Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Cheese Soup Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese Soup is a warm, comforting dish that combines the rich, creamy flavors of a traditional cauliflower cheese with the satisfying heartiness of a soup. Perfect for colder days or as a starter for a family meal, this soup is velvety smooth and full of flavor, thanks to the addition of mature cheddar cheese and aromatic herbs. It’s a great way to elevate a simple cauliflower into something special.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

• Rich and Creamy: The combination of cauliflower and cheese creates a luxuriously creamy soup that’s deeply comforting.
• Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses basic ingredients, making it accessible for any home cook.
• Healthy Yet Indulgent: While it feels rich and indulgent, the main ingredient is cauliflower, a nutritious and low-calorie vegetable.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it as a light lunch, starter, or comforting dinner.

What is Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese Soup?

Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese Soup is a smooth and creamy soup made by blending cooked cauliflower with a rich cheese sauce. The soup takes inspiration from the classic British dish, cauliflower cheese, and turns it into a warming and satisfying soup. The addition of mature cheddar cheese gives the soup a deep, savory flavor, while herbs and spices elevate the overall taste.

Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Cheese Soup Ingredients

• 1 large head of cauliflower, chopped into florets
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 liter (4 cups) vegetable or chicken stock
• 200ml (3/4 cup) milk or cream
• 150g (1 1/2 cups) mature cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish
• Optional: Croutons for topping

Other Jamie Oliver Recipes

• Jamie Oliver Carrot And Potato Soup
• Jamie Oliver Empire Roast Chicken
• Jamie Oliver Mince And Onion Pie

Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Cheese Soup

1. Prepare the Vegetables

Chop the cauliflower into florets and finely dice the onion and garlic.

2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic

In a large pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 5-7 minutes, until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

3. Cook the Cauliflower

Add the chopped cauliflower florets to the pot, stirring to coat them in the oil. Pour in the vegetable or chicken stock and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender.

4. Blend the Soup

Using a blender or an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth and creamy. If the soup is too thick, you can add a little extra stock or water to reach your desired consistency.

5. Add the Cheese and Milk

Return the blended soup to the pot over low heat. Stir in the milk or cream, grated cheddar cheese, and Dijon mustard. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted and the soup is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve

Ladle the cauliflower cheese soup into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley. For extra texture, top with croutons.

What to Serve with Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Cheese Soup

• Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
• Salad: A light green salad balances the richness of the soup.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: For an extra indulgent meal, serve with a grilled cheese sandwich on the side.
• Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted vegetables like carrots or parsnips for a more filling meal.

Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Cheese Soup

• Use a High-Quality Cheese: A mature cheddar or other strong-flavored cheese will give the soup a deeper, richer flavor.
• Blend Thoroughly: To achieve a smooth and creamy texture, blend the soup until there are no lumps left.
• Adjust Consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more stock or milk until you reach the desired texture.
• Make it Extra Creamy: For a richer soup, use cream instead of milk or add a splash of heavy cream at the end.

Variations of Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Cheese Soup

• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a little heat.
• Broccoli and Cauliflower: Mix in some broccoli with the cauliflower for a green, nutrient-packed version.
• Vegan Version: Use plant-based milk and vegan cheese to make a dairy-free version of this soup.
• Add Protein: Stir in cooked shredded chicken or crispy bacon for a more filling meal.

How to Store Leftovers of Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Cheese Soup

• Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

How to Reheat Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Cheese Soup

• Stovetop: Reheat over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of water or milk if the soup has thickened too much.
• Microwave: Reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between intervals until heated through.

FAQs

How do you make Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Cheese Soup smooth?

To make Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese Soup smooth, blend the cooked cauliflower and stock using an immersion blender or a regular blender. Ensure all chunks are blended thoroughly until you reach a creamy consistency. If the soup is too thick, you can add extra stock or milk to achieve the desired smooth texture.

Can I freeze Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Cheese Soup?

Yes, you can freeze Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese Soup. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently on the stovetop.

What cheese works best for Cauliflower Cheese Soup?

Mature cheddar cheese works best for Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese Soup, as it provides a deep, rich flavor. You can also use other strong-flavored cheeses like Parmesan or Gruyère if you prefer a different taste profile.

How can I make Cauliflower Cheese Soup thicker?

To make Cauliflower Cheese Soup thicker, simmer the soup for a longer time uncovered to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water or a roux made from butter and flour to thicken the soup to your liking.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Cheese Soup is a perfect dish when you want something comforting yet easy to prepare. It takes all the flavors of the classic cauliflower cheese and turns them into a creamy, warming soup that’s satisfying and hearty. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a cozy lunch, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that’s both delicious and nutritious.

More Jamie Oliver Recipes

• Jamie Oliver Asparagus Soup

Print