Cauliflower Cream Soup
A creamy, comforting cauliflower soup with a rich cheese flavor, perfect for cozy meals and adaptable with other vegetables like broccoli or zucchini.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine cauliflower, water, chopped onion, and butter in a 2-quart glass casserole dish.
- Cover with a lid and microwave on High for 5 to 10 minutes until tender.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, salt, and light cream or milk until well combined.
- Stir the cream mixture into the cooked vegetables.
- Cover and microwave on High until the mixture boils or thickens.
- Stir in the cubed American cheese and Dijon mustard.
- Microwave uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts, stirring once.
- Optional: Freeze half of the soup for up to 3 months.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, blend the soup after cooking using an immersion blender. You can substitute the American cheese with sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor or use a dairy-free cheese alternative to make it vegan. Adding a pinch of nutmeg can elevate the taste, similar to the flavors found in Nutmeg Sugar Cookies.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cauliflower cream soup with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley on top for added freshness. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad, making it a perfect starter for a meal. You could also serve it alongside California Hamburgers for a complete dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat slowly to maintain the creamy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cauliflower Cream Soup contains roughly 178 calories, with 5g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (57% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 768mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stove. The flavors deepen after a day, making it even tastier.
Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cauliflower works well in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as frozen vegetables may need slightly less time in the microwave.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
You can easily make this soup gluten-free by substituting the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Just ensure that the cheese and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).