Quick & Flavorful Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic Recipe

Cheddar cauliflower offers a delightful twist on traditional vegetable sides that redefines ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Robust cheese and nutty roasted garlic elevate this humble ingredient to gourmet status with remarkable depth and complexity.

Bold flavors merge seamlessly, creating a harmonious blend that tantalizes taste buds and challenges conventional vegetable preparations.

Creamy textures and rich undertones make this dish a sophisticated companion for multiple dining scenarios.

Nutritional benefits intertwine with remarkable taste profiles, promising a satisfying and wholesome culinary adventure.

Vegetable enthusiasts and comfort food lovers will appreciate this innovative approach to preparing a classic ingredient.

You won’t believe how simple ingredients can create such a remarkable symphony of flavors.

Roasting to Creamy: How to Make Cheddar Cauliflower

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Cauliflower

Warm the oven to 400°F. Carefully wash and break down 1 1/2 lbs of cauliflower into florets. Steam the florets for 15-20 minutes until they become incredibly soft. Mash the cooked cauliflower and set aside.

Step 2: Roast Cauliflower and Garlic

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper

Spread the seasoned florets on a baking sheet. Slice the top off the garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap completely in foil. Roast both in the oven for 30 minutes or until perfectly soft.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetable Base

• Carrots
• Onions
• Celery

Sauté until onions become transparent, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Create Smooth Soup Foundation

Blend in parsley, pepper, and flour. Stir constantly for 1 minute to prevent any lumps from forming.

Step 5: Build Liquid Layers

Gradually pour in broth, stirring continuously. Add bouillon cubes and smashed cauliflower. Simmer for 15 minutes until vegetables reach desired tenderness.

Step 6: Introduce Creamy Elements

Mix in roasted garlic and heavy cream. Maintain medium-low heat, ensuring the mixture becomes hot without reaching a boil.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Remove pot from heat. Stir in cheddar cheese until completely melted. Ladle the warm soup into bowls and enjoy immediately.

Pro Tips for Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic Success

• Steam Strategically: Steam cauliflower precisely 15-20 minutes to achieve perfect tenderness without turning mushy.
• Roast Garlic Carefully: Wrap garlic head completely in foil to prevent burning and ensure soft, caramelized flavor development.
• Sauté Vegetables Patiently: Cook onions, carrots, and celery slowly to release natural sweetness and build deep flavor foundations.
• Prevent Flour Lumps: Continuously stir flour into vegetables and keep stirring while adding broth to create smooth, silky soup texture.
• Melt Cheese Gently: Remove soup from direct heat before adding cheddar and stir slowly to prevent separation and maintain creamy consistency.

Store and Reheat Cheddar Cauliflower Garlic Easily

• Storing and Reheating
• Refrigerate leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for maximum 2 months, leaving slight space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat gently on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth or water to restore creamy consistency if needed. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Avoid boiling to maintain smooth texture and prevent cream from separating. Consume reheated soup within 1-2 days for best flavor and quality.

What Goes Well with Cheddar Cauliflower Garlic

• Craft Wine Harmony: Pair this creamy cauliflower soup with a crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, whose bright acidity cuts through the richness and complements the roasted garlic's depth.
• Bread Buddy Boost: Serve alongside crusty sourdough or rustic whole wheat bread, perfect for dipping and soaking up the velvety soup, adding textural contrast and extra comfort.
• Protein Plate Partner: Add a simple grilled chicken breast or crispy pancetta crumbles on top, which introduces a savory protein element that enhances the soup's creamy texture and provides satisfying protein balance.
• Fresh Green Sidekick: Accompany the soup with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, offering a peppery, fresh counterpoint to the rich, cheesy soup base and cleansing the palate between bites.

Ways to Remix Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic

• Spicy Southwest Cauliflower Soup: Add diced jalapeños, cumin, and chili powder during sautéing. Top with crispy tortilla strips and fresh cilantro for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Herb Cauliflower Soup: Incorporate roasted red peppers, fresh basil, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle za'atar seasoning before serving.
• Vegan Creamy Cauliflower Chowder: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and butter with olive oil. Use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar for a dairy-free, plant-based alternative that maintains rich, creamy texture.
• Protein-Packed Cauliflower Soup: Stir in cooked shredded chicken or white beans during the final simmer. Garnish with crispy bacon bits or toasted pumpkin seeds for added crunch and protein boost.

What Makes Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic So Comforting

• Create Creamy Comfort: This soup transforms humble cauliflower into a luxurious, velvety dish that wraps you in warm, cheesy goodness with minimal kitchen effort.
• Boost Vegetable Flavor: Roasting garlic and carefully sautéing vegetables intensifies natural sweetness, creating depth that makes cauliflower taste incredibly rich and complex.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: From start to finish, this recipe takes under an hour, delivering a nutritious meal that feels gourmet but requires simple cooking techniques anyone can master.

Everything You Need for Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic

• Cauliflower: Fresh, white florets are the star of this creamy soup with a mild, nutty flavor.
• Carrots: Sweet root vegetable that adds natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
• Onions: Provides depth and aromatic base for the soup's flavor profile.
• Celery: Adds a subtle herbal note and complementary texture to the vegetable mix.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that brings a bright, clean flavor to the dish.

• Butter: Provides rich, smooth foundation for sautéing vegetables and adding depth.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, velvety texture and enhances overall richness.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, tangy cheese that melts beautifully and adds robust flavor.

• Garlic: Roasted to create deep, mellow, caramelized flavor with subtle sweetness.
• Olive Oil: Used for roasting and adding light, smooth coating to ingredients.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall taste.
• Flour: Helps thicken the soup and create smooth, consistent texture.
• Broth: Provides liquid base and additional savory depth to the soup.
• Bouillon Cubes: Concentrates flavor and adds extra richness to the broth.

Cheddar Cauliflower And Roasted Garlic Delight Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Cheddar cauliflower and roasted garlic delight brings creamy comfort with sharp cheese and mellow roasted garlic notes. Crisp edges, tender center, and rich flavors make this side dish an irresistible companion for any meal you crave.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
• 2 medium heads cauliflower (cut into florets)
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 ½ cups diced carrots
• 1 ½ cups medium chopped sweet onion

Dairy and Creamy Ingredients:

• ½ cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 head garlic

Seasoning and Thickening Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon dry parsley
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cubes chicken or vegetable bouillon
• ½ tablespoon plus ½ teaspoon olive oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius), preparing for the vegetable roasting process.
2. Wash and separate 1 of cauliflower florets into two portions: one for steaming and mashing, another for roasting.
3. Steam the first batch of cauliflower florets for 15-20 minutes until extremely soft, then thoroughly mash and reserve for later use.
4. Toss the remaining cauliflower florets with olive oil, seasoning with salt and pepper, then distribute evenly across a baking sheet.
5. Prepare the garlic head by slicing off its top, drizzling with olive oil, and completely encase in aluminum foil.
6. Roast the seasoned cauliflower florets and wrapped garlic in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until both become tender and slightly caramelized.
7. In a large cooking pot, melt butter over medium heat, creating a fragrant base for the soup.
8. Add carrots, onions, and celery to the melted butter, sautéing until onions become translucent and vegetables soften, about 3-5 minutes.
9. Incorporate parsley, ground pepper, and flour into the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously for one minute to prevent clumping.
10. Gradually pour in the broth, mixing thoroughly to create a smooth liquid base, then add bouillon cubes and mashed cauliflower.
11. Simmer the soup for 15 minutes, allowing vegetables to become completely tender and flavors to meld.
12. Extract the roasted garlic from its foil wrapper, squeezing the soft cloves directly into the soup, then blend in heavy cream.
13. Maintain the soup at medium-low heat, ensuring it becomes hot without reaching a boiling point.
14. Remove the pot from heat and gradually stir in cheddar cheese until completely melted and integrated.
15. Serve the soup warm, presenting a creamy, rich culinary experience.

Notes

• Roast garlic ahead of time to deepen its sweet, mellow flavor and enhance the overall complexity of the soup.
• Steam cauliflower until extremely tender to ensure a smooth, creamy texture when mashed for the base.
• Use medium-low heat when adding cream to prevent curdling and maintain a silky consistency.
• Select a sharp cheddar cheese for a bold, rich flavor that complements the subtle roasted garlic notes.
• Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Allow the soup to simmer gently to meld flavors and develop a rich, comforting profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 447 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 982 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 98 mg