Creamy Cauliflower Soup
Creamy Cauliflower Soup is a velvety, comforting dish made with tender cauliflower simmered in a flavourful broth, blended to smooth perfection, and enriched with cream and aromatic seasonings. This elegant yet simple soup is ideal for cool evenings or as a refined starter for any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This soup offers a luxurious texture without requiring heavy ingredients. Cauliflower serves as a naturally creamy base, making the dish both wholesome and satisfying. It is easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and allows for subtle flavour customisation. Whether served alone or paired with crusty bread, it delivers warmth, depth, and a delicate savoury profile.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Cauliflower florets
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Onion, chopped
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Garlic, minced
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Butter or olive oil
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Vegetable or chicken broth
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Heavy cream or half-and-half
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Salt
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Ground black pepper
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Fresh thyme or parsley
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Croutons and grated Parmesan for garnish (optional)
Directions
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Heat butter or olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
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Add chopped onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
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Add cauliflower florets to the pot and pour in the broth, ensuring the vegetables are mostly submerged.
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Season with salt and pepper, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the cauliflower is tender.
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Remove the pot from heat and blend the soup using an immersion blender or a regular blender until smooth.
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Return the soup to the pot and stir in cream, adjusting seasonings as needed.
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Simmer briefly before serving.
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Garnish with croutons, Parmesan, and herbs if desired.
Servings and Timing
Serves 4–6 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: 30–35 minutes
Variations
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Add roasted garlic for deeper flavour.
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Substitute coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
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Incorporate carrots or potatoes for extra body.
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Add a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the creaminess.
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Stir in white cheddar for a cheesy version.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently over low heat to preserve the creamy texture.
The soup may be frozen for up to 2 months, though the texture may slightly change upon thawing.
FAQs
Can I roast the cauliflower first?
Yes, roasting adds a pleasant caramelised depth to the soup.
How do I prevent the soup from becoming too thick?
Add extra broth during blending until the desired consistency is reached.
Can I prepare this soup without cream?
Yes, the cauliflower alone creates a naturally creamy base.
What is the best way to blend the soup?
An immersion blender is easiest, but a countertop blender produces an exceptionally smooth finish.
Should I remove the stems from the cauliflower?
The stems soften well during cooking and blend smoothly, so they can remain.
Can I add protein?
Cooked chicken or white beans can be added to make it more substantial.
What can I serve with this soup?
Crusty bread, grilled cheese, or a fresh salad pair well.
Can I make it spicy?
Add cayenne, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of chili oil.
Why is my soup bland?
Increase salt gradually and add fresh herbs to enhance flavour.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but you may need to blend in batches.
Conclusion
Creamy Cauliflower Soup is a versatile, elegant, and nourishing dish that highlights the gentle flavour of cauliflower while providing a satisfying, smooth texture. Its ease of preparation and adaptable seasoning options make it a reliable addition to any menu.
PrintCreamy Cauliflower Soup
A smooth, comforting cauliflower soup blended with aromatics, broth, and cream for a rich yet light flavor—perfect as a cozy appetizer or meal.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower, chopped into florets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or milk for lighter version)
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp thyme (optional)
- Fresh chives or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add cauliflower florets, broth, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes or until cauliflower is very tender.
- Use an immersion blender (or transfer to a blender in batches) to puree the soup until smooth.
- Stir in the heavy cream and heat gently for 2–3 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add 1 potato or 1/2 cup shredded cheese before blending.
- Make it vegan by using coconut milk instead of cream.
- Top with crispy bacon or croutons for added texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: cauliflower soup, creamy soup, vegetable soup, easy soup recipe
