Loaded Cauliflower Soup (Keto Instant Pot Recipe)
This Loaded Cauliflower Soup is comfort food with a lighter twist! It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor – just like a loaded baked potato, but made with cauliflower instead. Topped with crispy bacon, shredded cheese, and green onions, it’s the perfect cozy meal for chilly nights or when you’re craving something warm and satisfying without the extra carbs.
The flavors of this soup are just like those in a loaded potato soup, only without being high in carbs. There is cream, cheese, bacon, and chives – all that is missing is a spoon for you to dig in.
This soup is comfort food and satisfying any time of the year. It is not just for the cold winter months!
Soup Ingredients
To get this cauliflower soup recipe started, you need the following ingredients:
- Cauliflower – You can use either store-bought prepared cauliflower florets or you can make your own from a head of cauliflower. One large head of cauliflower should be enough. Just be sure to cut it into bite-sized florets before adding it to the Instant Pot.
- Onion – Onions are always a welcome addition to any dish, but you’ll want them in this soup. They give it that extra something that takes it from good to great!
- Heavy cream – The heavy cream makes this soup rich and velvety.
- Cream cheese – It makes the soup rich and creamy.
- Minced garlic – You can mince fresh garlic or use bottled minced garlic.
- Salt and pepper – I recommend keeping the salt use to a minimum since broth is usually salty. Pepper is a welcome flavor addition. Remember – you can always add more, but you can’t take away what is already there.
- Chicken broth – You can use chicken broth or chicken stock. Broth will create a lighter-colored soup, while stock will add depth to the flavor.
- Butter – You can use salted or unsalted butter.
Soup Toppings:
- Bacon – Cook a pack of bacon (about 8 slices) until it is crispy and drain on paper towels. Cut the bacon into small pieces or crumble it.
- Green onions – Use the green parts, chopped into small pieces. Feel free to use the white onions, too, for an extra bite.
- Shredded Cheddar cheese – You can use either pre-shredded Cheddar cheese or go the extra mile and shred a block. Both white Cheddar and sharp Cheddar cheese work well in this dish.
How To Make This Delicious Soup
- Place the cauliflower, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and chicken broth in the Instant Pot. Secure the lid, set the valve to Sealing, and pressure cook on High for 10 minutes.
- Quick release the pressure and remove the lid.
- Blend the soup with an immersion blender until smooth, or leave some chunks if you like more texture.
- Set the Instant Pot to Sauté on the Low or Less setting. Add the cream cheese (cut into cubes so it melts faster), the heavy cream, and the butter. Stir until melted and smooth, about 3 to 5 minutes. Don’t let it boil.
- Turn off the Instant Pot, taste, and adjust the seasoning. Ladle into bowls and add your toppings.
Stovetop Directions
No Instant Pot? Make it on the stovetop! Combine the cauliflower, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and broth in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cauliflower is very tender. Blend, then stir in the cream cheese, cream, and butter over low heat until melted.
Storage
Cool leftovers and refrigerate within 2 hours. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. The soup thickens as it sits, so add a splash of broth when reheating, and warm it gently over medium-low heat. To freeze, freeze the soup before adding the cream cheese, cream, and butter, for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat, then stir in the dairy. Freezing the finished soup can make the dairy separate.
How many carbs are in the soup?
If you divide the soup base and toppings into 8 portions, then each portion has 10 grams of carbohydrates (carbs) and 2 grams of fiber. The net carbs per serving are 8.
If you’re looking for more keto-friendly comfort food, I’ve got plenty to keep you satisfied! Try my crispy Zucchini Tots, savory Sausage Balls, flavorful Chicken Curry, hearty Keto Lasagna, or my soothing Chicken Soup. Each one is low in carbs but big on comfort and flavor.
My easy soup and chili recipes roundup is packed with Crockpot and Instant Pot favorites for busy weeknights.
Cauliflower Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the cauliflower, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and chicken broth in the Instant Pot. Secure the lid, set the valve to Sealing, and pressure cook on High for 10 minutes.
- Quick release the pressure and remove the lid.
- Blend the soup with an immersion blender until smooth, or leave some chunks if you like more texture.
- Set the Instant Pot to Sauté on the Low or Less setting. Add the cream cheese (cut into cubes so it melts faster), the heavy cream, and the butter. Stir until melted and smooth, about 3 to 5 minutes. Don’t let it boil.
- Turn off the Instant Pot, taste, and adjust the seasoning. Ladle into bowls and add your toppings.
Nutrition
Video
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!
Tips for Making Loaded Cauliflower Soup
- Cube the cream cheese. Small pieces melt faster and more smoothly. Softened cream cheese works even better.
- Blend to your liking. Use an immersion blender for a silky soup, or leave some chunks for texture.
- Fresh or frozen cauliflower both work. Frozen cauliflower releases extra water, so you may want to use a little less broth.
- Keep the heat low after adding the dairy. Boiling can make the cream cheese and cream separate or scorch.
- Go heavy on the toppings. About 8 slices of crispy bacon, shredded cheddar, and green onions make it feel indulgent.
- Add extra protein. Stir in shredded chicken or crumbled sausage to make it a full meal.
Last Bite
Love this Loaded Cauliflower Soup? It has all the creamy, cheesy comfort of loaded potato soup without the carbs. If you make it, leave a star rating (it helps other cooks find the recipe) and tell me in the comments how you loaded up your bowl. Extra bacon, a little more cheese, or a sprinkle of green onions? Don’t forget to pin it and share it with your keto-loving friends!
This really is a delicious low carb soup. Who knew cauliflower could taste so good?!