Creamy Cauliflower Soup with Cheddar and Chives Recipe
This creamy cauliflower soup is a comforting and delicious starter or light meal, made by gently cooking cauliflower and onions in a flavorful stock, then pureeing until smooth. Finished with mature cheddar cheese and rich double cream, it offers a velvety texture and a cheesy, savory taste topped with fresh chives and black pepper.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 large onions, peeled and chopped
- 3 regular heads of cauliflower (about 1.6kg), outer leaves discarded and chopped into small florets
- 1200 ml (5 cups) hot vegetable or chicken stock (homemade or from 3–4 stock cubes; use gluten-free bouillon if needed)
- 3/4 tsp garlic salt
Finishing Ingredients
- 250 g (8.8 oz) mature/strong cheddar cheese, plus extra for sprinkling
- 180 ml (2/3 cup) double/heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Black pepper, for garnish
- Chives, finely chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and fry gently for 4-5 minutes until they become translucent and soft, enhancing their natural sweetness.
- Cook Cauliflower with Stock: Add the cauliflower florets, hot stock, and garlic salt to the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 15 minutes until the cauliflower is tender and cooked through.
- Blend the Soup: Remove the pan from heat. Using a hand blender, carefully whizz the mixture until smooth and creamy, creating a velvety texture.
- Add Cheese and Cream: Return the pan to low heat. Stir in the mature cheddar cheese and double cream, continuing to stir until the cheese has fully melted and the soup is creamy and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Sprinkle extra cheddar cheese on top, add a grind of fresh black pepper, and garnish with chopped chives for a fresh burst of flavor and color.
Notes
- Use gluten-free bouillon to make this soup suitable for gluten-free diets.
- The soup can be made a day ahead and gently reheated, adding a bit more cream if it thickens too much upon standing.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade vegetable or chicken stock.
- Adjust the thickness by varying the amount of stock used according to your preference.
Keywords: cauliflower soup, creamy soup, cheddar cheese soup, easy soup recipe, gluten free soup, comforting soup, stovetop soup
