Slow-Simmered Cauliflower and Bacon Soup
Velvety soup with tender cauliflower and smoky bacon, simmered to perfection without cream. This american-inspired soups (keto) ready in about 40 minutes pairs chopped bacon, chopped into small florets cauliflower, finely chopped onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 slices, chopped bacon
- 2 cups, chopped into small florets cauliflower
- 1/2 cup, finely chopped onion
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon, chopped fresh thyme
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot over medium heat, cook 4 chopped bacon slices until crisp (5-7 minutes). Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving 2 tablespoons bacon fat in the pot.
- Step 2: Add 1/2 cup finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the bacon fat. Sauté for 4 minutes until onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 cups chopped cauliflower florets and 3 cups chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 18 minutes until cauliflower is very tender.
- Step 4: Remove pot from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme. Return to low heat and warm for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Step 5: Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth (or transfer to a regular blender in batches, then return to pot). Stir in reserved crispy bacon before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Cauliflower and Bacon Soup take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Slow-Simmered Cauliflower and Bacon Soup?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chopped bacon from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Cauliflower and Bacon Soup?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Slow-Simmered Cauliflower and Bacon Soup for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Slow-Simmered Cauliflower and Bacon Soup keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Easy to make and very comforting. My family loved it, especially the kids who usually avoid vegetables.
- ★★★★★
This soup was a hit at my dinner party! The cauliflower was so creamy and the bacon added the perfect smoky flavor.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a cold evening. The bacon and cauliflower combo is genius. Made it for my wife and she loved it too.
