Bacon-Cheddar Cauliflower Chowder

• Meat

  • 8 slices Bacon, center cut

• Produce

  • 4 cups Cauliflower
  • 1 Celery stalk
  • 2 Garlic cloves
  • 2 Green onions
  • 1/2 Onion, small

• Canned Goods

  • 2 cups Chicken broth

• Baking & Spices

  • 2 tbsp Gluten-free or all-purpose flour
  • 1 Salt & pepper

• Dairy

  • 2 cups 2% milk
  • 2 1/2 cups Cheddar cheese, sharp

• Liquids

  • 2 tbsp Water

• Other

  • 3-4 dashes hot sauce (or more or less

Found on iowagirleats.com

Description

Ingredients

• 8 slices center-cut bacon, chopped and divided
• 1/2 small onion, chopped OR 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• salt & pepper
• 4 cups shredded or grated cauliflower (1/2 large head)
• 2 Tablespoons water
• 2 Tablespoons gluten-free or all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth, divided
• 2 cups 2% milk
• 3-4 dashes hot sauce (or more or less)
• 2-1/2 cups (12oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 green onions, chopped (optional)

Directions

• 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 a little at a time 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.