Instant Pot Cauliflower Cheese Soup (Keto, Low Carb)
INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound cauliflower florets (about 1 head)
- 5 slices bacon
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese (4 ounces weight)
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 3 cups water
- 1/2 cup chopped celery (about 1 stalk)
- 1/4 cup chopped onions (about 1/4 onion)
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Toppings:
- thinly sliced scallions
- shredded cheddar cheese
INSTRUCTIONS
- Cut cream cheese into 8 small cubes. Let it soften on the countertop while you work on the next steps.
Select the saute mode on the pressure cooker for medium heat. Cut the bacon slices in half (so they're half as long) and add them to the pot. Working in batches as needed, cook until crispy, turning occasionally. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate to drain, leaving the bacon grease in the pot. - Add celery, onions, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. Turn off the saute mode.
- Add cauliflower florets and water, then stir and check that the cauliflower is submerged. Secure and seal the lid. Cook for 5 minutes at high pressure, followed by a manual pressure release.
Uncover. Add cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Use an immersion blender or tabletop blender to puree until smooth. Or use a tabletop blender. - Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve in bowls, optionally sprinkling with shredded cheese and sliced scallions. Crumble bacon on top.
NUTRITION
| Makes 6 Servings |
| Amount Per Serving (1 cup): |
| Calories 220 (68% from fat) | |
| Total Fat 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat 10g | 48% |
| Cholesterol 54mg | 18% |
| Sodium 760mg | 32% |
| Net Carb 3g | |
| Total Carb 5g | 2% |
| Dietary Fiber 2g | 8% |
| Sugars 2g | |
| Protein 12g |
This creamy soup with a mild cauliflower taste is an ideal appetizer for a rich and flavorful meal like Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin or Instant Pot Short Ribs.
Since the soup is pureed, it’s completely smooth. The only non-creamy component you’ll encounter is the bacon, crispy and crumbled into small pieces.
Equipment You’ll Need
You’ll need an electric pressure cooker — I use a 6 quart Instant Pot. Smaller and larger models should work as well.
To puree the soup, you can use an immersion blender for convenience, which is what I do. Or, you can use a traditional tabletop blender, one that’s capable of handling at least 1.5 liters of hot liquid.
Storing And Reheating Leftovers
If you plan to have leftovers, store the soup separate from the toppings (bacon, scallions, and cheddar cheese).
To reheat, microwave for a few minutes, stirring and rotating the soup halfway. Add toppings last, just before serving.
Oh wow soo good!
Made this 2x in 3 days. I didn’t add celery as I don’t care for the taste and I thought it might overpower the cauliflower I also used heavy whipping cream instead of cream cheese. I just love to experiment with soup recipes.
Made in my 6 qt Instant Pot with 1 cauliflower head. I think I will double or triple batch and make in my 8 qt Instant Pot.
I think I’ll make a batch with sautéed mushrooms in butter. Keto Cream of Mushroom Soup… yummy.
I’ve used cream cheese before in soups and wanted to see how it would taste with cream instead of following the recipe.
SPECTACULARLY good!
Be sure to let it rest before serving. It will thicken a bit. Even better warmed up the following day.
Just made this soup. It is absolutely delicious.
Just made this for lunch. AMAZING!! So good. I was full after 1 bowl.
This soup is incredible! Thank you for an awesome recipe!
This is so delicious! Thank you for the recipe!
Can this be cooked in a crock pot?
I don’t see why not. I haven’t tried that myself, so I can’t say how it’ll turn out. You’ll have to use a pan on the stovetop for the saute steps, though.
Is it a quick release or natural release?
Quick release.
Can you use a crock pot?
I think that would work as well. The bacon would have to be cooked separately on a pan on the stovetop. Let me know if you give it a try!
This soup looks so delicious! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Karly 🙂
Can water be replaced with chicken broth?
Hi Julie! I haven’t tried that myself, but it should work fine.