This Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese Soup is a creamy, comforting dish that combines the mild, nutty flavor of cauliflower with rich, cheesy goodness. It’s a warming soup that’s perfect for lunch or dinner, and the addition of cheese makes it extra indulgent. The recipe is simple to prepare and results in a smooth, flavorful soup that’s sure to be a family favorite.
What is Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese Soup?
Mary Berry’s Cauliflower Cheese Soup is a deliciously rich and creamy soup made from cauliflower, cheese, and a few simple ingredients like onions, garlic, and stock. It’s a comforting twist on the classic cauliflower cheese dish, blending everything into a smooth and hearty soup. Perfect for chilly days or when you need a satisfying meal in a bowl.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Comforting and creamy: The combination of cauliflower and cheese makes this soup rich and satisfying.
- Simple ingredients: Uses basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under an hour with minimal preparation.
- Perfect for a cozy meal: Great for a warm lunch or light dinner.
- Family-friendly: The cheesy flavor makes it a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese Soup
- Cauliflower (1 large head, chopped): Provides the main base of the soup with a mild flavor.
- Onion (1 medium, chopped): Adds sweetness and depth to the soup.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Enhances the flavor with a subtle, savory kick.
- Butter (2 tbsp): For sautéing the vegetables and adding richness to the soup.
- Vegetable or chicken stock (1 liter): Forms the liquid base and brings all the flavors together.
- Cheddar cheese (150g, grated): Adds richness and a creamy texture to the soup.
- Milk (200ml): Provides creaminess and smooth texture.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Nutmeg (a pinch, optional): Adds a hint of warmth and spice to the soup.
- Fresh parsley or chives (for garnish, optional): Adds a fresh finish to the dish.
Equipment
- Large pot or saucepan
- Hand blender or countertop blender
- Knife and cutting board
- Ladle
- Wooden spoon
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese Soup
- Sauté the onions and garlic: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add the cauliflower: Stir in the chopped cauliflower and cook for another 3-4 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Add the stock: Pour in the vegetable or chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender.
- Blend the soup: Remove the pot from the heat and use a hand blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender and blend until smooth.
- Stir in the cheese and milk: Return the blended soup to the heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese and milk. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
- Season and add nutmeg: Taste the soup and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg, if using.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
What Goes Well with Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese Soup?
- Crusty bread: Perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
- Garlic bread: Adds extra flavor and texture to the meal.
- Grilled cheese sandwich: A comforting and cheesy pairing that complements the soup.
- Green salad: A light salad with vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the soup.
- Roasted vegetables: Serve alongside roasted root vegetables for a hearty, nutritious meal.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese Soup
- Use a good quality cheddar: The flavor of the cheese really shines in this soup, so using a strong cheddar will give the soup a richer taste.
- Blend thoroughly: For an ultra-smooth texture, blend the soup until it’s completely creamy. If the soup is too thick, add more stock or milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Add the cheese off the heat: Stir the cheese into the soup after removing it from the heat to prevent the cheese from curdling.
- Season well: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Finish with nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg adds a warming, slightly spicy note that complements the cheese and cauliflower perfectly.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese Soup
- Spicy cauliflower cheese soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes for a bit of heat.
- Creamy version: For extra richness, stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of crème fraîche.
- Broccoli and cauliflower soup: Swap out half the cauliflower for broccoli to add more flavor and color.
- Smoked cheese: Try using smoked cheddar for a delicious, smoky twist on the classic soup.
- Vegetarian version: Use vegetable stock and ensure the cheese is vegetarian-friendly.
Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese Soup
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for longer storage: Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Portion for convenience: Freeze the soup in individual portions to make reheating easier.
Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese Soup
- Reheat on the stovetop: Pour the soup into a saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- Microwave for quick reheating: Place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in 1-minute increments, stirring between each, until hot.
- Add liquid if necessary: If the soup thickens after refrigeration or freezing, add a splash of milk or stock while reheating to adjust the consistency.
How Can I Make Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese Soup Healthier?
- Use low-fat cheese: Opt for low-fat cheddar or a reduced-fat cheese to reduce the calorie content.
- Substitute milk: Use almond milk or a dairy-free alternative for a lighter, plant-based version.
- Skip the butter: Sauté the vegetables in olive oil instead of butter for a healthier fat option.
- Add more vegetables: Incorporate more vegetables like leeks, carrots, or spinach to boost the nutritional content.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
FAQs
Can I freeze cauliflower cheese soup?
Yes, cauliflower cheese soup can be frozen. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
How can I make cauliflower cheese soup thicker?
To make cauliflower cheese soup thicker, simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate. You can also blend in an extra cooked potato or stir in a spoonful of cream or crème fraîche for added creaminess.
What type of cheese is best for cauliflower cheese soup?
A strong, mature cheddar is best for cauliflower cheese soup as it adds a rich, sharp flavor. You can also use a combination of cheddar and Parmesan or experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or smoked cheddar for extra depth of flavor.
Can I make cauliflower cheese soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can make cauliflower cheese soup dairy-free by using plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk and a dairy-free cheese alternative. Olive oil can be used instead of butter to sauté vegetables.
Final Words
Mary Berry’s Cauliflower Cheese Soup is a comforting, creamy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its smooth texture and rich flavor, it’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
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Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering and blending
- Cuisine: British
Description
Mary Berry’s Cauliflower Cheese Soup is a deliciously rich and creamy soup made from cauliflower, cheese, and a few simple ingredients like onions, garlic, and stock. It’s a comforting twist on the classic cauliflower cheese dish, blending everything into a smooth and hearty soup. Perfect for chilly days or when you need a satisfying meal in a bowl.
Ingredients
- Cauliflower (1 large head, chopped): Provides the main base of the soup with a mild flavor.
- Onion (1 medium, chopped): Adds sweetness and depth to the soup.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Enhances the flavor with a subtle, savory kick.
- Butter (2 tbsp): For sautéing the vegetables and adding richness to the soup.
- Vegetable or chicken stock (1 liter): Forms the liquid base and brings all the flavors together.
- Cheddar cheese (150g, grated): Adds richness and a creamy texture to the soup.
- Milk (200ml): Provides creaminess and smooth texture.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Nutmeg (a pinch, optional): Adds a hint of warmth and spice to the soup.
- Fresh parsley or chives (for garnish, optional): Adds a fresh finish to the dish.
Instructions
- Sauté the onions and garlic: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add the cauliflower: Stir in the chopped cauliflower and cook for another 3-4 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Add the stock: Pour in the vegetable or chicken stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender.
- Blend the soup: Remove the pot from the heat and use a hand blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender and blend until smooth.
- Stir in the cheese and milk: Return the blended soup to the heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese and milk. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
- Season and add nutmeg: Taste the soup and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg, if using.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
