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Best Cauliflower Soup Recipe

4.5 from 135 reviews

This creamy and comforting cauliflower soup combines tender cauliflower florets, shredded carrots, celery, and onion simmered in flavorful chicken or vegetable stock, enriched with a cheesy milk-based roux. It’s a perfect hearty soup for any season, easy to prepare, and packed with wholesome vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 1 medium cauliflower head, cut into florets
  • 2 cups carrots, shredded
  • ¼ cup celery, chopped
  • ¼ cup onion, chopped

Broth and Seasonings

  • 1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable stock
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup Mexican blend cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, place the cauliflower florets, shredded carrots, chopped celery, and onion. Pour the chicken or vegetable stock over the vegetables.
  2. Cook the Vegetables: Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
  3. Make the Roux: Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes to form a roux without browning it.
  4. Add Milk and Thicken: Gradually whisk the milk into the roux. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.
  5. Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from the heat, then stir in the Mexican blend cheese until it is fully melted and smooth.
  6. Combine Cheese Sauce and Vegetables: Pour the cheese sauce into the pot with the cooked vegetables. Stir to combine thoroughly.
  7. Season and Simmer: Add the bay leaves, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the pot. Simmer everything together for an additional 10 minutes to meld the flavors. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute the chicken stock with vegetable stock for a vegetarian option.
  • For a thicker soup, reduce the stock quantity or simmer longer.
  • Add cooked chopped ham or bacon for extra flavor and protein.
  • To make it dairy-free, substitute the milk and cheese with plant-based alternatives.
  • Removing the bay leaves before serving is recommended to avoid a bitter taste.

Keywords: Cauliflower Soup, Creamy Cauliflower Soup, Cheese Soup, Vegetable Soup, Easy Soup Recipe, Comfort Food