Description
Loaded Cauliflower Soup is a hearty and creamy dish that transforms cauliflower into a comforting meal. This low-carb, healthy soup is rich in flavor with savory bacon, shredded cheese, and fresh chives. It is perfect for a cozy evening or entertaining guests, offering a satisfying experience without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large head of cauliflower, chopped into florets
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped chives or green onions for garnish
- Optional: Additional toppings like sour cream, extra cheese, or croutons
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Once done, remove the bacon pieces and set them aside. Leave a small amount of drippings in the pot for added flavor.
- Sauté the Onion: In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and allow it to cook for an additional minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the pot, stirring to mix with the onion and garlic.
- Add Broth: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, ensuring the cauliflower is submerged. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender.
- Blend the Soup: Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend only half.
- Stir in Cream and Cheese: Add the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
- Season: Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust seasonings as necessary.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, topping each with the crispy bacon and garnishing with chopped chives or green onions.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor in your loaded cauliflower soup.
- Season gradually, tasting as you go, to achieve your desired flavor profile.
- Garnish generously with fresh chives or green onions for enhanced appearance and freshness.
- Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique twist on this cheesy loaded cauliflower soup.
- Enhance this hearty cauliflower soup by adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley just before serving.
- This healthy loaded cauliflower soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- You can use frozen cauliflower; just thaw and drain it before adding to the soup.
- This easy loaded cauliflower soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
- Ensure broth and toppings are gluten-free for a gluten-free loaded cauliflower soup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering, Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: N/A