*This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Sargento. The opinions and text are all mine.
Roasted Cauliflower Cheese Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons is a mouth-watering flavor combination that’s sure to be remembered!
We all love Comfort Food in the winter time and nothing speaks comfort food to me like a warm bowl of savory soup; loaded up with veggies and cheese. Mmmmm hmmm. Then we’re going to take it right over the top with the crunch of grilled cheese croutons. Magical.
Oh my!
I love when my creativity is challenged to come up with a recipe incorporating certain ingredients… it’s so much fun. You can join in on the fun too! Just create a recipe from the “Secret Basket” ingredients- Sargento Sharp Cheddar Fine Cut, Cauliflower, Crimini Mushrooms, and Leeks.
Then snap a photo and submit your creation for a chance to win! Here’s some more information…
Food Network Chopped At Home Challenge with Sargento®
Round Theme: Comfort Food
Required Sargento Product: Sharp Cheddar Fine Cut
Required Ingredients: Cauliflower, Crimini Mushrooms, Leeks
Submit your recipe to FoodNetwork.com/ChoppedChallenge for the chance to win $5,000 and a trip to New York City to compete in a televised Chopped cooking challenge for a $10,000 grand prize
Did you know that Sargento is available in 30 versatile varieties, unique blends and distinct cuts, Sargento Shredded Cheese is always cut from blocks of 100% real, natural cheese.
Roasted Cauliflower Cheese Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons
Ingredients
- Roasted Cauliflower:
- 8 cups cauliflower medium size florets approx 1 1/2 heads
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust according desired heat
- Soup Base:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 leeks using the white stalks- thinly sliced (approx 1/2 cup sliced)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken stock
- 1 cup sliced crimini mushrooms
- 32 ounces chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 12 ounces evaporated milk
- 1 1/2 cup milk I used 1% milk
- 1 8 ounce package Sargento Sharp Cheddar Fine Cut
- salt and pepper to taste
- Grilled Cheese Croutons:
- 4 slices white french country bread
- 1/2 cup Sargento Sharp Cheddar Fine Cut
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Roasted Cauliflower:
- Preheat oven 450 degrees F.
- In a mixing bowl toss cauliflower florets, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Evenly distribute onto rimmed baking sheet.
- Bake 20-25 minutes or until nicely roasted, stirring once.
- Soup Base:
- In a large stock pot, add 2 tablespoons olive oil and heat over medium high.
- Once oil is almost smoking add leeks, saute 2-3 minutes until fragrant and browned.
- Add garlic and cook 1 minute; stirring constantly.
- To deglaze pan: add white wine, while stirring and scraping up bits off the bottom of pot.
- Add mushrooms and cook 2 minutes, stirring.
- Add chicken broth and reduce heat to medium low.
- Allow to simmer until cauliflower is roasted.
- Add cauliflower to pot and stir.
- Blend half of vegetable mixture in high efficiency blender until creamy and smooth.
- (I like to blend twice to achieve a really smooth mouth feel)
- Return to stock pot and simmer over low.
- In a medium size sauce pan, over medium high heat; add 2 tablespoons butter and melt.
- Whisk in flour slowly and cook, stirring constantly for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in both milks, bring to simmer then add cheese; stir until melted.
- Add to stock pot; stir to incorporate.
- Grilled Cheese Croutons:
- Butter one side of each slice of bread.
- Place one slice, butter side down on hot skillet, add shredded cheese, top with additional slice bread- butter side up.
- Cook 2 minutes, turn and repeat.
- Remove from heat and cut into 1/2 inch size cubes.
- Ladle soup into serving bowls with additional shredded cheese and croutons to garnish.
- Enjoy!
Don’t be shy… create some of your own magic with Sargento and the Food Network Chopped At Home Challenge !
I can’t tell you how amazing this Roasted Cauliflower Cheese Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons tastes! You’ll completely adore it.
Happy Wednesday!
Much Love and Peace~
Ruthie
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Sargento. The opinions and text are all mine.
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