Cream Of Cauliflower & Cheese Soup
A creamy cauliflower and cheese soup with rich flavors, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for cheese lovers and vegetarians seeking a hearty, smooth soup.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Clean and cut cauliflower into 1/2 inch pieces.
- Steam cauliflower in 1/2 cup of water until tender. Do not drain.
- Set aside the steamed cauliflower.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add sifted flour to the melted butter to make a roux.
- Cook the roux for 2-4 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add chicken stock to the roux, stirring with a wire whip and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low.
- Add steamed cauliflower, shredded cheddar cheese, half & half, salt, and pepper to the soup.
- Heat the soup until hot, but do not boil.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, blend the soup with an immersion blender after adding the cauliflower. If you're short on cheddar, you can substitute with a mix of Gruyere and Parmesan for a unique flavor twist. When steaming cauliflower, ensure it is just tender to maintain some texture in the final soup. Adding a pinch of nutmeg can enhance the flavor without overpowering the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy soup garnished with additional cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with French Bread Open Sandwiches for a satisfying meal. For a complete dinner, serve alongside a simple salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the soup.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of chicken stock or half & half during reheating to restore the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cream Of Cauliflower & Cheese Soup contains roughly 1993 calories, with 27g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 184g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (54% of the Daily Value), calcium (51% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1416mg per serving (62% 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?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. However, for the best flavor and texture, it's recommended to reheat it gently before serving. The flavors meld beautifully when allowed to sit overnight, making it an excellent option for meal prep.
What can I use instead of chicken stock?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, vegetable broth can be used instead of chicken stock. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious. For a richer taste, you can also use homemade vegetable stock or mushroom broth.
How can I adjust the thickness of the soup?
To thicken the soup, let it simmer longer to reduce the liquid, or add more flour to the roux. If it's too thick, simply stir in some additional half & half or chicken stock until you reach your desired consistency.
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).