## Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic Soup with Sour Cream and Bacon Bites
A bowl of warm, creamy Cheddar Cauliflower Soup is all you need on a chill, cozy night. Enriched with the sweet tones of roasted garlic and topped with crispy bacon bites, this soup takes comfort food to the next level. Dig in to experience the perfect blend of flavors wrapped in one.
🔹 Servings: 4-6
🔹 Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔹 Cook Time: 40 minutes
🔹 Total Time: 55 minutes
## Why Make This Recipe
This Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic Soup with Sour Cream and Bacon Bites is an absolutely delicious dish, packing in rich flavors and heartwarming comfort. It’s a simple recipe, perfect for those seeking to enjoy restaurant-quality meals at home. Plus, the ingredients are readily available, making this soup an easy-yet-delectable answer to the question, “What’s for dinner?”
## How to Make Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic Soup with Sour Cream and Bacon Bites
## Ingredients
– 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
– 1 bulb garlic
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon thyme leaves
## Directions
1. **Roast the Garlic and Cauliflower**: Kick off by setting your oven at 400°F (200°C) to preheat. Cut the top off the garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and put it on a baking sheet with cauliflower. Drizzle the cauliflower with olive oil, sprinkle salt and pepper, and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
2. **Sauté the Onion**: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it turns translucent, taking about 5 minutes.
3. **Prepare the Soup Base**: Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins. Add them to the pot along with the roasted cauliflower. Pour in the broth, bring the mixture to a simmer, and leave it to cook for 10 minutes.
4. **Blend the Soup**: The next step is to blend the soup until it’s smooth. You can use an immersion blender for this or blend the soup in batches in a regular blender. Once done, return it to the pot.
5. **Add Cheese and Cream**: Stir in the cheddar cheese and heavy cream, heating the mixture until the cheese is melted and the soup is hot. Season it with thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. **Garnish and Serve**: Finally, ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream, crispy bacon bits, and more cheddar cheese if you’d like.
Indulge in your scrumptious Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic Soup with Sour Cream and Bacon Bites. Bon Appétit!
## How to Serve Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic Soup with Sour Cream and Bacon Bites
Serve this soup hot, garnished with crispy bacon bits, a spoon of sour cream, and sprinkles of cheddar cheese. Pair it with a slice of crusty toast or a fresh salad on the side for a complete, satisfying meal.
## How to Store Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic Soup with Sour Cream and Bacon Bites
This soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, simmer it on low heat, ensuring it doesn’t come to a boil. Add fresh garnish before serving.
## Tips to Make Cheddar Cauliflower and Roasted Garlic Soup with Sour Cream and Bacon Bites
1. Choose a large, fresh head of cauliflower for the best flavor.
2. Roasting the garlic and cauliflower brings out their rich flavors. Don’t rush this step.
3. When pureeing the soup, make sure it’s smooth for the best texture.
4. For a variation, you can consider replacing bacon with roasted chicken or sauteed mushrooms.
## FAQs
1. Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes, you can replace the chicken or vegetable broth with vegetable broth, use vegan cheese, and skip the bacon and sour cream.
2. Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, you surely can. However, using fresh cauliflower will yield a richer flavor.
3. What if I don’t have an immersion blender?
If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender. Just ensure to blend the soup in batches for a smooth consistency.