Creamy Cauliflower White Cheddar Cheese Soup 🥦🧀

This comforting soup is a delightful blend of creamy cauliflower goodness and sharp white cheddar cheese, making for a luxurious bowl of nourishment. It’s a perfect dish for chilly evenings or when you crave something warm and hearty. You can elevate this recipe by adding some herbs or spices to customize the flavor to your liking. Pair it with crusty bread for a truly satisfying meal! 🍞✨

Ingredients

For the soup base

• 1 large head of cauliflower, chopped into florets
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup whole milk (or a plant-based alternative)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional for extra warmth)

For the cheesy goodness

• 1 1/2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For garnish

• Fresh chives or parsley, chopped
• Extra shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
• Add the cauliflower florets to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender.

🥄 To maximize flavor, don’t skip sautéing the onion and garlic first. This builds a rich base for your soup!

• Once the cauliflower is cooked, use an immersion blender (or transfer in batches to a regular blender) to puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
• Return the soup to the heat and stir in the whole milk, white cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and combined.

🧄 Feel free to adjust the cheese quantities based on your taste preference!

• Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed.
• Serve hot, garnished with fresh chives or parsley and an optional sprinkle of extra cheese on top.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce while blending for a spicy twist! 🔥
• Smoky Flavor: Incorporate some smoked paprika into the soup for a deeper flavor profile.
• Vegan: Replace the cheeses with nutritional yeast and the milk with almond milk or coconut milk for a plant-based version.
• Add-Ins: Stir in cooked, diced potatoes or even chopped kale for added nutrition and texture.

Enjoy this creamy, luscious soup that’s sure to warm your heart and please your palate! 🥣❤️