Creamy Cauliflower Soup

October 8, 2025October 7, 2025 by Jake

Hey there, soup lovers! I’m thrilled to share one of my favorite recipes for those chilly days when you crave something comforting and creamy without much fuss—the one and only cauliflower soup. This soup is not just about keeping us warm; it’s a humble bowl full of veggies, cheese, and a whole lot of cozy love.

Cauliflower has always been a bit of a hero veggie around here. Many a time, I’ve tried sneaking it into my kids’ meals without them noticing (parents, you know the drill!). This recipe, however, doesn’t need such stealth tactics because its deliciousness speaks for itself! If you’re a fan of cozy nights in, you’ll love pairing this with my hearty Tomato Basil Soup.

Why you’ll love this recipe

This cauliflower soup ticks all the boxes for a go-to weeknight meal.

Easy to Prepare
Ready in under an hour, from start to finish.

Wholesome Ingredients
Made with fresh vegetables and pantry staples, so it’s budget-friendly and nourishing.

Customizable
Make it your own—add extra spices, toss in bacon bits, or tweak the flavors to your liking.

And let’s not forget, it’s a fantastic way to get everyone in the family to eat their veggies. Sneaky or not, it’s a well-loved dish in our home!

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 cup diced yellow onion
1 cup diced carrots
3/4 cup diced celery
1 cup diced baby gold potatoes
1 tablespoon minced garlic
3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 head cauliflower (4 cups chopped)
3 cups chicken stock
1/4 cup flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
Fresh thyme (optional)
Hearty buttered bread for serving

Step-by-step instructions

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the Base

In a large pot, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat.

2. Cook the Veggies

Add onion, carrots, celery, potatoes, and garlic.
Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

3. Add Cauliflower & Seasonings

Stir in cauliflower, dried thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

4. Add Stock & Simmer

Pour in the chicken stock and stir.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.
Cover and simmer for 10–15 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.

Make the Cheese Sauce

5. Melt the Butter

In a separate small pot, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

6. Thicken It

Sprinkle flour over the melted butter.
Whisk continuously for 1 minute.

7. Add Milk & Cheese

Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly.
Cook for 5–6 minutes until thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in the cheese until melted.

Bring It All Together

8. Combine

Lower the soup heat to low.
Pour the cheese sauce into the soup pot and stir well.

9. Adjust Seasoning

Taste and add more salt or pepper as needed.
For extra creaminess, blend 1–2 cups of the soup and stir it back in.

10. Serve

Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra cheese and fresh thyme, if desired.
Serve with toasted, buttered bread.

Recipe Tips & Variations

Make It Heartier: Add cooked bacon bits or smoked sausage.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
Smooth Texture: Use an immersion blender for a fully puréed soup.

Storage & Reheating

Store: Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Add a splash of milk if the soup is too thick.

FAQs

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes! Just note that the texture may change slightly because of the dairy. Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

How can I make it vegan?

Use vegan butter, swap the whole milk for coconut milk or almond milk, and replace cheese with nutritional yeast.

Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Absolutely! Just reduce the simmering time a bit, since frozen cauliflower cooks faster than fresh.

What can I serve with this soup?

Crusty bread is a classic pairing, and a simple salad makes a great lighter side.

Recipes you may like

Pumpkin banana bread combo – two favorites in one
Easy carrot cake – moist, tender, and loaded with flavor

Enjoy every spoonful of this dreamy cauliflower soup, and remember to share a bowl with those you love. It’s truly one of those dishes that brings warmth to the table. Happy cooking!