Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic Soup

### Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic Soup

#### Step 1: Roast the Garlic
Roasting the garlic is key to bringing out its natural sweetness and depth of flavor. To do this:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice off the top of the garlic head (exposing the individual cloves), drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
3. Wrap the garlic head in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 30-35 minutes, or until the garlic is soft and golden brown. Let it cool before squeezing the cloves out of their skins.

#### Step 2: Cook the Cauliflower and Potato
While the garlic roasts, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the chopped cauliflower and diced potato, and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

#### Step 3: Add the Broth
Once the cauliflower and potatoes have softened slightly, add the broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cauliflower and potatoes are fully cooked and tender.

#### Step 4: Puree the Soup
Once the vegetables are tender, remove the pot from the heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender, but be sure to let it cool slightly before blending to avoid splashing.

#### Step 5: Add Roasted Garlic and Cheese
Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and add them to the soup. Stir to combine, and then return the pot to low heat. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and milk (or cream), stirring until the cheese is melted and the soup is rich and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

#### Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra shredded cheddar cheese, fresh thyme or parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil for added richness. Serve warm with a side of crusty bread for dipping.

### Serving Ideas for Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic Soup

This soup is comforting on its own, but you can also pair it with a variety of sides to make it a more complete meal:

– **Crusty Bread**: A thick slice of crusty baguette, sourdough, or artisan bread makes the perfect dipping companion to the creamy soup.
– **Grilled Cheese Sandwich**: For a classic combo, serve this soup with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich. The richness of the soup complements the crispy, cheesy sandwich perfectly.
– **Salad**: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a light contrast to the richness of the soup, balancing the meal out nicely.
– **Roasted Vegetables**: Serve the soup alongside a platter of roasted vegetables for a more hearty, nutritious meal.

### Tips for the Best Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic Soup

– **Use Sharp Cheddar**: Sharp cheddar provides a stronger, more flavorful punch that pairs perfectly with the cauliflower. You can also experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Gouda for a different twist.
– **Adjust the Consistency**: If you prefer a thinner soup, add more broth or milk to reach your desired consistency. For a thicker, more luxurious texture, blend the soup for a longer time.
– **Roast Extra Garlic**: If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to roast an extra head of garlic. Roasted garlic adds such a wonderful depth of flavor, and it’s easy to incorporate into other dishes later in the week.
– **Add Extra Veggies**: You can sneak in more vegetables, such as carrots or leeks, for additional flavor and nutrition. Just add them in with the cauliflower and potatoes to cook along.
– **Make It Vegan**: For a dairy-free version of this soup, substitute the milk with coconut milk or a non-dairy alternative, and use a plant-based cheese to replace the cheddar.

### Why This Soup Is a Must-Try

**Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic Soup** is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors. The roasted garlic elevates the soup to a whole new level of deliciousness, and the cauliflower and cheddar cheese work in harmony to create a silky texture that’s both satisfying and nourishing.

Not only is this soup simple to make, but it’s also incredibly customizable, allowing you to adjust flavors and ingredients based on your preferences. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly night or serving it at a dinner party, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Rich, comforting, and full of flavor, it’s the kind of dish that makes you feel right at home with every spoonful.