Roasted Garlic and Cauliflower Soup

Roasted Garlic and Cauliflower Soup is the perfect example of how simple everyday vegetables can turn into a restaurant-quality dish. By roasting the cauliflower and garlic first, the natural sweetness is enhanced, creating a deep and nutty flavor that blends into a velvety, luscious texture.

This soup is elegant enough for a dinner party yet cozy for a weeknight meal. Dairy-free or not — this soup tastes rich and indulgent thanks to the magic of roasted garlic and cauliflower.

Why I Love This Recipe

  • Roasting transforms the flavor → deeper, sweeter, richer
  • Minimal ingredients produce bold results
  • Creamy without heavy cream → naturally thick and velvety
  • Customizable → spicy, cheesy, or herb-forward versions
  • A great way to get more veggies into your meals
  • Healthy comfort food at its best!

Why This Dish is a Must-Try

✔ Perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication
✔ Vegan-friendly option available
✔ Freezer-friendly for future meals
✔ Budget-friendly yet elevated flavor
✔ Ideal for cold nights or elegant appetizers

Time, Servings & Nutrition

CategoryDetail
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Servings6 bowls
CourseSoup / Main or Starter
CuisineAmerican / Modern Comfort
Calories~160 kcal per serving (without cream addition)

Ingredients

For Roasting

  • 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 1 whole garlic bulb
  • 2–3 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt & black pepper

For the Soup

  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh
  • ½–1 cup cream or coconut milk (optional for richness)
  • Extra roasted cauliflower florets (for garnish)
  • Fresh herbs like parsley or chives (optional)

Optional topping: Crunchy croutons, toasted almonds, or parmesan

Cooking Directions (Quick Overview)

  1. Roast cauliflower and garlic.
  2. Sauté onion, add cauliflower.
  3. Blend with broth and garlic.
  4. Add cream and simmer.
  5. Serve warm with toppings of choice.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1️⃣ Preheat Oven
Heat to 400°F (200°C).

2️⃣ Prep the Garlic
Slice the top off the garlic bulb to expose cloves, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil.

3️⃣ Roast
Place cauliflower and wrapped garlic on a baking sheet.
Drizzle cauliflower with olive oil, season with salt and pepper.
Roast 25–30 minutes until tender and golden.

4️⃣ Cook Onion
Meanwhile, heat a little olive oil in a pot. Sauté onion until soft.

5️⃣ Add Roasted Veggies
Squeeze roasted garlic cloves into the pot. Add roasted cauliflower (reserve a few florets for garnish).

6️⃣ Add Broth & Herbs
Pour in vegetable broth and thyme. Simmer 10 minutes to blend flavors.

7️⃣ Blend to Creaminess
Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender, blend until smooth and velvety.

8️⃣ Finish
Stir in cream or coconut milk if using. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

How to Serve

Serve piping hot in bowls topped with:

  • Roasted cauliflower florets
  • Drizzle of olive oil or cream
  • Fresh herbs
  • Croutons or crunchy toasted nuts

Pairs beautifully with a green salad or warm bread.

Recipe Tips

  • Roast until deeply golden for max flavor — color = taste!
  • If soup is too thick, thin with more broth.
  • Blend very thoroughly for a luxurious texture.
  • Add white pepper for a smooth, elegant finish.
  • Want extra depth? Add a splash of dry white wine before simmering.

Variations

VersionHow to Modify
VeganUse coconut milk or no cream + vegetable broth
CheesyAdd shredded parmesan or sharp cheddar after blending
SpicyAdd chili flakes, cayenne, or roasted jalapeños
Herb-forwardBlend in rosemary, sage, or tarragon
Low-calSkip cream; rely on potatoes to thicken (add 1 diced potato to soup base)

Freezing & Storage

Storage TypeDurationNotes
Refrigerator4–5 daysStir well when reheating
Freezer2–3 monthsBest if frozen without cream

Special Equipment Needed

  • Baking sheet
  • Aluminum foil
  • Large soup pot
  • Immersion or countertop blender
  • Sharp knife & cutting board

FAQ

Q: Can I make this lower in calories?
Yes — skip the cream; the cauliflower still creates a thick texture.

Q: Can I roast the veggies ahead of time?
Absolutely, up to 2 days ahead. Store refrigerated.

Q: What broth works best?
Vegetable broth for vegan, chicken broth for richer flavor.

Q: Can I freeze it after adding cream?
You can, but texture may separate — blend again after reheating if needed.

Conclusion

Roasted Garlic and Cauliflower Soup proves that healthy food doesn’t need to be boring. With its rich roasted notes, silky consistency, and customizable style, this soup is both comforting and elevated. Perfect for cozy nights, elegant dinners, or meal prep — this nourishing bowl will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

Roasted Garlic and Cauliflower Soup

Recipe by Elina JamesCourse: SoupsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: easy
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

35

minutes
Total time

50

minutes

Ingredients

  • For Roasting

  • 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets

  • 1 whole garlic bulb

  • 2–3 tbsp olive oil

  • Salt & black pepper

  • For the Soup

  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped

  • 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)

  • 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh

  • ½–1 cup cream or coconut milk (optional for richness)

  • Extra roasted cauliflower florets (for garnish)

  • Fresh herbs like parsley or chives (optional)

  • Optional topping: Crunchy croutons, toasted almonds, or parmesan

Directions

  • Preheat Oven : Heat to 400°F (200°C).
  • Prep the Garlic : Slice the top off the garlic bulb to expose cloves, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil.
  • Roast : Place cauliflower and wrapped garlic on a baking sheet.
  • Drizzle cauliflower with olive oil, season with salt and pepper.
  • Roast 25–30 minutes until tender and golden.
  • Cook Onion : Meanwhile, heat a little olive oil in a pot. Sauté onion until soft.
  • Add Roasted Veggies : Squeeze roasted garlic cloves into the pot. Add roasted cauliflower (reserve a few florets for garnish).
  • Add Broth & Herbs : Pour in vegetable broth and thyme. Simmer 10 minutes to blend flavors.
  • Blend to Creaminess : Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender, blend until smooth and velvety.
  • Finish : Stir in cream or coconut milk if using. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

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