Healthy, Homemade Creamy Cauliflower Bacon Soup Recipe

Discover the perfect harmony of flavors in this rich and comforting Creamy Cauliflower Bacon Soup. This delightful dish brings together the subtle sweetness of cauliflower with the smoky, savory notes of crispy bacon, all enveloped in a velvety smooth cream base.

Imagine a cozy diner where Cauliflower, Bacon, and Cream meet. Bacon, with his crispy charm, declares his destiny lies with Cauliflower. But Cream isn’t having it! A culinary tussle ensues, resulting in a soup so irresistibly smooth and flavorful, it’s like a taste of heaven in every spoonful.

This recipe is a testament to simplicity. We start by crisping up bacon to perfection, then use its rendered fat to sauté a medley of aromatics. Add in chicken stock, cream, and cauliflower, let it simmer to tenderness, and then blend it all into silky perfection. A garnish of crispy bacon and fresh scallions is the finishing touch to this bowl of comfort.

Whether you’re looking for a hearty lunch, a warming dinner, or an impressive starter for your next dinner party, this Creamy Cauliflower and Bacon Soup is sure to hit the spot. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure!

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound sliced bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 6 scallions, white and pale green parts only, thinly sliced
• 4 medium cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 quart homemade or store-bought low-sodium chicken stock, plus more as needed
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Start by heating the bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Stir constantly until the bacon is perfectly crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the flavorful fat in the Dutch oven.
2. Now, it’s time to build our flavor base. Add the onions, half of the scallions, and garlic to the bacon fat. Cook this aromatic mixture, stirring constantly and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Keep at it until the onion softens and becomes translucent, which should take about 5 minutes.
3. Next, we’ll bring all our main ingredients together. Pour in the chicken stock, add the bay leaves, half-and-half (or cream if you’re feeling indulgent), and the cauliflower florets. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pot and let it simmer until the cauliflower is completely tender, which typically takes about 30 minutes.
4. Time for the transformation! Working in batches, carefully transfer the soup to a blender and blend until it’s silky smooth. If you’re after an extra-smooth consistency, you might want to pass the blended soup through a fine-mesh strainer. If the soup seems too thick, gradually whisk in additional hot chicken stock, 1/2 cup at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Give it a final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
5. Serve your creamy masterpiece hot, garnished with the crispy bacon pieces and remaining scallions. Watch as your guests’ eyes light up with the first spoonful!

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. You can add a splash of liquid smoke for that smoky flavor.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can use milk instead of cream or half-and-half.
• This soup freezes well, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch for future quick meals.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Cauliflower and Bacon Soup is a meal in itself, but it also pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad and a chunk of crusty bread for dipping. For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Variations

Feel free to experiment with this versatile recipe. Try adding some grated cheddar cheese for a cheesy twist, or stir in some cooked, diced potatoes for extra heartiness. You could also sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs like thyme or parsley over the top for a burst of freshness.

Low-carb,Pescatarian,Gluten-free