BACON CHEDDAR CAULIFLOWER CHOWDER RECIPE - (4.5/5)

Bacon Cheddar Cauliflower Chowder Recipe - (4.5/5) image

Provided by á-34796

Number Of Ingredients 14

8 slices center cut bacon, chopped, half used for garnish
1/2 small onion, chopped or 1 tseaspoon onion powder
1 celery stalk, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper
4 cups shredded or grated cauliflower (1/2 large head)
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups chicken broth, divided
2 cups 2% milk
4 dashes hot sauce, to taste
2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided, half used for garnish
2 green onions, chopped
Notes: Serves 8, 265 calories, 7 g. carbs, 15 g. protein per serving

Steps:

Whisk together flour and 1/4 cup chicken broth in a small bowl then set aside. Saute bacon in a large soup pot over medium heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate then remove all but 1 tablespoon drippings from the pot. Add chopped onion, if using celery, and garlic to the pot then season with salt and pepper and saute until vegetables are tender, about 4-5 minutes. Add cauliflower and onion powder (if using) to the pot then stir to combine. Add water then place a lid on top and steam cauliflower until tender, stirring a couple times, about 5-7 minutes. Add remaining chicken broth and milk then turn up heat and bring to a boil. Slowly whisk in flour/chicken broth mixture while stirring, then turn down heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until chowder has thickened. Turn off heat then stir in 2 cups cheddar cheese until smooth, then stir in half the cooked bacon. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and/or hot sauce if necessary. Serve topped with remaining shredded cheese, cooked bacon, and green onions, if desired. Use a food processor's chopping and grating blades to make prepping veggies and cheese a breeze!