Creamy Cauliflower Bliss Soup
Indulge in a bowl of our Creamy Cauliflower Bliss Soup, a delightful and warming comfort food perfect for chilly winter days. This recipe combines tender cauliflower florets with aromatic onions, rich cream cheese, and a touch of buttery goodness, creating a smooth and luxurious soup that is sure to become a favorite at any potluck. Easy to prepare on the stove and then transfer to a crock pot, this soup can be enjoyed alongside fresh bread or classic Crown Pilot crackers. Gather around with friends and family and savor the rich, cozy flavors in every spoonful.
6
Servings
180
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cauliflower Florets
4 cups (washed and chopped)
Butter or Margarine
4 tablespoons (unsalted)
Yellow Onion
1 small (minced)
Flour
2 tablespoons (all-purpose)
Chicken Stock
2 cups (homemade or low-sodium)
Milk or Half & Half
1 cup (or cream, as desired)
Cream Cheese with Garlic and Herbs
3 ounces (softened)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2
Add the minced onion to the pot and sauté until it becomes tender and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
3
Incorporate the cauliflower florets into the pot, stirring them with the onion for an additional 2 minutes.
4
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetable mixture and sauté for 1 more minute to cook off the raw flour taste.
5
Gradually pour in the chicken stock, stirring until the mixture is well combined.
6
Cover the pot, reduce heat to medium-low, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender.
7
Once the cauliflower is cooked through, add the milk and softened cream cheese, stirring until everything is fully combined and creamy.
8
Allow the soup to simmer for about 10 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired thickness.
9
Taste and adjust seasonings (salt and pepper) as necessary before serving.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
12g
Carbs
4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cauliflower Bliss Soup?
It is a comforting and warming soup made with tender cauliflower, aromatic onions, and rich garlic-herb cream cheese, perfect for winter days or potlucks.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The primary ingredients include 4 cups of cauliflower florets, butter, yellow onion, flour, chicken stock, milk or half & half, and garlic and herb cream cheese.
How many servings does this cauliflower soup recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of this soup?
Each serving contains approximately 180 calories.
Is this soup recipe vegetarian?
As written, it uses chicken stock; however, you can easily make it vegetarian by substituting the chicken stock with vegetable stock.
Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock?
Yes, you can use homemade or low-sodium vegetable stock as a direct substitute for chicken stock.
What kind of cauliflower should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of cauliflower florets that have been washed and chopped.
Can I use frozen cauliflower for this soup?
Yes, frozen cauliflower can be used, though you may need to adjust the simmering time slightly until the florets are tender.
What type of onion is recommended?
The recipe suggests using one small yellow onion, minced.
Can I substitute butter with something else?
Yes, you can use margarine as an alternative to butter.
Why is flour used in the recipe?
The flour is sautéed with the vegetables to create a roux, which helps thicken the soup to a creamy consistency.
How do I make this soup gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, replace the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry.
What type of milk is best for this recipe?
You can use regular milk, half & half, or even heavy cream depending on how rich you want the soup to be.
Can I use heavy cream instead of milk?
Yes, using heavy cream will result in a much richer and thicker 'bliss' soup.
What type of cream cheese is used?
The recipe specifies 3 ounces of softened cream cheese with garlic and herbs for added flavor.
Can I use plain cream cheese instead?
Yes, but you may want to add a bit of minced garlic and dried herbs to maintain the intended flavor profile.
How long do I sauté the onions?
Sauté the minced onions in butter for about 3-5 minutes until they are tender and translucent.
How long should the soup simmer initially?
After adding the stock, cover and simmer for about 15 minutes until the cauliflower is tender.
What is the final simmering time?
After adding the milk and cream cheese, let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes to reach the desired thickness.
Can I make this soup in a crock pot?
Yes, you can prepare the base on the stove and then transfer it to a crock pot to keep warm or finish cooking.
What should I serve with this soup?
It pairs beautifully with fresh bread or classic Crown Pilot crackers.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze Creamy Cauliflower Bliss Soup?
While you can freeze it, dairy-based soups can sometimes separate or become grainy when thawed. It is best enjoyed fresh.
How do I reheat the soup?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to ensure the cream cheese incorporates smoothly.
Is this recipe good for large groups?
Yes, it is specifically noted as a great dish for potlucks and family gatherings.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 12 grams of fat.
How much protein is in this soup?
There are 4 grams of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
One serving contains 12 grams of carbohydrates.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Certainly! You can add celery or carrots during the sautéing phase for additional texture and flavor.
How do I adjust the thickness of the soup?
If the soup is too thick, stir in a bit more stock or milk. If it is too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes.