Cauliflower Bacon Chowder is a thick, hearty soup with shredded cauliflower, turkey bacon, cheese, onions and celery. It's really delicious!
PREP: Whisk together 1 cup of chicken broth and 3 Tablespoons flour. Whisk until smooth; set aside for later.
PREP: Remove leaves around bottom of cauliflower. Holding onto the stalk, grate cauliflower using large holes on a hand or box grater.
Use a knife or kitchen scissors to cut bacon into small pieces. In large soup pot, cook bacon on medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon from pot; place on layers of paper towels, to drain off grease. Leave 1 Tablespoon of bacon grease in soup pot. Add chopped onion and celery; cook in bacon grease until they become tender (3-4 minutes). Now add the minced garlic. Continue to cook for 1 minute, stirring often, so garlic doesn't burn.
Put grated cauliflower into soup pot, along with 3 Tablespoons of water. Stir, to combine veggies, then put a lid on the pot. Let cauliflower "steam" (covered) for 5-6 minutes, stirring 2-3 times during steaming process. Once cauliflower is tender, add milk, plus remaining cup of chicken broth, and stir. Turn the heat up.
Whisk in reserved cup of chicken broth and flour mixture. Continue cooking chowder until it comes to a boil, whisking often. Once it begins boiling, turn heat down to LOW; let it simmer 3-4 minutes, or until mixture thickens. Remove pot from heat. Add grated cheddar cheese, hot sauce, and bacon. Stir until cheese has melted. Take a bite; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve and enjoy!
GARNISH: If desired, top each serving with additional bacon crumbles, sliced green onions, and grated cheese. (OPTIONAL, but a nice presentation.)
Caloric calculation made using turkey bacon and 2% milk.
Cauliflower Bacon Chowder https://www.thegratefulgirlcooks.com/cauliflower-bacon-chowder/