Creamy Cauliflower and Spinach Soup with Cheddar

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting keto soup blending roasted cauliflower and fresh spinach in a creamy cheddar-infused broth, perfect for a low-carb lunch. This american-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 45 minutes pairs cauliflower florets, fresh spinach, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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.

★ 4.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss 4 cups cauliflower florets with 1 tbsp melted butter and 1/2 tsp salt, spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes until golden and tender.
  2. Step 2: In a large pot, melt 1 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add the roasted cauliflower, 4 cups chicken broth, and 3 cups fresh spinach to the pot. Simmer for 10 minutes until spinach wilts.
  4. Step 4: Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth, then stir in 1 cup heavy cream, 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/8 tsp nutmeg.
  5. Step 5: Heat gently over low heat for 3-4 minutes until the cheese melts and the soup thickens slightly. Serve hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Cauliflower and Spinach Soup with Cheddar take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Creamy Cauliflower and Spinach Soup with Cheddar?

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 Creamy Cauliflower and Spinach Soup with Cheddar?

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 Creamy Cauliflower and Spinach Soup with Cheddar for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Creamy Cauliflower and Spinach Soup with Cheddar keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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