I’m thrilled to share this Creamy Instant Pot Bacon & Cheese Cauliflower Soup with you today. There’s something magical about transforming humble cauliflower into a velvety, indulgent soup that tastes like it should be forbidden on any diet. Yet, this low-carb wonder delivers all the comfort of a traditional potato soup without the carb overload. The combination of smoky bacon bits, melted cheese, and perfectly cooked cauliflower might just change how you think about vegetables forever. Want to know the secret to getting this on your table in under 30 minutes?
Why You’ll Love this Creamy Bacon & Cheese Cauliflower Soup
If you’re looking for a soup that delivers maximum comfort with minimum effort, this Instant Pot Bacon & Cheese Cauliflower Soup is about to become your new best friend. I’m talking about velvety cauliflower creaminess, smoky bacon bits, and melty cheese all coming together in one bowl of pure bliss.
What’s not to love? It’s ready in under 30 minutes, uses just one pot (hello, fewer dishes), and transforms humble cauliflower into something downright indulgent. Plus, it’s naturally lower in carbs than potato soup but just as satisfying.
What Ingredients are in Creamy Bacon & Cheese Cauliflower Soup?
This Instant Pot soup combines simple ingredients to create the most comforting bowl of creamy, cheesy goodness you can imagine.
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 green onion, sliced
Feel free to customize this recipe by swapping in different cheese varieties—smoked gouda adds a lovely depth, or pepper jack brings a little heat if you’re feeling adventurous.
How to Make this Creamy Bacon & Cheese Cauliflower Soup
This soup comes together so easily in the Instant Pot, you might wonder why you haven’t been making it forever. Start by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode and cooking 6 slices of chopped bacon until they become wonderfully crisp. Once done, remove that bacon gold and set it aside, but—and this is essential—leave that flavorful bacon fat right in the pot. It’s the foundation of flavor we’re building here.
Into that bacon-y goodness, toss 1/4 cup of chopped onion, 1 stalk of chopped celery, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Season with salt and pepper, then let them soften for about 4 minutes, releasing all their aromatic potential.
Next, pour in 3 cups of chicken broth, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits (that’s where the magic hides). Add your cauliflower florets from one medium head, seal the lid, and set to high pressure for just 5 minutes. The Instant Pot pressure cooker**** transforms the cauliflower into tender perfection in a fraction of the time it would take on the stovetop.
After cooking, allow a natural release for 10 minutes, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure. Now for the transformation—blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. Some folks like a few chunks for texture, while others prefer silky smooth. Stir in 3/4 cup of sour cream and 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated.
To serve, ladle this creamy dream into bowls and top with the reserved crispy bacon, remaining 1/2 cup of cheese, and sliced green onion. The contrast between the velvety soup and the crunchy toppings? Nothing short of magnificent.
What to Serve with Creamy Bacon & Cheese Cauliflower Soup
While this hearty Instant Pot Bacon & Cheese Cauliflower Soup stands perfectly well on its own as a complete meal, pairing it with complementary sides can elevate your dining experience to new heights.
I recommend serving it with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a bracing contrast to the soup’s richness. Crusty garlic bread or warm rolls make perfect dipping companions, soaking up every last bit of that cheesy goodness.
For a more substantial meal, add a half sandwich – turkey or grilled cheese works wonderfully. Can you imagine the comfort food perfection? Roasted vegetables or a crisp slaw provide nice textural balance too.
Leftovers and Storage for this Creamy Bacon & Cheese Cauliflower Soup
Luckily, this creamy bacon and cheese cauliflower soup stores beautifully, perhaps even tasting better the next day as the flavors have time to mingle. I recommend storing it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
When reheating, go low and slow on the stovetop or use short intervals in the microwave to prevent the dairy from separating.
For longer storage, you can freeze portions for up to 3 months, though the texture might change slightly. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before warming. Pro tip: save some fresh toppings to add after reheating for that just-made feeling.
Creamy Bacon & Cheese Cauliflower Soup Substitutions and Variations
Countless substitutions and variations can transform this basic Instant Pot Cauliflower Soup into something uniquely yours.
Don’t have Monterey Jack? Swap in pepper jack for a spicy kick, or try creamy gouda for richness. Vegans can use coconut milk instead of sour cream and nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
For protein boosts, I’m fond of adding rotisserie chicken or ham. Toss in a handful of kale or spinach right before blending for extra nutrients.
Craving more complex flavors? A tablespoon of curry powder or smoked paprika works magic. And those carb-conscious folks, isn’t cauliflower already amazing as our potato stand-in?
Final Thoughts
Three reasons make this Instant Pot Bacon & Cheese Cauliflower Soup a standout recipe in my collection. First, it delivers creamy, cheesy comfort without the carbs of potato soup. Second, the Instant Pot does the heavy lifting, cutting cooking time dramatically. Third, those crispy bacon bits and melty cheese create a flavor explosion that’ll make you forget you’re eating vegetables.
I’m convinced this soup deserves a spot in your regular rotation. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need something satisfying but lighter. Who doesn’t love a bowl of something that tastes indulgent but comes together so quickly? Comfort food reinvented, folks. For even more presentation appeal, consider topping your soup with roasted cauliflower florets or homemade croutons as a delicious garnish option.