Sneak extra vegetables into your meals with this comforting bacon cauliflower chowder — yes, it has bacon, and yes, it makes everything better. This hearty chowder combines cauliflower with onions, carrots, celery and garlic for a satisfying bowl that feels indulgent without the heaviness of potato-based chowders. It’s the kind of warming soup that brings the family together on chilly evenings.
Is cauliflower a good substitute for potatoes?
In this recipe cauliflower replaces the potatoes you’d normally find in chowder. Cauliflower works well because its mild flavor and texture approximate the mouthfeel of potatoes when cooked, while cutting the carbohydrate content. Swapping cauliflower for potatoes makes the soup lighter but still hearty and comforting.
What makes bacon cauliflower chowder a chowder?
Chowder is typically a thick, chunky soup often served warm during cooler months. While many chowders use a creamy white base, some regional versions use tomato. This bacon cauliflower chowder uses a vegetable or chicken broth and milk combination, resulting in the familiar creamy appearance and chunky texture associated with chowder.
Cauliflower mimics the texture of potatoes and absorbs the flavors of the soup, so many eaters won’t notice the swap. Nutritionally, cauliflower is lower in carbs than potatoes — roughly 5 grams of carbs per cup for cauliflower versus about 26 grams per cup for potatoes — making this chowder a good option for those watching carbohydrate intake.
What does cauliflower taste like?
Cauliflower has a mild, neutral flavor that blends seamlessly into sauces and soups. In this chowder, coarsely chopped cauliflower becomes tender and takes on the savory notes of the broth, bacon and seasonings. It’s an easy vegetable to hide in dishes for picky eaters or anyone wanting to add nutrition without altering taste dramatically.
Have cauliflower left over? Try these recipes!
- Cauliflower Steaks
- Cauliflower and Shrimp Casserole
- Loaded Cauliflower Casserole
What should I eat when it’s cold outside?
Cold weather calls for warm, satisfying meals that restore comfort and energy. Good options include warm soups, chicken pot pie, bacon cheeseburger casserole, chicken taco casserole, grilled cheese with tomato soup, and chili. These dishes are comforting, filling, and perfect for warming up after time outdoors.
As the season turns colder, stock up on recipes that help warm the house and lift spirits. A bowl of this chowder is a simple, flavorful way to do that.
If you can’t make it right now, pin the recipe for later.
Pin it for Later!
How do I make bacon cauliflower chowder?
Gather the ingredients below and follow the step-by-step instructions. If you like, finish each bowl with shredded cheese or extra cooked bacon for added richness.
Bacon Cauliflower Chowder – Low Carb
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon, cut into pieces
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 to 4 carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 head cauliflower, stem removed and coarsely chopped
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium stock pot, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels.
- Add the onion, carrots and celery to the pot. Cook 3 to 5 minutes until softened, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in garlic and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add cauliflower, broth and milk. Bring to a boil, then simmer about 15 minutes or until the cauliflower is tender.
- Whisk in xanthan gum a little at a time to reach your desired thickness; the soup will thicken slightly as it cools.
- Serve topped with the cooked bacon and optional shredded cheese.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
-
Xanthum Gum -
Xanthum Gum
