Creamy Cheesy Potato & Cauliflower Bliss
Indulge in this rich and comforting Creamy Cheesy Potato & Cauliflower Bliss soup that warms the soul and delights the taste buds! This recipe has been a cherished favorite that I discovered long before embarking on a lower fat diet. However, it lends itself beautifully to adaptations with reduced cheese without sacrificing flavor. The addition of roasted garlic elevates this already delicious dish to new heights, while the option to use either fresh or frozen cauliflower provides flexibility based on what you have on hand. Whether you prefer your potatoes peeled or unpeeled, this creamy soup is not only delicious but also hearty, making it perfect for chilly evenings or as a satisfying lunch. Let this soup transport you to a cozy kitchen filled with the wonderful aromas of cooking, creating memories with each warm bowl you serve.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter or Olive Oil
1 (tablespoon)
Onion
1 (cup, chopped)
Garlic
5 (cloves, chopped)
Milk
5 (cups)
Yukon Gold Potato
1 (lb, peeled)
Cauliflower
1 (lb, frozen or fresh)
Salt
1 (teaspoon)
Red Pepper Flakes
1/4 (teaspoon, crushed)
Sharp Cheddar Cheese
1 1/2 (cups, shredded)
Blue Cheese
1/2 (cup, crumbled)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, melt the butter or olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 4 minutes, or until they become translucent and soft.
3
Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for an additional 15 seconds, just until fragrant.
4
Pour in the milk (or broth) and add the peeled Yukon gold potatoes, frozen cauliflower, salt, and crushed red pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan tightly and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
6
Using a handheld blender, blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the mixture in batches to a regular blender and blend until creamy.
7
Return the blended soup to the pan over medium heat. Stir gently until it is heated through.
8
Remove the soup from the heat and add the sharp cheddar cheese and crumbled blue cheese. Stir until the cheeses are completely melted and incorporated into the soup.
9
Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or additional cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of the Creamy Cheesy Potato & Cauliflower Bliss soup?
This soup is rich, comforting, and hearty, featuring a blend of creamy potatoes, cauliflower, and a distinct cheesy finish from sharp cheddar and blue cheese.
Can I use fresh cauliflower instead of frozen?
Yes, the recipe provides the flexibility to use either 1 lb of fresh or frozen cauliflower based on what you have available.
Which type of potatoes are best for this recipe?
Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended for their buttery texture and ability to blend smoothly into the soup.
How many servings does this soup recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
Is it possible to make this recipe lower in fat?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe by reducing the amount of cheese or using olive oil instead of butter without sacrificing the core flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the ingredients are vegetarian-friendly, provided you use vegetable broth if substituting for milk.
What kinds of cheese are used in this soup?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of crumbled blue cheese.
Can I use broth instead of milk for the liquid base?
Yes, the instructions note that you can use either milk or broth depending on your preference.
Do the potatoes need to be peeled?
The recipe calls for peeled Yukon Gold potatoes, but you can leave them unpeeled if you prefer a more rustic texture.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
After bringing the mixture to a boil, you should cover and simmer it for about 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
What is the best way to blend the soup?
You can use a handheld immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer the mixture in batches to a regular blender until smooth.
How much garlic is required for this dish?
The recipe calls for 5 cloves of chopped garlic, though roasted garlic is also mentioned as a way to elevate the flavor.
Does this soup have any spice?
Yes, it includes 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to provide a subtle hint of heat.
What is the recommended garnish for serving?
The soup is best served hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of additional cheese.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the chopped onions for about 4 minutes or until they become soft and translucent.
What fat should be used to start the soup?
You can use either 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 10 main ingredients: butter/oil, onion, garlic, milk, potatoes, cauliflower, salt, red pepper flakes, cheddar, and blue cheese.
Can I substitute the blue cheese?
If you are not a fan of blue cheese, you can replace it with more cheddar or another meltable cheese like goat cheese.
How much cauliflower is needed?
The recipe requires 1 lb of cauliflower.
What size should the onion be chopped?
The recipe specifies 1 cup of chopped onion.
When should I add the cheese to the soup?
Remove the soup from the heat first, then stir in the cheddar and blue cheese until they are completely melted.
Is this soup a good option for a lunch meal?
Yes, its hearty and filling nature makes it perfect for either a satisfying lunch or a cozy dinner.
Can I use a different type of potato?
While Yukon Gold is preferred for creaminess, you can use Russet or Red potatoes if that is what you have on hand.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt.
What heat setting is used for simmering?
Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low for the simmering process.
How do I know when the soup is ready to be blended?
The soup is ready to blend once the potatoes are tender, usually after 15 minutes of simmering.
Should I reheat the soup after blending?
Yes, return the blended soup to the pan over medium heat and stir until it is heated through before adding the cheese.
Does the garlic need much cooking time?
No, the chopped garlic should only be sautéed for about 15 seconds until it becomes fragrant.
Can I add extra vegetables?
While not in the original recipe, you could easily add carrots or celery during the onion sauté stage for extra nutrition.
How should I store leftover soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.