If you’re searching for a warm, satisfying soup that’s both elegant and easy to make, Ina Garten’s Cream of Cauliflower Soup is an excellent choice. It’s smooth, delicate, and full of subtle flavor—perfect for chilly evenings or as a refined starter for a dinner party. With just a few basic ingredients, this soup transforms humble cauliflower into something luxurious and comforting.

What is Ina Garten’s Cream of Cauliflower Soup?

Ina Garten’s version of cream of cauliflower soup is a velvety blend of cauliflower, onion, broth, and cream, seasoned with a hint of nutmeg and finished with optional cheese or garnish. It’s a minimalist soup that focuses on clean flavor and a silky texture, offering richness without heaviness.

Other Popular Ina Garten Recipes

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Cream of Cauliflower Soup

Simple ingredients – Made with pantry staples and one fresh vegetable
Smooth and creamy texture – Feels elegant and comforting
Naturally gluten-free – No flour or roux required
Perfect make-ahead meal – Reheats beautifully
Customizable with toppings – Croutons, herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil
Low-carb and satisfying – A healthy yet hearty option
Ideal for all occasions – From weekday lunches to dinner parties

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Cream of Cauliflower Soup

1 large head of cauliflower (about 2½ to 3 pounds), cut into florets
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cups low-sodium chicken stock (or vegetable broth for vegetarians)
1 cup heavy cream
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional: grated parmesan, croutons, chopped chives, or a drizzle of truffle oil

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten’s Cream of Cauliflower Soup

Sauté the onions

In a large pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook for 5–7 minutes, until soft and translucent.

Add the cauliflower and broth

Stir in the cauliflower florets and pour in the chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 25–30 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender.

Blend until smooth

Use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or transfer the soup in batches to a blender. Puree until completely smooth and creamy.

Stir in the cream and nutmeg

Return the soup to the pot if needed. Stir in the heavy cream and ground nutmeg. Simmer for 5 more minutes to warm through. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve warm

Ladle into bowls and garnish with optional toppings like croutons, chives, or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Cream of Cauliflower Soup

Pair with crusty bread or a baguette – Ideal for dipping
Serve alongside a green salad – Balances the creaminess
Add a grilled cheese sandwich – Turns it into a satisfying meal
Top with crispy bacon or pancetta – Adds texture and smoky flavor
Serve in small cups as a starter – Great for holiday dinners
Add roasted garlic or truffle oil drizzle – Elevates the flavor for special occasions

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Cream of Cauliflower Soup

Use fresh cauliflower – It gives the best texture and flavor
Don’t overcook the onions – Keep them soft but not browned
Simmer gently – Prevents the cauliflower from breaking down too much
Blend thoroughly – A smooth puree is key to the soup’s elegance
Season in layers – Taste after blending and after adding cream
Use high-quality broth – It forms the foundation of the soup’s flavor
Chill leftovers for better flavor – Tastes even better the next day

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Cream of Cauliflower Soup

Add garlic or shallots – For a deeper aromatic base
Include leeks or celery – For a more complex flavor
Top with herb oil or pesto – Adds color and freshness
Stir in a sharp cheddar or Gruyère – Turns it into a cheesy cauliflower soup
Use half-and-half instead of cream – Lighten the dish slightly
Add white beans – Boosts protein and makes it heartier
Incorporate curry or cumin – For a spiced variation

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Cream of Cauliflower Soup

Refrigerate in an airtight container – Keeps well for up to 4 days
Freeze in portions – Up to 2 months; reblend after thawing for best texture
Cool completely before storing – Prevents condensation and separation
Avoid storing with toppings – Add fresh garnishes when serving
Label and date containers – Helps track freshness

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Cream of Cauliflower Soup

Stovetop method is best – Reheat over low heat, stirring occasionally
Microwave in short intervals – Stir between bursts for even heating
Avoid boiling – It can cause the cream to separate
Add a splash of broth or cream if too thick – Restores smooth consistency
Taste and reseason – Flavors can mellow after chilling
Garnish after reheating – For freshness and texture

Nutrition Value (per serving – based on 6 servings)

Calories: 260 kcal
Protein: 6g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 450mg
Cholesterol: 65mg

FAQs

Can I freeze Ina Garten’s cream of cauliflower soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, store it in airtight containers, and thaw in the fridge before reheating it gently on the stove. Blend again after reheating for the smoothest texture.

How do I make cauliflower soup more flavorful?

Use a good-quality broth, sauté the onions until soft, and season in layers. Adding roasted garlic, nutmeg, or a sprinkle of Parmesan also enhances the flavor significantly.

Can I make this cauliflower soup without cream?

Absolutely. You can substitute the cream with half-and-half, milk, or even unsweetened plant-based milk. The result will be slightly lighter but still delicious.

How do I make this soup thicker?

Simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid slightly or add a peeled potato to the soup while cooking. Blending the soup thoroughly also helps achieve a thick, creamy texture without adding flour.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Cream of Cauliflower Soup proves that simple ingredients can create rich, elegant results. With its smooth texture and delicate flavor, this soup is both comforting and refined—perfect for any meal, any season.