Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of Cheesy Cauliflower Soup, a comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings or cozy gatherings. Bursting with savory flavors and velvety textures, this soup is sure to warm you up from the inside out. Join us as we explore how to make this delectable soup from scratch, along with tips, variations, and answers to your most frequently asked questions!
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 small head cauliflower, finely chopped (main stem removed)
- 3 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ⅔ cup panko bread crumbs
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup whipping cream
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley or chives
Instructions:
- Saute the Aromatics:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Saute until the vegetables are tender, about 5-6 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Cook the Cauliflower:
- Add the chopped cauliflower to the pot, along with the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the cauliflower is tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Prepare the Bacon Crumbs:
- In a separate skillet, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve the bacon fat in the skillet for later use.
- Make the Roux:
- In the same skillet with the reserved bacon fat, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the panko bread crumbs and cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the bread crumb mixture and cook, stirring constantly, for an additional 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Add the Cheese and Seasonings:
- Slowly pour in the whipping cream, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Season the cheese sauce with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve:
- Once the cauliflower is tender, carefully transfer half of the soup to a blender and puree until smooth. Return the pureed soup to the pot and stir to combine. If desired, you can use an immersion blender directly in the pot to puree the soup.
- Stir in the cheese sauce until well incorporated. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Serve the Cheesy Cauliflower Soup hot, garnished with crispy bacon crumbs and a sprinkle of dried parsley or chives. Enjoy the comforting and indulgent flavors!
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Make it Vegetarian:
- Omit the bacon and bacon fat to make this soup vegetarian-friendly. You can enhance the flavor by adding a dash of smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a smoky depth.
- Add More Veggies:
- Feel free to add additional vegetables to the soup, such as broccoli, spinach, or diced potatoes, for added texture and nutrition.
- Use Different Cheese:
- Experiment with different types of cheese to customize the flavor of the soup. Gouda, gruyere, or Swiss cheese would make delicious alternatives to cheddar.
- Low Carb Version:
- To make a low-carb version of this soup, omit the panko bread crumbs and flour. Instead, use a low-carb thickener such as xanthan gum or a small amount of almond flour.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh? A: Yes, you can substitute frozen cauliflower for fresh in this recipe. Simply thaw the cauliflower before adding it to the soup, and adjust the cooking time as needed until it’s tender.
Q: How can I make this soup keto-friendly? A: To make this soup keto-friendly, use a low-carb thickener such as xanthan gum instead of flour. Additionally, choose a full-fat whipping cream and ensure that all ingredients are low in carbohydrates.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: While this soup can be frozen, the texture may change slightly upon thawing and reheating. If you do choose to freeze it, store it in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months and reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Q: What can I serve with Cheesy Cauliflower Soup? A: This soup pairs well with crusty bread, garlic knots, or a simple side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Cheesy Cauliflower Soup is a comforting and indulgent dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture, savory flavors, and delightful garnishes, it’s sure to warm your heart and soul with every spoonful. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner at home or entertaining guests, this soup is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and experience the comforting goodness of Cheesy Cauliflower Soup today!
More Tips and Tricks:
- Garnish with Croutons:
- For added crunch, top the soup with homemade or store-bought croutons just before serving. The contrast in texture will elevate the overall dining experience.
- Make it Spicy:
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the soup for a spicy kick. Adjust the amount according to your heat preference.
- Double the Batch:
- This recipe can easily be doubled to feed a larger crowd or to have leftovers for future meals. Simply adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly and enjoy the convenience of a ready-made meal whenever you need it!
