Loaded Cauliflower Soup
Cozy Up with Creamy Cauliflower Soup: A Comfort Food Classic
Looking for a soup that’s both comforting and surprisingly healthy? Look no further than our Creamy Cauliflower Soup! This isn’t your average cauliflower soup; it’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for a chilly evening, a light lunch, or even a sophisticated appetizer, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
We start with the foundation of flavor – crispy bacon! The rendered bacon drippings infuse the entire soup with a smoky depth that elevates it beyond the ordinary. Then, a simple sauté of onions, celery, and garlic builds a fragrant base. The star of the show, of course, is the cauliflower, simmered until tender in chicken broth with fresh thyme.
But the real magic happens when everything is blended into a velvety smooth texture. A splash of whole milk adds extra creaminess, and the final touch – crumbled bacon and sharp cheddar cheese – takes this soup from delicious to decadent.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy to Make: Minimal prep time and straightforward instructions make this recipe perfect for busy weeknights.
- Comforting & Flavorful: The combination of smoky bacon, tender cauliflower, and creamy broth is pure comfort in a bowl.
- Healthy-ish: Cauliflower is packed with nutrients, making this a surprisingly healthy option.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a starter, a light lunch, or a hearty dinner.
Tips for the Best Creamy Cauliflower Soup:
- Don’t skimp on the bacon! It really makes a difference in the flavor.
- Use a good quality chicken broth. This will add depth and richness to the soup.
- Be careful when blending hot liquids. Vent the blender lid and cover with a towel to prevent splattering.
- Adjust the seasonings to your liking. Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or thyme.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes! You can make the soup up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.
- Can I freeze this soup? Yes, but the texture may change slightly. It’s best to freeze it before adding the milk and cheese.
- Is this soup vegetarian? Not as written, due to the bacon. You can easily omit the bacon and use butter or olive oil to sauté the vegetables for a vegetarian version.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even Parmesan would be delicious.
- How can I make this soup spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort! This Creamy Cauliflower Soup is sure to become a new family favorite.
Creamy Cauliflower Soup
Ingredients
- 8-10 slices Bacon
- 1 tablespoon Bacon drippings
- 1 medium Onion, chopped
- 1 medium Celery, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 head Cauliflower, chopped
- 6 cups Chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Fresh thyme leaves
- 3/4 cup Whole milk
- 1/2 cup Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven set over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, set aside, and pour off all but 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings from the pan.
- Add the chopped onion, celery, and garlic to the pan and drippings and cook, stirring frequently, until just beginning to become tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add the chopped cauliflower, the chicken broth, salt, pepper, and fresh thyme. Bring the broth to a boil; cover and reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the cauliflower is completely tender, about 15 minutes.
- Let the mixture cool slightly then carefully pour it into a blender. Add the whole milk. Attach the blender lid on top, removing the center piece of the lid to let steam escape. Cover that center opening with a towel, holding your hand over the towel, and process the soup mixture on low at first (gradually increasing the speed) until completely smooth, 1 to 2 minutes. Pour the smooth soup back into the Dutch oven on the stovetop and set it over medium heat to let it warm through, about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more salt and pepper, if needed
- Crumble the cooked bacon slices. Serve the soup in bowls topped with crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese.
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