Hearty Broccoli Cauliflower Cheese Soup with Bacon Recipe

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of broccoli cauliflower cheese soup sprinkled with crispy bacon bits.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with robust flavors that dance across your palate.

Seasonal vegetables create a hearty foundation for this luxurious blend.

Bacon adds a smoky crunch that elevates every spoonful beyond ordinary soup expectations.

Silky smooth yet packed with nutritious ingredients, this recipe promises warmth and satisfaction.

Hearty enough for chilly evenings, light enough for midday lunches, the soup beckons you to savor each delightful bite.

Flavor Twists For Cheese Soup

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace bacon with smoked tofu or crispy tempeh bits for a plant-based protein alternative that adds crunch and smoky flavor.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap regular cheese with nutritional yeast and coconut cream to create a creamy, lactose-free version that maintains rich taste and texture.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Use heavy cream instead of regular cream and choose full-fat cheese to increase fat content, making the soup compatible with ketogenic dietary requirements.
• Low-Sodium Variation: Utilize low-sodium chicken broth, reduce added salt, and incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or chives to enhance flavor without increasing sodium levels.

Suggested Pairings For Broccoli Cauliflower Soup

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Serve the soup in deep, rustic ceramic bowls to capture its warm, hearty essence and make each serving feel special.
• Crispy Bacon Topping: Sprinkle the reserved bacon bits generously on top for a delightful crunch and smoky flavor that elevates the creamy soup.
• Cheesy Side Companion: Pair with crusty sourdough bread or crispy garlic crostini to soak up the rich, cheesy broth and add extra texture to the meal.
• Green Herb Finish: Garnish with fresh chopped chives or parsley to bring a bright, fresh note that cuts through the soup's richness and adds a pop of color.

Proper Storage For Cheese Soup

• Transfer soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing bacon separately as it may become soggy.
• Thaw frozen soup in refrigerator overnight. Warm in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add splash of chicken broth to restore original consistency if needed.
• Pour soup into microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Top with fresh crispy bacon crumbles after reheating to maintain crunchiness.

FAQs

• Is this soup keto-friendly?

Yes, this soup is low-carb and keto-friendly due to its high-fat ingredients like cream, cheese, and bacon, and low-carb vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, replace bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar flavor, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

• What type of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar cheese provides the best flavor, but you can also use a blend of cheddar and monterey jack for a creamy, rich taste.

• How can I make the soup thicker?

Add extra cheese or a small amount of cream cheese to increase thickness, or use an immersion blender to partially blend some vegetables for a creamier texture.

Reasons To Love Broccoli Cauliflower Soup

• Savor Quick Comfort: This hearty soup delivers rich flavors with minimal kitchen effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Nutrition: Packed with vegetables and protein, the recipe offers a balanced meal that satisfies both health-conscious and comfort food lovers.
• Versatile One-Pot Wonder: Prepare everything in a single pot, reducing cleanup and making mealtime stress-free for busy home cooks.
• Customizable Flavor Boost: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting spices, cheese types, or bacon crispiness to suit individual preferences.

Ingredients For Broccoli Cauliflower Cheese Soup

• Broccoli: A nutrient-rich green vegetable that adds freshness and color to the soup.
• Cauliflower: A mild-flavored vegetable that provides a creamy texture and extra nutrition.

• Bacon: A crispy, flavorful meat that adds a smoky crunch to the soup.
• Chicken Broth: A savory liquid base that enhances the overall depth of flavor.
• Butter: A rich ingredient that contributes to the soup's creamy consistency.
• Cream: A smooth dairy product that makes the soup luxuriously rich.
• Cheese: A melty ingredient that provides a tangy and creamy element to the soup.

• Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Thyme: A blend of dried herbs and spices that add aromatic depth to the soup.
• Salt, Ground Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the soup's overall taste.
• Water: A neutral liquid that helps create the soup's desired consistency.

How To Make Broccoli Cauliflower Soup

Step 1: Sizzle and Crisp the Bacon

Cook bacon in a large skillet until perfectly crispy.

Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.

Chop the bacon into small, delectable pieces and set aside for later garnishing.

Step 2: Blend Aromatic Spice Mix

Create a flavor-packed spice blend by combining onion powder, garlic powder, and dried thyme in a small mixing bowl.

This will be your secret weapon for adding depth to the soup.

Step 3: Simmer Vegetable Base

Pour water and chicken broth into a large pot.

Add fresh cauliflower and broccoli florets.

Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and ground black pepper.

Cover and let the vegetables simmer gently for 4-5 minutes until they start to soften but remain vibrant.

Step 4: Enrich and Melt

Introduce butter and cream to the simmering vegetables, stirring to create a luxurious base.

Gradually add shredded cheese, stirring slowly until it melts completely.

Fold in two-thirds of the chopped bacon.

Sprinkle the prepared spice mix throughout the soup.

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Final Gentle Simmer

Reduce heat to low and let the soup continue simmering for 5-8 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the creamy soup into serving bowls.

Top with remaining crispy bacon bits and an extra sprinkle of cheese if desired.

Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness!

Tips For Perfect Broccoli Cauliflower Soup

• Cook bacon until perfectly crispy, ensuring a delightful crunch and maximum flavor in every bite.
• Combine onion powder, garlic powder, and thyme beforehand to create a harmonious seasoning mix that elevates the soup's taste profile.
• Simmer broccoli and cauliflower briefly to retain nutrients and prevent overcooking, maintaining a tender yet vibrant texture.
• Stir cheese slowly and gently to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency without creating lumps or burning the base.
• Sprinkle remaining bacon and extra cheese on top just before serving to add texture, visual appeal, and an extra layer of deliciousness.

Broccoli Cauliflower Cheese Soup with Bacon Recipe

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4.9 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy broccoli cauliflower cheese soup with bacon brings comfort to cold days, melding rich flavors in one delightful bowl. Crispy bacon bits and melted cheese elevate this hearty soup, promising warmth and satisfaction with each spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Vegetables:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) cauliflower (cut in florets)
• 0.5 pounds (227 grams) broccoli (cut in florets)

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Proteins and Seasonings:

• 5 slices bacon
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare bacon in a skillet until crisp and golden, then remove from fat, chop into bits, and set aside for later garnishing.
2. Create a spice blend by combining onion powder, garlic powder, and thyme in a small mixing bowl.
3. Pour water and chicken broth into a large pot, then add chopped cauliflower and broccoli. Season with salt and black pepper, then cover and simmer at medium heat for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender.
4. Introduce butter and cream to the simmering vegetables, stirring thoroughly to incorporate. Gradually add cheese, melting slowly while stirring to create a smooth consistency.
5. Mix in approximately two-thirds of the prepared bacon pieces and sprinkle the pre-mixed herb blend into the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup gently simmer for an additional 5-8 minutes, stirring intermittently to prevent scorching.
7. Ladle the creamy soup into serving bowls, garnishing with remaining crispy bacon bits and optional extra cheese on top. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Choose thick-cut bacon for extra crunch and robust flavor that enhances the soup’s overall richness.
• Gradually add cheese while stirring to prevent clumping and create a smooth, creamy texture.
• Replace bacon and chicken broth with vegetable broth and crispy mushroom or tempeh “bacon” for a plant-based version.
• Adjust soup thickness by adding more broth if too thick or simmering longer to reduce if too thin.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg