Indulge in the warmth and comfort of a luscious Cheesy Cauliflower Soup that’s been lovingly crafted to tantalize your taste buds. This soul-soothing creation combines the delightful medley of onions, celery, carrots, and garlic, harmoniously mingling with finely chopped cauliflower in a creamy cheddar-infused broth. Topped with a generous serving of crispy bacon and buttery breadcrumbs, it’s a symphony of flavors that’ll make your heart sing.
As we welcome the soup season, this recipe emerges as an autumnal favorite, and for good reason. A steaming bowl of this soup can stand on its own as a hearty meal, but we like to elevate the experience by pairing it with our delectable Easy Sweet Maple Dinner Rolls or Cornbread.
Let’s embark on the journey of crafting this Cheesy Cauliflower Soup masterpiece:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery ribs, coarsely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist)
- 1 small head of cauliflower, finely chopped, with the main stem removed
- 3 slices of bacon, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2/3 cup of panko bread crumbs
- 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 3 cups of finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning for that extra kick
- Kosher salt and black pepper to your taste
- 1/2 cup of whipping cream
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried parsley or chives to garnish
Instructions:
- Begin your culinary adventure by heating the olive oil in a Dutch oven or a generously sized stockpot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions, celery, and carrots, and let them dance in the warmth until the onions and celery turn tender, which should take about 7-10 minutes. Now, reduce the heat and introduce the minced garlic, and let it mingle with the other aromatics for a minute, ensuring constant stirring.
- Pour in the chicken broth and the finely chopped cauliflower, and let the magic unfold as the pot reaches a gentle boil. Allow the cauliflower to tenderize, and this should take approximately 15 minutes.
- While your soup simmers and fills the kitchen with heavenly scents, it’s time to prepare the bacon. In a small skillet over medium heat, crisp up those bacon pieces. Once they’ve reached perfection, add the butter to the skillet, allowing it to melt and join forces with any residual bacon fat. Now, sprinkle in the panko breadcrumbs and continue cooking, stirring diligently, until they turn gloriously golden. Set this irresistible mixture aside.
- To lend the soup a creamy thickness, draw about 1 cup of the hot broth and whisk it together with the all-purpose flour. Then, gently whisk this blend back into the soup, watching it thicken slightly. Lower the heat, and, like a symphony conductor, whisk in the shredded cheese, one cup at a time, until it’s a velvety concoction. If you prefer a thicker consistency, consider using an immersion blender or a stand blender to create a lusciously smooth base.
- For that extra flair, stir in the Cajun seasoning, seasoning the soup with salt and pepper to your heart’s content. Now, gracefully introduce the whipping cream, bringing a rich, luxurious texture to your creation. Top it off with a sprinkling of dried parsley or chives and a dash of the bacon breadcrumb mixture, et voilà!
Tips and Tricks:
- When dealing with the cauliflower, focus on the florets, avoiding the tough main stem.
- Simmer the cauliflower until it’s fork-tender, allowing the fork to glide through with ease.
- Opt for a good-quality cheddar cheese, using the finer side of your grater for quick and easy melting.
- Should you desire a thicker base, the magic of an immersion blender or stand blender can work wonders. Just remember to let the steam escape if using a stand blender by removing the fill cap on the lid.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days, easily reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- For long-term indulgence, freeze your Cheesy Cauliflower Soup in heavy-duty freezer bags or sturdy containers for up to three months, with a gentle defrost in the refrigerator overnight.
In conclusion, this Cheesy Cauliflower Soup is the epitome of comfort, designed to warm your soul and please your palate. Whether as a stand-alone delight or paired with complementary dishes, it’s an autumn essential that’ll make you fall in love with the art of soup-making all over again. Enjoy the enchantment of each spoonful!
image source: small town woman
