Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets (about 1 pound or 6-8 cups of florets)
- 3 large carrots, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon rubbed sage
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 12 ounces thick-cut bacon, diced
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- dash of smoked paprika, optional
- 32 ounces chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces shredded sharp white cheddar cheese + more for garnish
- Kosher salt
- fresh cracked pepper
- sliced chives + crispy breadcrumb topping + pumpkin seeds for garnish
Instructions
- HEAT IT UP: Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- PREP & ROAST VEGGIES: Add cauliflower and carrots to a large baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with rubbed sage, Italian seasoning, and a few large pinches of salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly and roast for 30-35 minutes or until the broccoli and carrots are fork-tender and the edges of the veggies have a bit of char.
- COOK BACON: While the veg is roasting, heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a plate, leaving the grease in the pan. Discard all but a couple tablespoons of bacon grease.
- AROMATICS: Add onion and a couple pinches of salt and pepper to the bacon grease and reduce heat to medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6-8 minutes. Add garlic, a dash of smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook, stirring frequently, for another minute.
- BLEND BABY BLEND: Transfer cooked onion and garlic to a blender along with the roasted cauliflower, carrots, about 3 cups of chicken stock, and a couple very generous pinches of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Then transfer back to the large pot.
- MAKE IT CREAMY: Add Dijon mustard, heavy cream, and shredded cheese over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the cheese is melted.
- A HIT OF ACID: Stir in a splash of champagne vinegar. Then season to taste with salt and pepper.
- GARNISH: Top soup with a spoonful of cream, crispy bacon, shredded cheese, sliced chives, and crispy breadcrumb topping.
- THANK YOU: If you loved this recipe, let me know! Leave a comment and 5-star rating below!
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the roasting pan. Spread veggies in an even layer so they caramelize instead of steaming.
- Blend in batches if needed, and don’t overfill your blender.
- Taste before serving. The final splash of acid makes a huge difference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish - Soup
- Method: Oven + Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
