Are you ready to indulge in a creamy, dreamy bowl of comfort that won’t derail your low-carb lifestyle? Look no further than this Instant Pot Loaded Cauliflower Soup! Packed with rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this soup is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a delicious meal that will impress your family and friends while keeping your carb count in check. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to enjoy a guilt-free treat that’s loaded with all your favorite toppings!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by washing and chopping cauliflower into small, uniform florets. Finely dice the onion and set aside.
- Turn on Instant Pot and select the Sauté function. Add a small amount of oil and sauté chopped onions until translucent and slightly softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add chopped cauliflower florets to the Instant Pot and stir to combine with onions.
- Pour vegetable broth over the cauliflower and onions, ensuring all vegetables are mostly submerged. Season with salt and pepper.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set valve to sealing position, and select Manual/Pressure Cook mode. Cook on high pressure for 5-6 minutes.
- After cooking, perform a quick release of pressure to prevent overcooking the cauliflower.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, carefully transfer to a standard blender in batches.
- Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheese, mixing until cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
- Crumble pre-cooked bacon and sprinkle on top of the soup. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
- Serve hot in bowls, with additional cheese and bacon bits as optional toppings.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your cauliflower and onions ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. This will streamline your cooking process!
- Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Cheddar, gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack can add a unique twist to your soup.
- Bacon Alternatives: If you're looking for a healthier option, try turkey bacon or omit the bacon altogether for a vegetarian version. You can also substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option like half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
- Perfecting the Texture: For a chunkier soup, blend only half of the mixture and leave the rest as is. This will give you a delightful contrast between smooth and textured bites.
- Garnish Galore: Don’t skip the garnishes! Fresh green onions, crispy bacon bits, or even a dollop of sour cream can elevate the presentation and flavor of your soup.
- Make It Ahead: This soup stores beautifully! Make a big batch and refrigerate it for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to a month. Just reheat and enjoy!
- Adjust the Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. You might want to add a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick!Enjoy your cooking adventure and savor every spoonful of this delightful soup!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 80mg
