Best Cauliflower Soup Recipe
A creamy, comforting cauliflower soup made with fresh vegetables, a cheesy roux, and aromatic herbs. This easy-to-make soup is rich in flavor and perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Vegetables
- 1 medium cauliflower head, cut into florets
- 2 cups carrots, shredded
- ¼ cup celery, chopped
- ¼ cup onion, chopped
Liquids and Dairy
- 1 ½ cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup Mexican blend cheese, shredded
Other
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Prepare the Vegetable Base: In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine cauliflower florets, shredded carrots, chopped celery, and chopped onion. Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes until all the vegetables are tender.
- Make the Cheese Roux: While the vegetables simmer, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously, cooking for a couple of minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk and continue cooking until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce.
- Add Cheese to Roux: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded Mexican blend cheese until it melts completely, creating a smooth cheesy sauce.
- Combine and Simmer: Pour the cheese sauce mixture into the pot with the cooked vegetables. Add the bay leaves, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well and let everything simmer together for another 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Final Adjustments and Serve: Remove the bay leaves and taste the soup, adjusting salt and pepper as necessary before serving hot.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable stock for chicken stock to make this vegetarian-friendly.
- Adding cooked ham or chopped broccoli adds delicious variations to the soup.
- Use a hand blender to puree the soup for a smoother texture if desired.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or low-fat milk.
Keywords: cauliflower soup, creamy soup, vegetarian soup, cheesy cauliflower soup, easy soup recipe, healthy soup