Keto Cauliflower & Bacon Chowder Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade keto cauliflower & bacon chowder with this easy baking recipe. This creamy, low-carb comfort food combines crispy bacon, tender cauliflower, and rich cheese for a satisfying meal that's perfect for cold days. Simple techniques create restaurant-quality results!

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

30 mins

Serves:

6 bowls

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">8 strips bacon, chopped</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">60g unsalted butter</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 medium onion, finely diced</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 cloves garlic, minced</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">800g cauliflower, cut into small florets</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">750ml chicken stock</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">250ml heavy cream</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">150g cheddar cheese, shredded</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">50g cream cheese, softened</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp dried thyme</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp xanthan gum (optional, for thickening)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Salt and black pepper to taste</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)</li> </ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size:

🔥 Calories:

🥑 Fat:

🧈 Saturated Fat:

🍞 Carbohydrates:

🍭 Sugar:

🍗 Protein:

🫀 Cholesterol:

🧂 Sodium:

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Immersion blender (or countertop blender)</li> </ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Place a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. The slow rendering of bacon fat creates a flavorful base for the entire soup. Remove about 2 tablespoons of the crispy bacon and set aside for garnish. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Add butter to the pot with the remaining bacon and bacon fat. When melted, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Cooking the aromatics in fat helps release their flavors into the base of the soup. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Add the cauliflower florets to the pot and stir to coat with the fat mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the cauliflower to pick up all the delicious flavors. The edges should start to soften slightly. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, or until the cauliflower is fork-tender. The tenderness of the cauliflower will determine the final texture of your chowder. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Remove the pot from heat. Using an immersion blender, partially blend the soup, leaving some cauliflower pieces intact for texture. If using a countertop blender, transfer about half the soup, blend until smooth, then return to the pot. This creates the perfect balance between creamy and chunky textures. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Return the pot to low heat and stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and dried thyme. Gently warm until the cheeses have fully melted, creating a velvety texture. Don't allow the soup to boil after adding dairy, as this can cause separation. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> If you prefer a thicker consistency, sprinkle the xanthan gum over the surface and whisk immediately to incorporate. Allow to simmer for 2-3 minutes - xanthan gum works as a low-carb thickener by forming a gel-like network in liquids. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember that bacon and cheese both contribute saltiness, so taste before adding additional salt. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4> Serve the chowder hot, garnished with the reserved crispy bacon bits and fresh chopped chives. The contrast between the creamy soup and crispy bacon creates a delightful textural experience with each spoonful. </li> </ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Keto Cauliflower & Bacon Chowder Recipe?

This keto chowder features bacon, butter, onion, garlic, cauliflower, chicken stock, heavy cream, cheddar and cream cheese, dried thyme, optional xanthan gum for thickening, salt, pepper, and fresh chives for garnish. Every ingredient is low-carb to maintain ketogenic macros.

How to cook Keto Cauliflower & Bacon Chowder Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Keto Cauliflower & Bacon Chowder by first crisping bacon in a Dutch oven, then sautéing onions and garlic in the rendered fat. Add cauliflower florets, simmer in chicken stock until tender, partially blend, then stir in cream and cheeses. The result is a velvety, chunky soup that's richly flavoured yet keto-friendly.

Can I make this low-carb chowder in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the bacon and sauté the aromatics first, then transfer to a slow cooker with cauliflower and broth. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, then blend partially. Add dairy during the last 30 minutes. This method deepens flavours while maintaining the keto-friendly profile.

Is cauliflower chowder suitable for meal prep and freezing?

Cauliflower chowder freezes beautifully for meal prep. Cool completely before portioning into airtight containers, leaving expansion room. Freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently to prevent cream separation. The texture remains velvety with minimal impact on flavour.

How can I thicken my keto soup without adding carbs?

For a thicker keto soup without carbs, use xanthan gum (¼-½ teaspoon), sprinkled slowly while whisking to prevent clumps. Alternatively, try reducing the liquid through longer simmering, adding extra cheese, or blending more of the cauliflower for natural thickening.

Want to try something else in ...