algorithm and may vary, based on individual cooking styles, measurements, and ingredient sizes. Please use this information for comparison purposes and consult a health professional for nutrition guidance as needed.

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