Bacon Cheddar Cauliflower Chowder is a hearty and comforting soup that is perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering. This chowder is loaded with cauliflower, bacon, cheese, and vegetables, making it a delicious and satisfying meal. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make this creamy and flavorful soup from scratch, so you can enjoy a bowl of warmth and goodness anytime.
Ingredients for Bacon Cheddar Cauliflower Chowder:
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 head cauliflower, chopped into small florets
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped chives or green onions, for garnish
How to Make Bacon Cheddar Cauliflower Chowder:
- Cook the Bacon:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the pot.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot with the bacon drippings. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
- Make the Base:
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, making sure there are no lumps.
- Add the chopped cauliflower florets to the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender.
- Blend the Soup:
- Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
- Add the Milk and Cheese:
- Stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Ladle the Bacon Cheddar Cauliflower Chowder into bowls and top with the crispy bacon pieces and chopped chives or green onions.
About the Main Ingredients:
Cauliflower: Cauliflower is the star of this chowder, providing a creamy texture and mild flavor. It is also packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy addition to your diet.
Bacon: Bacon adds a smoky and salty flavor to the chowder, complementing the creamy cauliflower base. It also provides a crispy texture that contrasts with the smoothness of the soup.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar cheese adds richness and depth of flavor to the chowder. It melts beautifully into the soup, creating a creamy and cheesy texture that is irresistible.
Bacon Cheddar Cauliflower Chowder is a delicious and comforting soup that is perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture, smoky bacon, and cheesy goodness, this chowder is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy it as a hearty main course or as a comforting side dish on a chilly day.
