I start by preheating the oven to 400°F because roasting is where the magic happens. Then I toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. I roast them until golden brown and slightly crispy for maximum flavor.
In a large pot, I heat olive oil and sauté diced onions until soft and slightly sweet. Then I add garlic and fresh thyme, letting the aroma develop for about a minute. This step creates the deep savory base for the soup.
I add broth and roasted cauliflower into the pot and let everything simmer together. After about 20 minutes, I blend it until smooth or slightly chunky, depending on preference. Then I stir in shredded aged white cheddar until it melts into a creamy texture.