Description
A rich, creamy, and smoky one-pot soup made with cauliflower, bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights and kid-approved.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6–8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 large head cauliflower chopped into florets (or 2 bags frozen florets)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (optional)
- Extra shredded cheddar for topping
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, crumble, and set aside, saving half for topping.
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add minced garlic, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in chicken broth and add cauliflower florets. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until cauliflower is fork-tender.
- Remove pot from heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, blend in batches in a regular blender.
- Return pot to low heat. Stir in heavy cream. Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and top with reserved crumbled bacon, extra cheddar, and fresh chives.
- Serve immediately with crusty bread or crackers.
Notes
Shred your own cheese to prevent clumping. Do not boil the soup after adding cheese and cream to avoid separation. Save a tablespoon of bacon fat for extra flavor. This soup does not freeze well if dairy is added; freeze before adding cheese and cream if necessary.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 16
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 18
Keywords: cheesy cauliflower soup, bacon soup, weeknight dinner, one pot meal, comfort food, easy soup, family friendly