This cauliflower potato soup is comfort in a bowl, blending velvety-smooth cauliflower and tender potatoes with just a splash of cream for richness. Finished with a topping of roasted cauliflower and crispy Brussels sprout leaves, it brings great texture and a beautiful, restaurant-worthy presentation to the table.
A sprinkle of tangy goat cheese on top adds a bright, creamy contrast, making this a perfect cozy dinner soup or an elegant starter for entertaining.
This cauliflower potato soup is hearty and delicious with delicious and pretty toppings that make it special. A great lunch or dinner soup and also an elegant starter soup for a special meal.
Ingredients and substitutions
A few notes about the key ingredients …
Cauliflower – For best results, start with a whole cauliflower that you cut yourself.
Potatoes – Baking potatoes such as Russet are recommended for the best soup consistency.
Heavy Whipping Cream – This soup only calls for 1/4 cup of heavy cream, but if you don’t have heavy cream or you’d prefer something lighter, simply combine a lighter cream with a half teaspoon of cornstarch and add it to the soup instead. For a dairy-free option, just skip it altogether.
Brussels Sprouts – To prepare the Brussels sprouts, simply cut off the core end by about 1/2-inch, then start peeling the outside leaves off one by one. Stop when you get to the middle and the leaves don’t separate easily and discard that inner bit.
Goat Cheese – I love Goat Cheese with this soup. Feta cheese is a good substitute.
Recipe tips!
- I say this every time I post a soup recipe, but I think it can never be said enough. Be sure to season your soup well with salt and freshly ground pepper. If you taste the soup and it seems at all bland, you need more salt!
- If your soup ends up too thick (maybe you started with an extra big cauliflower or potato :), simply thin with a little more chicken broth.
Making ahead, storing and freezing.
You can make the soup up to 3 days ahead and simply re-warm to serve. The roasted cauliflower and Brussels sprout leaves can be done ahead as well, or just before serving.
Due to the cream in this soup, freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the soup will change.
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Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Potato Soup
Ingredients
- 2 lb cauliflower, quartered and cored
- 2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- Salt and Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 1 large baking potato (such as Russet), peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 thyme sprigs
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream, 35% b.f.
For garnish:
- 8 Brussels sprouts, core end trimmed and separated into leaves
- 4 oz. goat cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 F. (non-convection/not fan-assisted). Take one quarter of the cored cauliflower and cut it into 1/2-inch thick flat slices. Set aside.
- Coarsely chop the remaining cauliflower.
- In a Dutch oven or soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the diced potato and the chopped cauliflower, then add the chicken stock and the thyme sprigs. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are very tender, about 30 minutes. Discard the thyme sprigs.
- While soup is simmering, place reserved cauliflower floret slices in an even layer on one end of a baking sheet. Prepare the Brussels sprouts as directed above and scatter over the other end of the baking sheet. Drizzle with a bit olive oil and season with salt. Roast for 5 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove from oven and transfer Brussels sprout leaves to a plate. Return to oven and roast a further 10-15 minutes, or until the cauliflower florets are golden on the bottom. Remove from oven and transfer florets to a plate, with the golden side up.
- Using an immersion blender or in two batches in a blender, puree the soup until very smooth. Return the soup to the pot and stir in the cream. Warm over moderate heat. Taste soup and season generously with salt and some freshly ground pepper, to taste.
- To serve, ladle into bowls and top with some roasted cauliflower florets and roasted brussels sprout leaves. Sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese and a grind of freshly ground pepper.
- Making Ahead: The soup can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving, then top with garnishes.
Notes
-
- I say this every time I post a soup recipe, but I think it can never be said enough. Be sure to season your soup well with salt and freshly ground pepper. If you taste the soup and it seems at all bland, you need more salt!
-
- If your soup ends up too thick (maybe you started with an extra big cauliflower or potato :), simply thin with a little more chicken broth.
More cauliflower soup recipes to love!
Hi! I’m Jennifer, a home cook schooled by trial and error and almost 40 years of getting dinner on the table! I love to share my favourite recipes, both old and new, together with lots of tips and tricks to hopefully help make your home cooking enjoyable, stress free, rewarding and of course, delicious!
Awesome warmer upper on a cold winter’s day!! AND healthy!
Win, win :) So glad you enjoyed it. Thanks so much!
This soup is not only delicious and different but after the addition of the toppings, also totally elegant. So often, the beauty of the presentation is worth the time it takes to do the little extras. This is one of those times. Thank you for all the food love you give all of us who enjoy your blog and trying out new recipes.
So glad you enjoyed it, Jane! I agree about the presentation. It’s definitely worth the time :) Thanks so much.
Another winner! A good way of getting a couple of veggies that would normally receive a negative look into a positive comment. I made the brussel sprouts more work because I didn’t read your notes more than once! The goat cheese enhanced the flavour. As usual, very tasty!
Thanks Irene! So glad you enjoyed it :) I’m not a total Brussels sprouts lover, but I don’t mind them in moderation, like used here. And of course, goat cheese makes everything better!
Perfect soupfor today. It is -20c outside at the moment (noon) with a wind chill of -25c
It’s the same here, Margaret! A perfect soup day. Enjoy :)
Jennifer,
Out of this world!! Didn’t need the cream, smooth and flavorful without it. Added a few seasoned croutons for a bit more crunch.
Loved it and so did the date!!
So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks :)
Jennifer, this soup is delicious, different and lovely to look at! It was tonight’s supper and everyone wanted seconds. Your recipes always make me take a second look. Thank you for sharing your time and talent. It’s much appreciated!
Thanks so much, Jane and so glad you enjoyed it! I really enjoyed this one, too :)
I’m sure I saw this on Insta and fell immediately in love! Such a pretty and delicious soup!!
Thanks so much, Annie :)
Gorgeous. What a lovely combination of flavors. I really like that you used some of the roasted cauliflower as topping!
I agree that the toppings are the star here:) I have such a weak spot for roasted cauliflower. And the goat cheese is so well placed among the other ingredients. Stay warm, Jennifer! Glad you had a relaxing time during the holidays!
Thanks Milena! I look for any excuse to add goat cheese :)
Your soup has so much going for it…from flavor to presentation.
Thanks so much, Karen :)
Hello,
Could I substitute veggie broth for the chicken broth without changing the taste too much? We are a no bird household.
Thanks.
Hi Laura and yes absolutely you could use veggie broth. I’d look for a good, full-flavoured one (jarred or homemade) if you can to ensure nice depth.
Thanks for the Netflix referral – we’ve been enjoying the Netflix Longmire series – good time of year to bing on entertainment – and a GREAT time of year for this lovely soup! We love cauliflower soup and I bet the addition of goat cheese is terrific. Glad you had a happy holiday season. We look forward to seeing all your new recipes in 2018!
Thanks Tricia! I haven’t watched Longmire. I will add to my watch list :)
Can’t wait to try this soup Jennifer! Sounds delicious and comforting for this cold wintry weather! I’ll need to check out Mindhunter too. I’m always looking for a new show on Netflix! Happy New Year!
Thanks Mary Ann :) Happy New Year to you, as well!