If you’re craving something cozy, comforting, and just a little bit fancy, I’m excited to share my Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup Recipe with you. This soup is smooth, velvety, and loaded with flavor from roasting the cauliflower and garlic—trust me, it makes all the difference. Whether you want a simple weeknight dinner or a warm starter for guests, you’ll find that this soup hits all the right notes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, Creamy Texture: Roasting the cauliflower brings out a nutty sweetness that blends beautifully into a creamy, luscious soup.
- Simple, Wholesome Ingredients: Just a handful of pantry staples create a delicious and nourishing meal you can feel good about.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy dinner or a chic appetizer, this soup fits seamlessly into your meal plan.
- Flexibility & Ease: It’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and easy to modify — plus I’ll share my tricks for making it foolproof.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup Recipe keeps things straightforward, but each ingredient plays an important role in building layers of flavor and that buttery texture we all love. A quick visit to the produce aisle and pantry, and you’ll be set.
- Cauliflower: Pick a firm head with tight florets; it roasts up tender and flavorful.
- Yellow Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when roasted alongside the cauliflower.
- Garlic: Whole cloves roast mellow and sweet—don’t skip this magic ingredient.
- Avocado Oil: I love its high smoke point and neutral flavor for roasting vegetables to golden perfection.
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning at every stage to bring everything alive.
- Raw Cashews: Soaked and blended for that dreamy creaminess without dairy.
- White Beans: Cannellini or any white bean adds protein and a smooth texture that enriches the soup.
- Vegetable Broth: Quality broth really shines here—homemade or your favorite store-bought will do.
- Water: To balance the soup’s consistency perfectly.
- Ground Nutmeg: A little pinch adds a cozy warmth that elevates the flavor beautifully.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the soup at the end, cutting through richness and bringing freshness.
- Fresh Parsley, Red Pepper Flakes, Pine Nuts, Olive Oil: Optional garnishes I find make the final dish sing.
Variations
One of the reasons I come back to this Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup Recipe again and again is how easily it can be customized. Don’t hesitate to make it your own depending on what you have or what your family prefers.
- Add Some Heat: I often throw in a pinch of smoked paprika or extra red pepper flakes to give it a cozy, spicy kick.
- Make It Dairy-Free or Extra Creamy: Using coconut milk instead of cashews is a lovely twist for extra silkiness and a subtle tropical note.
- Seasonal Swaps: Roasting sweet potatoes or parsnips alongside cauliflower adds more depth and a touch of sweetness when you want a heartier soup.
- Make It Chunky: Leave a few roasted cauliflower florets whole or roughly chopped for some texture contrast.
How to Make Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup Recipe
Step 1: Roast Your Veggies to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper — this helps with easy cleanup and keeps the veggies from sticking. Toss your cauliflower florets, sliced yellow onion, and whole peeled garlic cloves with avocado oil, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Make sure every piece is coated well — I find it helps to use your hands here to really get everything evenly oily and seasoned.
Spread everything in a single layer and pop it in the oven for 30 minutes, stirring halfway through so the veggies roast evenly. You’ll want them nicely golden on the edges and fragrant—this roasting step brings out the best flavor and sweetness.
Step 2: Prep Cashews and Beans While Roasting
While your veggies are busy in the oven, pour boiling water over the cashews in a bowl and let them soak. This softens them for blending into a creamy base later on. Also take a moment to rinse and drain your white beans thoroughly — fresh-tasting beans make all the difference here.
Step 3: Simmer & Blend the Soup
Once roasting is done, transfer your fragrant veggies straight to a large pot—reserve a few cauliflower florets if you want to garnish later. Add the rinsed beans, vegetable broth, water, and a pinch of ground nutmeg. Bring the pot to a strong simmer over medium-high heat, then lower it to medium-low and let it bubble gently for 15-20 minutes until the cauliflower is so tender it falls apart when poked with a fork.
Turn off the heat, then carefully transfer half of the hot soup to your blender. Add lemon juice and a pinch of salt, and blend until silky smooth. Pour half of the blended soup back into the pot. Drain the cashews and add them to the remaining soup in the blender; blend again until pale, creamy, and dreamy—about 1 minute. This double blend step really creates a super rich texture that’s hard to beat. Pour the cashew mixture back into the pot and stir everything together gently.
Give the soup a taste and adjust salt, pepper, or a little more nutmeg as you like. Now you have that perfectly balanced, creamy, comforting bowl of joy in front of you.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup Recipe
- Don’t Skip Roasting: Roasting the cauliflower and garlic brings out a caramelized sweetness that just can’t be replicated by boiling or steaming.
- Use a High-Speed Blender: For the creamiest results, I always rely on a blender that can handle hot liquids without exploding or leaving chunks.
- Double Blend for Creaminess: Blending the soup before and after adding soaked cashews ensures a smooth, velvety texture without grittiness.
- Adjust Seasonings Gradually: Taste as you go, especially when adding nutmeg or lemon juice, so you find the perfect balance without overpowering flavors.
How to Serve Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this soup with a handful of fresh parsley for a little herbal brightness, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for warmth, and pine nuts for crunch and a subtle buttery flavor. A quick drizzle of good olive oil just before serving adds a lovely sheen and richness. You can even toss in some crispy croutons or toasted bread crumbs if you want extra texture.
Side Dishes
When I serve this soup, my go-to sides are a crisp green salad or crusty artisan bread—perfect for dipping. Sometimes I pair it with a simple roasted vegetable platter or a light grain salad to keep the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, I like serving this Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup Recipe in small ramekins or demitasse cups as a chic starter. Swirling in a splash of herb-infused oil or placing a tiny charred cauliflower floret on top always impresses guests. If I’m feeling artistic, I create a pattern with the red pepper flakes and parsley to make it look like edible artwork.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps beautifully for up to a week. The flavors actually deepen over time, so if you’re into meal prep, this soup is a winner. Just give it a good stir before reheating.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this soup a few times without any loss in quality. I pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion, and it keeps well for about a month. When you thaw it, it may separate slightly—just stir or blend it again quickly to bring back that creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat. I like to add a splash of vegetable broth or a bit of your favorite nondairy milk if it’s looking too thick. This slows down the reheating, preventing scorching and keeps it silky smooth.
FAQs
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Can I make this Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup Recipe without cashews?
Absolutely! If you have a nut allergy or want to skip them, you can use coconut milk or even a high-quality non-dairy cream substitute. Just keep in mind that cashews add a natural richness and creaminess, so the texture might be slightly less smooth without them.
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What can I use instead of white beans?
Great question! Cannellini beans are classic, but you can swap for navy beans or great Northern beans. If you want a lower-carb option, silken tofu can be blended as a substitute, though you might lose a bit of white bean flavor.
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How do I avoid a grainy texture in the soup?
Make sure your cashews are well soaked—ideally in boiling water for at least 15-20 minutes—and use a high-speed blender to fully puree the soup. Double blending, as described in the recipe, also helps create that ultra-smooth, creamy texture.
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Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes! In fact, the flavors meld beautifully when stored overnight. Just reheat gently on the stove and add a splash of broth or plant-based milk if it’s too thick. It’s a perfect make-ahead meal that tastes as good or better the next day.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup Recipe turns out every time. It’s comforting, elegant, and so adaptable—a real crowd-pleaser in my house. When I first tried roasting the cauliflower and garlic before blending, it changed everything. Now, making this soup always feels like a little act of kitchen magic, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes one of your favorite go-to soups!
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Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 60 min
- Total Time: 75 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This creamy roasted cauliflower soup is a comforting, nutrient-packed dish featuring tender roasted cauliflower and garlic blended with white beans and cashews for a rich and velvety texture. Enhanced with a touch of ground nutmeg and finished with fresh lemon juice, this soup is perfect for a wholesome meal and garnished with optional parsley, red pepper flakes, pine nuts, and olive oil.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, sliced (~3/4 cup)
- 5 cloves garlic, peeled and left whole
Liquids and Broth
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or store-bought)
- 1 cup water
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp avocado oil
- Olive oil (for garnish)
Pantry Staples
- 1 healthy pinch each sea salt & black pepper, plus more to taste
- 3/4 cup raw cashews
- 1 (15-oz) can white beans (such as Cannellini), rinsed and drained
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Garnishes (optional)
- Parsley
- Red pepper flakes
- Pine nuts
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place cauliflower florets, sliced onions, and whole peeled garlic cloves on the baking sheet.
- Season and Roast: Drizzle avocado oil over the vegetables, then season with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper. Toss everything well to coat evenly. Roast in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even roasting.
- Soak Cashews and Prepare Beans: While vegetables roast, place the raw cashews in a bowl or measuring cup and cover with boiling water to soak. Set aside. Rinse and drain the can of white beans to prepare for blending.
- Transfer Roasted Vegetables to Pot: Remove roasted vegetables from the oven and immediately transfer them to a large stock pot or Dutch oven. Reserve a few cauliflower florets if you want to use them for garnish later.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: To the pot, add rinsed white beans, vegetable broth, water, and ground nutmeg. Stir everything together to combine.
- Simmer Soup: Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until a strong simmer is reached. Then reduce the heat slightly to a medium-low simmer and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cauliflower is very tender and falls apart easily when pierced with a fork.
- Blend Soup Base: Turn off the heat. Carefully transfer the hot soup mixture to a high-speed blender safe for hot liquids. Add lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Blend until the soup is creamy and smooth. Return half of the blended soup to the pot.
- Blend Cashews into Soup: Drain the soaked cashews and add them to the remaining blended soup in the blender. Blend until the mixture is pale, creamy, and smooth, about 1 minute.
- Combine and Final Seasoning: Pour the cashew-blended soup mixture back into the pot with the other half of the soup. Stir gently to swirl the two mixtures together. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional nutmeg as desired.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the creamy roasted cauliflower soup warm, garnished with reserved cauliflower florets, parsley, red pepper flakes, pine nuts, and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
- Storage: Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat on the stovetop, adding dairy-free milk or broth as needed to thin the soup.
Notes
- This soup is incredibly rich and creamy with only 10 simple ingredients.
- Roasting the cauliflower, onion, and garlic enhances their natural sweet flavors.
- Soaking the cashews softens them to blend smoothly, creating a rich texture without cream or dairy.
- Ground nutmeg adds a subtle warming note that complements the savory flavors beautifully.
- Optional garnishes like parsley, red pepper flakes, pine nuts, and olive oil add extra layers of flavor and texture.
- Store leftovers properly to maintain freshness and enjoy within safe time frames.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 294 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 568 mg
- Fat: 16.6 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11.9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 8.1 g
- Protein: 12.3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg