Velvety Roasted Cauliflower and Milk Soup with Thyme

Cauliflower Soup
Silky roasted cauliflower soup enriched with milk and thyme — cozy, simple, and ready in under an hour.
This Velvety Roasted Cauliflower and Milk Soup is one of those simple, soothing recipes I love to make when I want something cozy and a little elegant without a fuss. Roasting the cauliflower deepens the flavor and gives the soup a lovely caramelized edge, while milk keeps it silky and bright.
It’s an easy weeknight winner: roast the vegetables, simmer briefly, blend until smooth, then finish with milk, a squeeze of lemon and a shower of Parmesan and chives. Serve with crusty bread and you’re in for a warm, comforting bowl that feels like a hug.
Nutrition (per serving)
Directions
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1
Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss cauliflower florets with 1 tbsp olive oil and 1/2 tsp salt on a rimmed baking sheet; roast until golden and tender, about 25–30 minutes.
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2
Meanwhile, heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, 6–8 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
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3
Add roasted cauliflower to the pot with the stock and thyme. Bring to a simmer, then cook 8–10 minutes to let flavors meld.
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4
Use an immersion blender (or transfer in batches to a blender) and blend until very smooth. Return soup to the pot if needed.
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5
Stir in the milk and Parmesan over low heat until warmed through (do not boil). Adjust seasoning with remaining salt and pepper, and add lemon juice to brighten.
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6
Ladle into bowls, drizzle with a little olive oil, sprinkle with chives and extra Parmesan, and serve with crusty bread.
Ingredients
- Cauliflower (cut into florets):1 piece
- Olive oil:2 tbsp
- Unsalted butter:2 tbsp
- Yellow onion (chopped):1 piece
- Garlic (minced):3 cloves
- Vegetable or chicken stock:3 cups
- Whole milk:2 cups
- Fresh thyme (leaves):1 tbsp
- Kosher salt:1 1/2 tsp
- Freshly ground black pepper:1/2 tsp
- Fresh lemon juice:1 tbsp
- Grated Parmesan:1/4 cup
- Chopped chives (for garnish):2 tbsp
- Crusty bread (for serving, optional):4 slices
Tips & Notes
- Roast the cauliflower until it has some brown edges — that caramelization adds depth to the soup.
- If you want a thinner soup, stir in an extra 1/2 cup stock or milk until you reach your desired consistency.
- Make it vegan: swap butter for olive oil, use vegetable stock, and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan.