Creamy Cauliflower and Cheddar Soup

### How to Make Creamy Cauliflower and Cheddar Soup

#### Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

Start by cutting the **cauliflower** into small florets. This will help them cook more evenly and quickly. Set the florets aside.

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#### Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat **olive oil** or **butter** over medium heat. Once hot, add the **diced onion** and sauté for about **5 minutes**, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

Add the **minced garlic** and cook for another **1-2 minutes**, just until fragrant. This step brings out the rich flavors in the onion and garlic, which will provide the flavor base for your soup.

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#### Step 3: Add the Cauliflower and Broth

Next, add the cauliflower florets to the pot and stir to combine with the onions and garlic. Pour in the **vegetable broth** (or chicken broth if you prefer) and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about **15-20 minutes**, or until the cauliflower is fork-tender.

Simmering the cauliflower in broth will infuse it with flavor, while the cauliflower breaks down to create a smooth, creamy base.

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#### Step 4: Blend the Soup

Once the cauliflower is tender, remove the pot from heat. Use an **immersion blender** to puree the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches. Just make sure to allow it to cool slightly before blending to avoid any splashing.

For a **chunkier texture**, you can pulse the soup a few times instead of blending it until completely smooth. However, a velvety smooth texture is ideal for a creamy soup like this.

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#### Step 5: Add the Milk and Cheese

Once the soup is blended to your desired consistency, return it to the heat. Pour in the **milk** (or non-dairy milk) and stir to combine. Bring the soup to a simmer, but don’t let it boil.

– Slowly add the **shredded cheddar cheese** while stirring constantly. Allow the cheese to melt completely, creating a rich, velvety texture. Continue stirring until the soup is creamy and smooth.

If you like a bit of **extra tang**, you can add **ground mustard** to the soup at this stage. A pinch of **dried thyme** also adds a lovely herby note to complement the cheese.

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#### Step 6: Season to Taste

Taste your soup and season with **salt** and **freshly ground black pepper**. Feel free to add more mustard, thyme, or even a dash of cayenne pepper for some heat, if desired.

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#### Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the **creamy cauliflower and cheddar soup** into bowls, and garnish with fresh **parsley** for a pop of color. For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle some **crumbled bacon** on top or serve with a side of crispy **garlic bread** for dipping.

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### Tips for the Perfect Creamy Cauliflower and Cheddar Soup

– **Adjust the Consistency**: If the soup is too thick for your liking, you can always add more milk or broth to thin it out. Start with small increments and adjust to taste.

– **Use a Quality Cheese**: Since cheddar cheese is the star flavor in this soup, using a **sharp cheddar** will provide a deeper, more pronounced flavor. You can experiment with mixing in other cheeses like **Gruyère** or **Parmesan** for a unique twist.

– **Make it Ahead**: This soup can easily be made ahead of time. The flavors will only improve as it sits in the fridge for a day or two. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to bring it back to the right consistency.

– **Add Protein**: If you want to turn this soup into a heartier meal, consider adding shredded **chicken**, **crisp bacon**, or **sausage**. These proteins will pair beautifully with the creamy texture of the soup.

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### Why You’ll Love Creamy Cauliflower and Cheddar Soup

**Creamy Cauliflower and Cheddar Soup** is the ultimate comfort food—rich, velvety, and bursting with cheesy goodness. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the health benefits of cauliflower while indulging in a satisfying, cheesy dish. The soup is perfect for cozy nights in, holiday dinners, or as an appetizer for any occasion.

Its combination of flavors is a **crowd-pleaser**, appealing to both adults and children alike. Whether you’re making it for a casual meal or as a part of a more formal gathering, this soup is sure to be a hit at the table.

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Enjoy your **Creamy Cauliflower and Cheddar Soup**, and revel in the warmth, comfort, and deliciousness that only a bowl of homemade soup can bring!