Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step 1: Cook the Vegetables
- In a large soup pot, combine cauliflower florets, shredded carrot, celery, water, and bouillon.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
Step 2: Prepare the Roux
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in flour, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Gradually whisk in milk, cooking and stirring continuously until thickened and bubbly (about 3–5 minutes).
Step 3: Combine Roux with Vegetables
- Slowly pour the thickened milk mixture into the pot with the cooked vegetables, stirring constantly to combine.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Optional Heat
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the soup.
- Add hot pepper sauce if desired, adjusting to your spice preference.
- Simmer gently (do not boil) for another 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through.
Step 5: Blend for Extra Creaminess (Optional)
- For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency.
- Alternatively, leave some cauliflower chunks for a rustic, hearty bite.
Step 6: Serve
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra shredded cheese, freshly cracked pepper, or a sprinkle of chives if desired.
- Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freezing:
Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stove over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth if needed to loosen. 🥄 Variations Broccoli-Cauliflower Soup: Replace half of the cauliflower with fresh broccoli florets. Cheddar-Bacon Twist (No Pork): Use beef bacon crumbles or turkey bacon for a smoky addition. Low-Carb Version: Skip the flour and use heavy cream or blended cauliflower as a natural thickener. Spiced-Up Version: Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or curry powder for a flavorful twist. Loaded Veggie: Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to boost nutrients. Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based butter, almond milk, and dairy-free cheddar shreds. Creamy Garlic Version: Sauté minced garlic with butter before adding flour for a garlicky depth. Chunky Chowder Style: Add diced potatoes or white beans for a heartier chowder texture. Nutmeg Hint: Sprinkle a pinch of ground nutmeg into the roux for a subtle warmth. Crispy Onion Topping: Garnish with crispy fried onions for texture. ❓ 10 FAQs Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, just reduce simmering time by a few minutes as it cooks faster. Is chicken bouillon necessary?
You can substitute with vegetable bouillon for a fully vegetarian version. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely — it tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. What if I want a completely smooth soup?
Blend the entire batch using an immersion blender or in batches in a blender. Do I have to use cheddar cheese?
Cheddar is classic, but you can experiment with gouda, parmesan, or pepper jack. How spicy is the hot sauce addition?
Mild — it adds a background warmth. Adjust the quantity to your heat preference. Can I thicken the soup without flour?
Yes, puréeing extra cauliflower florets can naturally thicken the soup. Is this soup gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch slurry for thickening to make it gluten-free. What pairs well with this soup?
Crusty sourdough bread, garlic knots, or a crisp green salad. Can I add protein to this soup?
Absolutely! Add shredded rotisserie chicken or chickpeas for a protein boost. 🏁 Conclusion This Creamy Cauliflower Soup is the definition of comfort in a bowl — smooth, cheesy, and packed with hearty veggies. Simple, wholesome, and utterly satisfying, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make on repeat. Whether served as a light main course or a comforting starter, this soup warms from the inside out — and the best part? No pork, no alcohol, just pure, creamy goodness.
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freezing:
Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stove over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth if needed to loosen. 🥄 Variations Broccoli-Cauliflower Soup: Replace half of the cauliflower with fresh broccoli florets. Cheddar-Bacon Twist (No Pork): Use beef bacon crumbles or turkey bacon for a smoky addition. Low-Carb Version: Skip the flour and use heavy cream or blended cauliflower as a natural thickener. Spiced-Up Version: Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or curry powder for a flavorful twist. Loaded Veggie: Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to boost nutrients. Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based butter, almond milk, and dairy-free cheddar shreds. Creamy Garlic Version: Sauté minced garlic with butter before adding flour for a garlicky depth. Chunky Chowder Style: Add diced potatoes or white beans for a heartier chowder texture. Nutmeg Hint: Sprinkle a pinch of ground nutmeg into the roux for a subtle warmth. Crispy Onion Topping: Garnish with crispy fried onions for texture. ❓ 10 FAQs Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, just reduce simmering time by a few minutes as it cooks faster. Is chicken bouillon necessary?
You can substitute with vegetable bouillon for a fully vegetarian version. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely — it tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. What if I want a completely smooth soup?
Blend the entire batch using an immersion blender or in batches in a blender. Do I have to use cheddar cheese?
Cheddar is classic, but you can experiment with gouda, parmesan, or pepper jack. How spicy is the hot sauce addition?
Mild — it adds a background warmth. Adjust the quantity to your heat preference. Can I thicken the soup without flour?
Yes, puréeing extra cauliflower florets can naturally thicken the soup. Is this soup gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch slurry for thickening to make it gluten-free. What pairs well with this soup?
Crusty sourdough bread, garlic knots, or a crisp green salad. Can I add protein to this soup?
Absolutely! Add shredded rotisserie chicken or chickpeas for a protein boost. 🏁 Conclusion This Creamy Cauliflower Soup is the definition of comfort in a bowl — smooth, cheesy, and packed with hearty veggies. Simple, wholesome, and utterly satisfying, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make on repeat. Whether served as a light main course or a comforting starter, this soup warms from the inside out — and the best part? No pork, no alcohol, just pure, creamy goodness.