Description
A comforting and creamy Cheddar & Cauliflower Soup served in mini bread bowls, perfect for a cozy meal. This recipe combines sautéed onions and garlic with tender cauliflower, blended smooth and enriched with sharp cheddar cheese. Served in crusty mini bread rolls, it makes an impressive yet easy-to-make appetizer or lunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium head cauliflower, chopped
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg or paprika (optional)
Bread Bowls & Garnish
- 6 mini bread rolls (round, crusty style)
- Extra cheddar or fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté base: In a pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they are soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Cook cauliflower: Add the chopped cauliflower to the pot along with the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender.
- Blend it smooth: Using an immersion blender, blend the cooked cauliflower mixture directly in the pot until it reaches a creamy, smooth consistency. Alternatively, carefully transfer the mixture to a regular blender and puree until smooth.
- Finish soup: Stir in the milk or cream and shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the blended soup. Heat gently, stirring frequently, until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg or paprika if desired.
- Prepare bread bowls: Cut the tops off each mini bread roll and hollow out the centers, creating bowls. Optionally, toast the hollowed bread bowls lightly to help them hold the soup better.
- Serve hot: Ladle the hot cheddar and cauliflower soup into each prepared mini bread bowl. Garnish with extra shredded cheddar or fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- For a richer soup, use cream instead of milk.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, use vegetable broth.
- Make sure to toast the bread bowls slightly to prevent sogginess.
- Use an immersion blender for easy blending directly in the pot with minimal mess.
- If preferred, add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.
