This creamy cauliflower bacon soup is hearty and flavorful without being overly rich.
Creamy Cauliflower Bacon Soup
I’ve been on a major cauliflower kick recently. Maybe I’m weird but I love simply eating it raw dipped in a bit of white bean hummus or even some sweet chili sauce. It has such a great snappy texture and neutral flavor. It also makes some of the best soup. Every time I made cauliflower soup I declare it one of my favorites. The texture is thick, creamy and silky and it absorbs other flavors so well. It really is the perfect ingredient for making a “cream” soup without the cream.
You would never know that this soup has no cream. I did add some 2% milk at the end to thin it out but the recipe can easily be made dairy free by using soy or almond milk. The bacon fat adds a smoky richness that compliments the cauliflower perfectly. Garnishing the soup with more bacon adds that salty meaty flavor that really does make everything better.
Recipe Tip
Creamy Cauliflower Bacon Soup
Ingredients
- 4 strips bacon
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 4 ribs celery, chopped
- 1 head cauliflower, chopped
- 3 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade
- 3 sprigs thyme
- 1 cup 2% milk
- kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large dutch oven, render the fat from the bacon over low heat. Once there's a good amount of fat in the pan, turn the heat up slightly and cook the bacon until crisp. Remove it to drain on paper towels. Discard all but approximately 2-3 tablespoons of the bacon fat.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic and celery to the pan with a pinch of salt and sweat the vegetables for several minutes on medium-low heat. Once they're soft, add the cauliflower and turn up the heat to medium. Cook the vegetables for a few more minutes, stirring periodically, until the cauliflower has softened up. Add the chicken stock and thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover the pot and lower the heat. Allow the soup to simmer on low heat for 45 minutes.
- Remove the thyme stems and carefully ladle the soup into a blender. Puree until silky. Return the soup to the pot and add the milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Reheat the reserved bacon briefly, dice finely and use it to garnish each bowl of soup.
Please read my full post for additional recipe notes, tips, and serving suggestions!
Nutrition
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Jessica says
This soup looks incredible – I’m going to try it and just not tell The Mr. what’s in it (he *thinks* he hates cauliflower)! Yum.
Jennifer Farley says
They always think they hate something until they realize they don’t. Mine is like that with eggplant. This will win over any cauliflower skeptic.
Grubarazzi (@Grubarazzi) says
This soup is right up my alley! What type of non-dairy milk would you suggest in this soup? I’m thinking almond milk might work?
Jennifer Farley says
I think almond or soy would work well. I tend to think of almond milk as having a more neutral flavor and soy of having a creamier consistency. It depends which you prefer.
natalie @ wee eats says
I *LOVE* cauliflower soup and am so excited to see a recipe that isn’t filled to the top with butter and cream! Finally a creamy soup that I can feel good about eating :)
Nutmeg Nanny says
This soup looks amazing! I love creamy and smooth it looks. Plus, who wouldn’t love the addition of bacon?
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
I just finished up the last of my cauliflower soup leftovers and now I’m craving some with bacon in it! That would be such a delicious combo :)
Kate@Diethood says
Holy Moses that is GOOOOOD! With bacon?! Come to me!
I’m crazy about cauliflower, too, but I can’t do it raw… it has to be creamed or souped or drenched in creamy dressing :-D
Valerie says
I love raw cauliflower too! Not a fan of broccoli though… *shiver* I’d give just about anything for a bowl of this soup right now!!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
I love creamy soups without the cream!
Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic says
I have some cauliflower at home that is now begging to be made into this soup!
Cookin' Canuck says
This looks so comforting and creamy. I love how cauliflower soup can take on such a rich texture without be laden with fat.
Liz says
Cauliflower with thyme and bacon…sounds just about perfect to me. Love your soup!!!
David Ellis says
As soon as I saw the words creamy cauliflower bacon soup” in the subject column of my email I was hooked. I knew I’d have to make this. I’m on holiday right now, but as soon as we land back home I’m off to the market to get the stuff. Can’t wait.
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
I make something really similar during winter and I think it was one of my most popular recipes! I think when it’s cold, the idea of a creamy but not fattening soup is very appealing :D
Monet says
Not weird at all! I love cauliflower too…raw or cooked. And I’m sure it is especially delicious in this soup. Love the bacon! Thank you for sharing sweet friend. I’m nursing a bit of a cold, and this post warmed me right up. I hope you are having a happy end to your week!
Jennifer Farley says
I hope you feel better ASAP, Monet!
Jennifer @ Mother Thyme says
This soup looks divine! Looks so rich and creamy without all the cream. Such a great addition of the bacon and fresh thyme in this soup. Would love to cozy up with a bowl of this on a chilly day.