Smoky Gouda Cauliflower Soup with Chives

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich, velvety soup made with riced cauliflower and smoked Gouda, finished with fresh chives for a comforting keto option. This mediterranean-inspired keto (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs cauliflower, unsalted butter, shallot 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 low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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.

★ 4.3 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped shallot and cook for 3 minutes until translucent, stirring frequently.
  2. Step 2: Stir in riced cauliflower and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. Step 3: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes until cauliflower is very tender.
  4. Step 4: Transfer half the soup to a blender and puree until smooth. Return to the saucepan.
  5. Step 5: Stir in shredded smoked Gouda and heavy cream. Cook over low heat for 5 minutes until cheese is fully melted and soup is thickened, stirring constantly.
  6. Step 6: Season with black pepper and chopped chives. Simmer uncovered for 2 minutes to meld flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Gouda Cauliflower Soup with Chives take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 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 Smoky Gouda Cauliflower Soup with Chives?

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 cauliflower from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Gouda Cauliflower Soup with Chives?

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 Smoky Gouda Cauliflower Soup with Chives 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 Smoky Gouda Cauliflower Soup with Chives vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying

Related recipes