Savory Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic Delight Recipe

Comfort meets culinary creativity in this mouthwatering cheddar cauliflower and roasted garlic delight that turns ordinary vegetables into a spectacular side dish.

Rich, golden cheddar melts perfectly over tender cauliflower florets, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

roasted garlic adds a deep, nutty essence that elevates every single bite.

The aroma wafting from the oven promises something extraordinary waiting to be savored.

Each forkful delivers a creamy, cheesy experience that makes vegetables irresistibly delicious.

Nutritious ingredients combine with bold seasonings to craft a dish sure to impress even the pickiest eaters.

You’ll want to make this recipe again and again, proving that healthy eating can be incredibly satisfying.

Cheddar Cauliflower And Roasted Garlic: Ingredient Notes

• Cauliflower: Provides creamy texture and subtle earthiness, select firm florets with compact white heads and no brown spots.
• Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color, choose firm, bright orange carrots without blemishes.
• Onions: Builds foundational flavor profile, pick firm onions with papery, intact skins.
• Celery: Contributes aromatic depth, select crisp stalks with bright green color.

• Garlic: Creates rich, roasted undertones, choose plump bulbs with tight, unblemished cloves.
• Parsley: Provides fresh herbal note, select bright green leaves without wilting.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers rich, tangy creaminess, opt for sharp aged varieties for deeper flavor.

• Butter: Develops rich base for sautéing, select unsalted for better flavor control.
• Olive Oil: Helps roast vegetables and add subtle fruitiness, choose extra virgin for best quality.
• Broth: Creates liquid foundation, use low-sodium to manage overall saltiness.
• Heavy Cream: Provides luxurious smoothness, select high-fat content for best texture.
• Bouillon Cubes: Intensifies savory depth, choose low-sodium options.
• Flour: Thickens soup and prevents separation, all-purpose works perfectly.

Tools To Make Roasted Garlic & Cauliflower Easy

• Large pot: For sautéing vegetables and simmering soup.
• Baking sheet: To roast cauliflower and garlic.
• Foil: Wrapping garlic head while roasting.
• Cutting board: Chopping vegetables.
• Sharp knife: Preparing cauliflower and vegetables.
• Steamer basket: Steaming cauliflower florets.
• Wooden spoon: Stirring soup ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Precise oil and seasoning amounts.
• Measuring cups: Accurately measuring broth and cream.

Cooking Method For Cheddar Cauliflower

• Oven Preparation

Warm up your oven to create the perfect roasting environment at 400 degrees.

• Cauliflower Transformation

Clean and break down the cauliflower into beautiful, bite-sized pieces ready for cooking.

• Roasting Magic

Spread some cauliflower florets on a baking sheet, giving them a light olive oil massage with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Wrap a head of garlic in foil, creating a cozy little package that will develop rich, mellow flavors.

• Vegetable Symphony

Gently sauté a colorful mix of carrots, onions, and celery in a large pot, letting them dance and soften together until the onions become translucent and fragrant.

• Creamy Blending

Introduce flour to create a smooth base, then slowly pour in broth while stirring. Fold in the smashed cauliflower and let everything simmer and get to know each other.

• Finishing Touches

Stir in roasted garlic and cream, creating a luxurious texture. Remove from heat and sprinkle in cheddar, watching it melt into a dreamy, cheesy embrace.

• Serving

Ladle the soup into warm bowls, inviting everyone to enjoy this comforting and creamy cauliflower experience.

Add Extra Flavors To This Roasted Side

• Wrapping the garlic head in foil helps steam and caramelize it, creating a sweet, mellow flavor that transforms the entire soup's taste profile.
• Steaming florets until super tender ensures a silky smooth base, while reserving some for roasting adds delightful textural contrast to the soup.
• Remove the pot from heat before adding cheddar to prevent separation and achieve a creamy, luxurious consistency without graininess.
• Replace cheddar with gouda for a smoother taste, swap carrots with parsnips for a winter twist, or add crispy bacon bits for extra indulgence.
• Cool soup completely before refrigerating in airtight containers. Gently reheat on low, stirring occasionally to maintain creamy texture and prevent scorching.

Serve Cheddar Cauliflower With Confidence

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped chives, parsley, or green onions on top for a burst of color and added freshness.
• Pair with Crusty Bread: Serve alongside toasted sourdough or rustic whole grain bread for dipping and extra texture.
• Create a Protein Boost: Add crispy bacon bits, shredded rotisserie chicken, or crumbled sausage to make the soup more substantial.
• Customize with Toppings: Offer optional toppings like croutons, extra cheese shreds, or a dollop of sour cream for personalized enjoyment.

Storage For Roasted Garlic Cauliflower

• Refrigerate Smart: Store leftover soup in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping freshness locked in for 3-4 days.
• Freeze for Later: Pack cooled soup in freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Enjoy within 2-3 months for best quality and flavor.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated soup gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if the consistency feels too thick.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Chop vegetables and roast garlic a day before cooking to streamline your meal preparation and save precious kitchen time.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 280 kcal

Servings: 7

Velvety Cheddar Cauliflower And Roasted Garlic Delight Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Roasted garlic elevates this cheddar cauliflower delight into a creamy, comforting side dish. Cheesy, aromatic ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a delightful experience you won’t soon forget.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups (709 ml) sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 medium heads cauliflower, cut into florets
• 6 cups (1.4 l) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1.5 cups (355 ml) carrots, diced
• 1.5 cups (355 ml) sweet onion, medium chopped
• ½ cup (118 ml) heavy cream
• 4 tbsps butter
• 1 head garlic
• ⅓ cup (47 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp dry parsley
• 1 tsp pepper
• 2 cubes chicken or vegetable bouillon
• ½ tbsp plus ½ tsp olive oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and gather all necessary ingredients and cooking tools.
2. Cauliflower Processing: Divide cauliflower florets into two batches – one for steaming and mashing, the other for roasting with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Vegetable Roasting: Spread seasoned cauliflower florets on a baking sheet and prepare garlic head by slicing its top, drizzling with olive oil, and wrapping completely in aluminum foil.
4. Roasting Technique: Place cauliflower and garlic in preheated oven, roasting for approximately 30 minutes until tender and caramelized.
5. Soup Base Creation: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat, then sauté carrots, onions, and celery until onions become translucent and vegetables soften.
6. Flavor Layering: Integrate parsley, ground pepper, and flour into the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously to prevent clumping and develop depth of flavor.
7. Liquid Integration: Gradually pour broth into the pot, mixing thoroughly to create a smooth base, then incorporate bouillon cubes and mashed cauliflower.
8. Simmering Process: Allow soup to simmer for 15 minutes, enabling vegetables to become tender and flavors to meld harmoniously.
9. Garlic Infusion: Extract roasted garlic from foil, squeeze soft cloves directly into the soup, and blend in heavy cream for added richness.
10. Cheese Finishing: Remove pot from heat, gradually stir in cheddar cheese until completely melted and integrated, creating a creamy, luxurious texture.
11. Serving Presentation: Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls, presenting a sophisticated and comforting culinary experience.

Notes

• Prep Timing Strategy: Roast garlic and cauliflower simultaneously to maximize oven efficiency and save cooking time.
• Texture Control: Steam cauliflower until extremely soft for smoother, more velvety soup consistency.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Add cheddar off direct heat to prevent separation and maintain smooth, creamy texture.
• Flavor Layering Tip: Roasting vegetables intensifies their natural sweetness and adds depth to the overall soup profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg