Creamy Cauliflower Potato Soup is my go-to recipe when I need something warm, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make. This velvety soup combines tender cauliflower and potatoes into a rich, comforting bowl that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but it comes together quickly with simple ingredients.
I still remember the first time I made this soup on a chilly evening when I had half a head of cauliflower and a few potatoes sitting in my fridge. I threw them together with some simple herbs, and the result was this silky, flavorful soup that my whole family devoured. Now it’s a weekly staple in my kitchen. The creamy texture comes from blending the vegetables until smooth, which means you get that luxurious mouthfeel without needing tons of heavy cream. This healthy cauliflower potato soup is perfect for meal prep, and the leftovers taste even better the next day. It’s comfort food that actually makes you feel good.
Table of Contents
What You’ll Need for This Cauliflower Soup
I always use fresh cauliflower and russet potatoes for the creamiest texture in this creamy cauliflower potato soup. Pro tip: peeling the potatoes is key to getting that silky-smooth consistency. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth (I prefer low-sodium so I can control the salt)
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped fresh chives or green onions for garnish (optional)
My personal tip: If you want an extra rich creamy cauliflower potato soup, use heavy cream instead of milk. For a lighter version, I often use half-and-half, and it still turns out wonderfully creamy.
How to Make the Best Cauliflower Potato Soup
I recommend having all your vegetables prepped before you start cooking. It makes the process so much smoother and ensures nothing burns while you’re chopping.
Step 1: Heat the butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent. You’ll know it’s ready when the onion smells sweet and aromatic. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Watch carefully so the garlic doesn’t burn.
Step 2: Add the cauliflower florets, diced potatoes, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir everything together so the vegetables are coated with the butter and aromatics. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
Step 3: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. The cauliflower and potatoes should be very tender and easily pierced with a fork. This is crucial for getting that creamy texture in your creamy cauliflower potato soup.
Step 4: Remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until it’s completely smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Pro tip: when using a regular blender, fill it only halfway and hold the lid down with a towel to prevent hot soup from exploding out.
Step 5: Return the blended soup to the pot if you used a regular blender. Stir in the milk or heavy cream. Warm the soup over low heat until heated through, but don’t let it boil or the dairy might separate. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 6: Ladle the creamy cauliflower potato soup into bowls and garnish with chopped chives or green onions if desired. The fresh herbs add a nice pop of color and flavor.
Perfect Pairings for Your Soup Bowl
This creamy cauliflower potato soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread and fresh salads that add texture and balance.
Crusty Sourdough Bread: The tangy, chewy texture of sourdough is perfect for dipping into this velvety soup, and it adds a satisfying crunch to each bite.
Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with arugula, spinach, and a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the creamy cauliflower potato soup and adds freshness to the meal.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Nothing beats the classic combo of soup and grilled cheese. The crispy, buttery sandwich complements the smooth texture of the soup perfectly.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted Brussels sprouts or carrots for extra nutrition and a slightly caramelized flavor that contrasts nicely with the creamy soup.
Bacon Bits: Sprinkle crispy bacon on top for a smoky, savory element that takes this soup to the next level. This is one of the best sides for cauliflower potato soup.
More Creamy Soup Recipes You’ll Love
This velvety cauliflower potato soup is just the beginning of delicious vegetable-based soups that deliver comfort without complexity. For a heartier version with cheese sauce, the Cauliflower Soup takes the flavors up a notch with sharp cheddar and additional vegetables. When you’re looking for a lower-carb, protein-boosted option, try the Cottage Cheese Cauliflower Soup which uses cottage cheese instead of heavy cream for a nutritious twist.
To add variety to the weekly menu, serve this soup alongside the Double Umami Mushroom Soup for contrasting flavors. The mild, nutty cauliflower pairs beautifully with the deep, savory mushroom broth, making them perfect companions for a cozy dinner or meal prep rotation.
Keeping Your Soup Fresh and Delicious
Store leftover creamy cauliflower potato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I always make a big batch because it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded together.
When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. If the soup has thickened too much in the fridge, just add a splash of milk or vegetable broth to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
Pro tip: this soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then ladle it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. I recommend freezing in individual portions for easy weeknight dinners. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Your Cauliflower Soup Questions Answered
Can I make this creamy cauliflower potato soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the milk or cream with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk. Coconut milk gives the soup an extra creamy texture and a subtle sweetness that works really well.
Why is my soup too thin or too thick?
If your soup is too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid. If it’s too thick, stir in more broth or milk until you reach your preferred consistency. The thickness can vary based on how much liquid evaporates during cooking.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Yes! I sometimes add a chopped carrot or celery stalk with the onions for extra flavor. Just make sure any vegetables you add are cut small and cooked until very tender so they blend smoothly.
Time to Make This Comforting Bowl
This creamy cauliflower potato soup is one of those recipes that proves comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a restaurant-quality soup right in your own kitchen. The velvety texture, subtle herb flavors, and satisfying warmth make it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Try this recipe tonight and discover your new favorite soup!
Creamy Cauliflower Potato Soup
A velvety bowl of comfort combining earthy cauliflower and potatoes with aromatic herbs. Easy recipe ready in 40 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmer, Blend
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped fresh chives or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add cauliflower florets, diced potatoes, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until potatoes and cauliflower are very tender.
- Remove from heat and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy, or carefully transfer in batches to a blender. Return soup to pot if using regular blender.
- Stir in milk or heavy cream. Warm over low heat until heated through, but do not boil. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped chives or green onions if desired.
Notes
- For dairy-free version, substitute milk or cream with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk.
- Peeled potatoes give the soup the smoothest, most velvety finish.
- Add shredded cheese or crispy bacon bits for extra flavor.
- If soup is too thick after refrigeration, add a splash of milk or broth when reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg






