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    Home ยป Recipes ยป Soup and Stew Recipes

    Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Leek Soup With Cheddar

    Published: February 10, 2019 Updated: May 28, 2022 / By: Dawn | Girl Heart Food 46 Comments

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    Bowl of creamy cauliflower leek soup garnished with croutons and chives.

    This roasted cauliflower leek soup with cheddar is rich in savoury flavour and super creamy (without using cream). Plus, it’s hearty enough to be substantial for lunch or dinner. Don’t forget those buttery croutons on top!

    Bowl of creamy cauliflower leek soup garnished with croutons and chives.

    It’s been really cold here lately. Like, freeze your buns off.

    Bundle up in the warmest jacket.

    Throw the hugest scarf around your neck.

    Consume  what seems like a thousand cups of hot tea. Feel me?

    Naturally, I’ve been making and enjoying a lot of soup. Soup is one of my favourite things to make.

    This cauliflower leek soup has some pretty simple ingredients, nothing complicated at all, but tastes absolutely amazing! 

    What gives it an awesome flavour? Well, there’s cheese, of course (if you read this blog, you pretty much know that cheese is my middle name). Leeks are pretty awesome too. 

    Then there’s roasted cauliflower. I mean, sure, you can go ahead and just boil the cauliflower, but it wouldn’t taste the same. Roasting gives it another element of flavour and when you are working with so few ingredients you want them to shine.

    Ingredients for roasted cauliflower leek soup with cheddar.

    How To Chop and Clean Leeks

    Leeks are part of the onion family and have a mild onion flavour. 

    Though they add a lovely flavour to recipes, leeks can be oh-so-dirty. Lots of times as they grow, dirt/soil gets in between all those layers. Obviously, that needs to go before using a leek in any recipe.

    How do you chop and clean leeks? It’s easy!

    Place the leek on a cutting board, then carefully cut down the centre of the leek with a knife.

    A leek and knife on a wooden cutting board.

    Cut the root part off (at the bottom) and the tough (super green) top part (about an inch or so). Then thinly slice the leek.

    Place chopped leek in a strainer to thoroughly wash/drain and then use in the recipe.

    A leek on a wooden cutting board being cut by a knife.

    Tips for Making This Cauliflower Leek Soup

    • You can either use parchment paper on your sheet pan when roasting the cauliflower or not. Keep in mind, though, that parchment paper will make cleanup a little easier. Though, I didn’t use it here. You do you!
    • For an even richer taste, you can add half-and-half, heavy cream or plain whole milk Greek yogurt to this soup instead of whole milk.
    • Ensure that the cauliflower florets are spaced out enough on your sheet pan so they roast and not steam (which they will do if the pan is too full). If you need to, use a couple of sheet pans to roast the cauliflower.
    • The cheddar cheese is stirred into the soup with a spoon, not blended with an immersion blender.

    Garnish Ideas

    To garnish or not to garnish, it’s totally up to you! Here are some toppings I enjoy:

    • Sliced chives or green onion
    • Homemade croutons
    • Crisped crumbled bacon
    • Shredded cheddar cheese
    • Crumbled goat cheese
    • Drizzle of olive oil (garlic flavoured would be lovely)
    Bowl of creamy cauliflower leek soup garnished with croutons, chives and cheddar.

    More Easy Soup Recipes

    • Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Soup
    • Red Pepper Tomato Soup With Fennel
    • Asparagus Soup With Spinach and Lemon
    • Homemade Chicken Soup With Spinach and Dill

    If you make this creamy cauliflower leek soup, be sure to leave a comment below!

    Bowl of creamy cauliflower leek soup garnished with croutons, chives and cheddar.

    Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Leek Soup with Cheddar

    Dawn | Girl Heart Food
    This roasted cauliflower leek soup with cheddar is rich in savoury flavour and super creamy (without using cream). It's hearty enough to be substantial for lunch or dinner. Delicious with buttery croutons!
    5 from 17 votes
    Print Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 1 hour hr
    Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins
    Course Lunch, Main Course, Soup
    Servings 4 servings
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets (approximately 1.5 pounds)
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
    • 1 teaspoon salt, divided
    • ยฝ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
    • 2 leeks, cut in half lengthwise and sliced thinly into half moons (white, light green and tender darker green parts only, not the tougher dark green part). Rinse well and drain before using as leek can contain debris/dirt between the layers.
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme leaves, or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
    • 4 cups low sodium vegetable broth, or low sodium chicken broth if you prefer
    • 1 cup whole milk
    • 4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese, about 1 cup

    Garnish Ideas (optional)

    • Croutons
    • Chopped chives
    • Shredded cheddar cheese

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
    • Meanwhile, in a bowl, toss cauliflower florets with 1 tablespoon olive oil, ยผ teaspoon each of salt and black pepper (or you can toss the florets with the oil, salt and black pepper directly on the sheet pan).
    • Spread cauliflower florets out onto a sheet pan in a single layer and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through cooking.ย Carefully remove from the oven and set aside for use shortly.
    • Heat remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.ย 
    • Add leeks and remaining ยพ teaspoon of salt and remaining ยผ teaspoon of black pepper. Cook, stirring every so often, for about 10 minutes.
    • Add garlic and thyme to leeks, stirring in, and cook for 1 minute.
    • To leek mixture, add roasted cauliflower florets and broth.ย Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat (to about medium-low heat) to a simmer. Cover ajar and cook for 15 minutes.ย 
    • Turn off heat.ย Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth.ย 
    • Stir in milk.ย If you want a looser or thinner soup, you can add a little more broth and heat through.
    • Stir in cheddar cheese (slowly, in batches) with a spoon until distributed throughout the soup.
    • To serve, divide the soup into bowls and garnish (as desired) with any of the garnish ideas. Enjoy!

    Notes

    You can either use parchment paper on your sheet pan when roasting the cauliflower or not. Keep in mind, though, that parchment paper will make cleanup a little easier. Though, I didn’t use it here. You do you!

    A note on times provided: appliances vary, any prep and/or cook times provided are estimates only.

    ยฉ Girl Heart Food Inc. Photographs and content are copyright protected.

    Keyword roasted vegetable soup, soup with cheese, vegetable soup

    Tried this recipe?

    If you do make this recipe, thank you!! It would mean so much if you could leave a comment below. Love to know how you enjoyed it, and it helps other readers too!

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    Reader Interactions

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    1. Vanessa | Zest & Simmer

      February 15, 2019 at 12:42 am

      5 stars
      I could eat a whole pot of this soup! Cauliflower soup is one I really love, and the addition of leek to this is perfect. Canโ€™t wait to try it!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        February 19, 2019 at 1:13 pm

        Thank you Vanessa! Hope you love it ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    2. Kevin

      February 12, 2019 at 3:47 pm

      5 stars
      Now if this soup doesn’t warm a person up, not sure what would!?! This soup looks so warm and cozy just like your serving bowls!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        February 19, 2019 at 1:08 pm

        Thanks so much Kevin!

        Reply
    3. Chef Sous Chef

      February 12, 2019 at 2:07 pm

      5 stars
      I love the additional flavour you get from roasting the cauliflower. A perfect soup for winter days!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        February 19, 2019 at 1:08 pm

        Me too! Thanks guys ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    4. Denise@urbnspice

      February 12, 2019 at 1:49 pm

      5 stars
      I am a bonified soup crazy person and I cannot wait to try your Super Creamy Roasted Cauliflower and Leek Soup, Dawn. I make soup all year around – I cannot help myself! This looks so delicious! I cannot wait to try it.

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        February 19, 2019 at 1:08 pm

        I do too! Love soup! Thank you Denise ๐Ÿ™‚ Hope you love it!

        Reply
    5. Marissa

      February 12, 2019 at 1:05 pm

      5 stars
      Weโ€™re flying home tomorrow and have snow in the forecast for a week! We clearly need to make this comforting soup. All of the flavors have my mouth watering!!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        February 19, 2019 at 1:06 pm

        You sure do ๐Ÿ˜‰ Thanks Marissa!

        Reply
    6. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen

      February 11, 2019 at 7:34 pm

      5 stars
      Snow is headed our way tomorrow Dawn, so this soup would totally fit the bill! And cauliflower is one of my faves! On the menu here soon! Pinned!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        February 12, 2019 at 12:02 pm

        It sure would! Thanks Mary Ann!

        Reply
    7. Ben|Havocinthekitchen

      February 11, 2019 at 7:06 pm

      January and February haven’t been too bad here, but it’s been extremely cold for the last couple of days too. Besides low temperatures, we’ve got strong winds and some kind of humidity in the air – things that make any cold weather basically unbearable. Decision? Soup. Correction: A lot of soup! This delicious vegetable soup with the addition of cheddar is what the doctor ordered!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        February 12, 2019 at 12:02 pm

        I hear ya about the wind and damp air. Ugh! Thanks Ben! Stay warm ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    8. Katherine | Love In My Oven

      February 11, 2019 at 6:08 pm

      Aaah SO cold right!? I’ve basically been living in my blanket scarf these days. You and I are on the same wavelength with cozy soups! I LOVE cauliflower, and I don’t use leeks enough. I’m definitely going to try this one!! Have a great week, Dawn!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        February 12, 2019 at 12:01 pm

        I know, I know!! Hope you love it! Thanks Katherine ๐Ÿ™‚ You too!

        Reply
    9. Haylie Abele

      February 11, 2019 at 5:27 pm

      5 stars
      I love using leeks! They’re so packed with flavor! This soup looks SO super creamy. I’d love a big bowl of this while I’m snuggled up under a blanket. It’s been chilly here as well…although last week we had 75 degree weather. Ugh, only in the South. Cheers to Spring!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        February 12, 2019 at 12:01 pm

        They sure are! Thank you Haylie. Hope you’re having a great week so far ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    10. Elaine

      February 11, 2019 at 5:08 pm

      5 stars
      Smooth and creamy–this soup is pure velvet! Love that you suggest roasting the cauliflower first. It really does make a difference to the flavour, doesn’t it! Thanks for a great recipe.

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        February 12, 2019 at 12:01 pm

        It really does! Thank you Elaine! Happy you like it ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    11. Laura

      February 11, 2019 at 4:55 pm

      5 stars
      Dawn – what a lovely soup! I love anything with cauliflower, and so agree, it is way better roasted than boiled! Totally different veggie. This soups looks and sounds amazing and so warming. Perfect given we have about 10โ€ snow today!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        February 12, 2019 at 12:00 pm

        I love it too! Thank you Laura! This soup will surely warm ya up ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    12. annie@ciaochowbambina

      February 11, 2019 at 12:55 pm

      5 stars
      Syracuse has had its fair share of snow this year, however, we’re in 3rd place (not the typical 1st place for the US behind Buffalo, NY and Erie, PA!)… But with 71 inches of snow, still, soup is at the top of our list for cozy dining! This recipe’s a keeper, my friend! Happy Monday, dear! XOXO

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        February 12, 2019 at 12:00 pm

        Thank you Annie! Stay warm, my friend. XOXO

        Reply
    13. Kelly | Foodtasia

      February 11, 2019 at 11:50 am

      5 stars
      Dawn, such a lovely soup! I love the cheese – Yay! Roasting really brings out the flavor, doesn’t it? Soups are so cozy this time of year – and they’re so yummy. Your warm and cozy bowls are so cute! Have a great week, my friend!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        February 12, 2019 at 11:59 am

        Totally! Thank you so much, Kelly! You too ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    14. David @ Spiced

      February 11, 2019 at 10:42 am

      So we just finished the move this past weekend, and cold is an understatement! If I ever have the genius idea to move in the middle of the winter again, remind me not to. As in, shake me, punch me, kidnap me until summer. ๐Ÿ™‚ They’re calling for 12″+ snow tomorrow, so I’m thinking a pot of soup is in order. First job, though: find the soup pot. I swear it’s in the kitchen somewhere! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        February 12, 2019 at 11:59 am

        I hear ya! We moved one year in December right before Christmas! Eeeeeek! Hope you get all settled in your new home soon, David. Thanks so much ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    15. Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers

      February 11, 2019 at 10:04 am

      5 stars
      That is a beautiful bowl of comfort! Love that you roasted the cauliflower too, for extra flavour. Just what I need right now ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        February 12, 2019 at 11:59 am

        Thanks Jennifer! Roasted really adds a nice element of flavour ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    16. Leanne | Crumb Top Baking

      February 11, 2019 at 9:11 am

      5 stars
      We are on the same page with the soup today Dawn! It’s been so cold and windy here these past few days, I just want to wrap myself in a blanket and eat soup until April! This one looks particularly cozy. Love the flavour that leeks add to soup, and cauliflower is just the best. So creamy! Happy Monday Dawn!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        February 12, 2019 at 11:58 am

        Right?! Thank you Leanne! Same to you ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    17. Valentina

      February 10, 2019 at 11:05 pm

      “Warm & Cozy” is right! Sounds so delicious and comforting. Love the helpful tips for working with leeks, and the photos of them are so pretty. Simple beauty.

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        February 12, 2019 at 11:58 am

        Thank you very much, Valentina!! Appreciate that!

        Reply
    18. Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen

      February 10, 2019 at 5:48 pm

      5 stars
      I’m definitely going to try this! I LOVE cauliflower and leeks both, and I love a good bowl of soup. I have a feeling this will become a new favorite :). Have a great week, Dawn! And stay warm!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        February 12, 2019 at 11:58 am

        Yay! Hope you love it as much as we do! Thanks Kelsie…have a great week and stay warm too ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    19. Milena

      February 10, 2019 at 4:49 pm

      5 stars
      Would love a bowl of this creamy goodness infused with the flavor or roasted cauliflower! BTW I love how you spell ‘savoury flavour’ – I learned British spelling first and it was hard to adjust to American. When I read Canadians’ writing it always feels classier:) As to the cold – same here – after an almost spring like January we finally got cold weather and it has been haaard to survive! Cauliflower leek soup is rightfully in order!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        February 12, 2019 at 11:57 am

        Lol…thanks! There are a lot of words the Canadians spell like that – favourite, colour, etc. Hope you stay warm, my friend. Thanks for the kind comment!

        Reply
    20. Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop

      February 10, 2019 at 11:25 am

      5 stars
      We’ve had a fairly mild winter until this week! The cold temps and wind finally hit. It’s nothing compared to what you’ve been getting, but enough to make me crave warm cozy foods! This soup is just what I’m needing! Stay warm!!!

      Reply
      • Girl Heart Food

        February 10, 2019 at 1:29 pm

        It’s a good one! Thank you Kathy! Hope you’re having a great weekend.

        Reply
    Newer Comments »

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