Cauliflower-Cheese Soup Recipe 🥣
Overview:
Indulge in the creamy goodness of Cauliflower-Cheese Soup, a heartwarming dish that combines the wholesome flavors of cauliflower, sharp cheddar cheese, and aromatic seasonings. This recipe, inspired by a family tradition and perfected by personal touches, promises a comforting meal that’s ready in under an hour.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories per Serving: 510.1
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (based on 15 reviews)
Ingredients:
- 1 head cauliflower
- 2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 2 cups milk
- 1-2 teaspoons instant chicken bouillon granules
- 3-4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions:
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. | In a large saucepan, simmer cauliflower in chicken broth until slightly softened, and set aside, leaving in broth. |
| 2. | Saute onions in melted butter until soft. |
| 3. | Season with pepper, add flour, and continue to cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. |
| 4. | Add flour mixture to cauliflower and chicken broth, and stir carefully so that cauliflower doesn’t break up. |
| 5. | Add milk and bouillon granules. |
| 6. | Increase heat, and cook until thickened and starting to boil. |
| 7. | Reduce heat, and add cheese by handfuls, mixing between each addition, stirring until melted and combined. |
| 8. | Do not allow to boil after adding cheese. |
Directions:
Begin by preparing your ingredients, ensuring the cauliflower is washed and chopped into bite-sized florets.
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Simmer Cauliflower: In a large saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Add the cauliflower florets and let them cook until slightly softened, retaining their texture. Once done, set aside the cauliflower in the broth, preserving its flavor.
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Saute Onions: In the same saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma into the air.
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Create Roux: Season the sautéed onions with freshly ground black pepper for an extra kick of flavor. Then, gradually sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onions, stirring continuously to form a smooth paste-like mixture. Allow the flour to cook for about 5 minutes, ensuring it’s well incorporated with the onions and butter.
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Combine Ingredients: Carefully add the prepared flour mixture to the cauliflower and chicken broth in the saucepan. Stir gently to incorporate, being mindful not to break up the cauliflower florets.
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Add Liquid Ingredients: Pour in the milk and sprinkle the instant chicken bouillon granules into the mixture. Increase the heat and let the soup simmer until it thickens slightly and begins to boil, infusing all the flavors together.
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Incorporate Cheese: Once the soup has reached a thickened consistency, reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the soup, a handful at a time, stirring continuously. Ensure each addition of cheese melts completely into the soup, creating a velvety smooth texture.
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Final Touch: Avoid boiling the soup after adding the cheese to prevent it from becoming grainy. Once all the cheese has been incorporated and the soup is smooth and creamy, it’s ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions:
Garnish your Cauliflower-Cheese Soup with a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives or a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil for a burst of color and flavor. Serve it hot alongside crusty bread or a simple green salad for a satisfying meal that’s sure to please your taste buds. Enjoy the comforting warmth of this homemade soup with your loved ones, savoring each spoonful of creamy goodness.
