Creamed Cauliflower and Sharp Cheddar Soup
A velvety soup blending roasted cauliflower and sharp cheddar cheese for a rich, comforting keto-friendly dish. This american-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 55 minutes pairs cauliflower florets, sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, heavy cream for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 5, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cauliflower florets
- 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1.25 teaspoons sea salt
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss 4 cups cauliflower florets with 1 tablespoon melted butter and 1/2 teaspoon salt, spread on a baking sheet, and roast for 20 minutes until golden and tender.
- Step 2: In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 6 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Add the roasted cauliflower to the pot along with 3 cups chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Step 4: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
- Step 5: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1.25 teaspoons sea salt, and 3/4 teaspoon black pepper. Heat gently, stirring until the cheese melts and the soup thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Step 6: Ladle into bowls and garnish each serving with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Creamed Cauliflower and Sharp Cheddar Soup take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Creamed Cauliflower and Sharp Cheddar Soup?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cauliflower florets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Creamed Cauliflower and Sharp Cheddar Soup?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Creamed Cauliflower and Sharp Cheddar Soup for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 5 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 5). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Creamed Cauliflower and Sharp Cheddar Soup low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
