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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare bacon in a skillet until crisp and golden, then remove from fat, chop into bits, and set aside for later garnishing.
- Create a spice blend by combining onion powder, garlic powder, and thyme in a small mixing bowl.
- 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.
- Introduce butter and cream to the simmering vegetables, stirring thoroughly to incorporate. Gradually add cheese, melting slowly while stirring to create a smooth consistency.
- 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.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup gently simmer for an additional 5-8 minutes, stirring intermittently to prevent scorching.
- 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