Print

Creamy Low-Carb Loaded Cauliflower Soup

low carb loaded cauliflower soup - featured image

A creamy, hearty, and low-carb cauliflower soup loaded with bacon, cheddar, and fresh herbs, perfect for cozy nights and easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head cauliflower, chopped into florets (about 6 cups)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups (950 ml) low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (4 ounces) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook 6 slices of bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp (about 8-10 minutes). Remove and drain on paper towels. Set aside. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
  2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add chopped cauliflower florets to the pot. Pour in 4 cups (950 ml) of low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until cauliflower is tender.
  4. Remove the pot from heat. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until mostly smooth but still with some texture. If using a countertop blender, blend in batches carefully.
  5. Return the blended soup to low heat. Stir in 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream and 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir gently until cheese melts completely, about 3-5 minutes. Do not boil.
  6. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika if desired and stir to combine.
  7. Stir in 1/2 cup sour cream for extra creaminess if desired. Ladle soup into bowls and top with crumbled bacon and sliced green onions.
  8. Serve immediately warm. Reheat gently over low heat if prepared in advance, stirring occasionally.

Notes

Do not overcook cauliflower to avoid mushy texture. Use an immersion blender for easier cleanup and control over soup texture. Melt cheese gently on low heat to prevent curdling. Bacon fat adds smoky depth when sautéing onions. If soup is too thick, add broth or water to loosen. For dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with canned coconut milk and cheddar with dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: low-carb soup, cauliflower soup, creamy soup, comfort food, keto soup, loaded soup, bacon soup, cheddar cheese soup