- 8 slices smoked bacon, chopped*
- 1/2 stick unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 2 cups yellow onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 sprig fresh thyme
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Cooper® Sharp White cheese, shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth (unsalted)
- 4 cups raw cauliflower, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- salt and pepper to taste
- serve with Cooper® Cheese Garlic Croutons
Especially when the weather turns chilly and the snow starts to fall, you just find yourself craving a meal that’s a little cozier. A little more hearty, creamy, and comforting. That’s right where this Cooper® cheese cauliflower chowder comes in. It’s a tasty, lower-carb delight that will warm you right to the core. So make yourself a batch, snuggle up and enjoy a nice big bowl of cheesy solace.
Ingredients
*Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.
Directions
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In a medium-sized stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon slowly until slightly brown, or about 5 minutes. Remove cooked bacon to a plate lined with a paper towel to drain, leaving the bacon grease in the pot.
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Melt butter with the bacon grease in the stockpot/Dutch oven.
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Add the chopped carrots, celery, onion, and thyme. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often. Add the flour and stir until thoroughly mixed. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring often.
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Add Cooper® cheese to the flour mixture and stir until melted.
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Add chicken stock, then add cauliflower. Increase heat to medium-high for a quick simmer to cook the cauliflower.
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Once the cauliflower is cooked through, add whole milk and stir until mixed. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
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If desired, stir in some of the chopped bacon. Otherwise, reserve bacon for garnish.
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Remove chowder from heat and serve nice and hot. Garnish each bowl of Cauliflower Chowder with the remaining smoked bacon crumbles.
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And if you want to really take this dish over the top, cap each serving off with a couple Cooper® Cheese Garlic Croutons. And maybe even a little more Cooper® cheese.