Creamy cauliflower soup is quiet weeknight magic: one big cauliflower, an onion, and garlic simmered in stock with a splash of white wine, then blended until velvety. Heavy cream — or sour cream, for tang — goes in at the end, and the whole pot takes 35 minutes. It also happens to freeze beautifully.
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of warm, velvety soup to soothe the soul, and this Creamy Cauliflower Soup is comfort in its purest form. It’s incredibly simple, relying on just a few ingredients to create a flavor that is both mild and deeply satisfying. I love making a double batch to keep in the fridge for quick lunches—it’s the perfect starter for almost any meal and pairs beautifully with a classic grilled cheese sandwich. Plus, it’s wonderfully versatile! Swap in broccoli for a vibrant green version, or follow my variation for a fragrant, Indian-spiced soup. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons (30g / 1.06 oz) butter or olive oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 head cauliflower (about 2 lbs / 900g / 31.7 oz) or 1 lb (450g) broccoli, florets separated and stems chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup (120ml / 4.1 fl oz) dry white wine
• 3 cups (720ml) vegetable stock
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream or sour cream
Instructions
1. Put the butter or oil in a large, deep saucepan over medium heat. When hot, add the onion, cauliflower or broccoli, garlic, a large pinch of salt, and some pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion has softened, about 5 to 10 minutes.
2. Add the white wine and cook for 1 minute, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Pour in the vegetable stock, bring to a simmer, and cook until the cauliflower is very tender, about 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the pan until smooth. Alternatively, cool the mixture slightly and carefully purée in a blender in batches until velvety.
4. Stir in the cream or sour cream. Gently reheat if necessary, but do not let it boil. Taste, adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed, and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
• (per serving, approximate)
• Calories: 310 kcal
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 5g
Pro Tips
• For an Indian-Spiced Twist, use a neutral oil and add 1 tsp (5 ml) each of cumin seeds and garam masala to the hot oil 30 seconds before the vegetables. Finish with yogurt instead of cream and garnish with fresh cilantro.
• To make this soup vegan, use olive oil and substitute the heavy cream with 1 cup (240 ml) of full-fat coconut milk or a rich cashew cream.
• Don’t discard the cauliflower or broccoli stems! They are packed with flavor and nutrients. Simply chop them and add them to the pot with the florets; they will blend seamlessly into the soup.
• This soup freezes beautifully. Prepare through step 3 (before adding the cream), let it cool completely, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw, reheat gently, and then stir in the cream before serving.
FAQ
Q: How can I make this cauliflower soup vegan
A: To make this soup vegan, use olive oil instead of butter. For the creaminess, substitute the heavy cream with 1 cup (240 ml) of full-fat coconut milk or a rich cashew cream. This will give you a delicious, dairy-free result.
Q: Is it possible to freeze this creamy soup for later
A: Yes, this soup freezes beautifully. Prepare the recipe through step 3, before adding the cream. Let the puréed soup base cool completely, then freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw, reheat gently, and then stir in your cream or vegan alternative before serving.
Q: Can I add more protein to this vegetarian soup
A: Absolutely. To boost the protein, you can blend in a cup of rinsed cannellini beans with the cauliflower. Serving the soup topped with roasted chickpeas, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast, or toasted pumpkin seeds are also great ways to add protein and texture.
Q: What other vegetables work well in this soup recipe
A: This recipe is very versatile. Besides the suggested broccoli swap, you could also use vegetables like parsnips, carrots, or celery root. For a richer flavor, try adding a leek along with the onion. Just ensure the vegetables are cooked until very tender before blending.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Golden Red Lentil and Potato Soup
- Palak Chaval Shorba (Clear Soup with Spinach and Rice)
- Hearty Tomato and Green Chili Soup
Creamy Cauliflower Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Put the butter or oil in a large, deep saucepan over medium heat.
- When hot, add the onion, cauliflower or broccoli, garlic, a large pinch of salt, and some pepper.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion has softened, about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Add the white wine and cook for 1 minute, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Pour in the vegetable stock, bring to a simmer, and cook until the cauliflower is very tender, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the pan until smooth. Alternatively, cool the mixture slightly and carefully purée in a blender in batches until velvety.
- Stir in the cream or sour cream. Gently reheat if necessary, but do not let it boil.
- Taste, adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed, and serve immediately.
