Vegetarian Cauliflower Chowder (Printable)

Creamy vegetable chowder with cauliflower, potatoes, carrots, and melted cheddar. Comforting and easy to make.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into small florets
02 - 2 medium carrots, diced
03 - 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
04 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 celery stalks, diced

→ Dairy

07 - 2 cups whole milk
08 - 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
09 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Liquids

10 - 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

→ Spices & Seasonings

11 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
14 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, adjusted to taste

→ Thickener

15 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

→ Garnish

16 - Chopped fresh parsley
17 - Extra grated cheese
18 - Crushed red pepper flakes

# How to Make It:

01 - In a large soup pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to combine.
03 - Gradually add the vegetable broth, whisking to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth consistency.
04 - Add the potatoes and cauliflower florets. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
05 - Stir in the milk, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 5 minutes.
06 - Using an immersion blender, blend part of the chowder for a creamier texture, leaving some vegetables chunky for dimension.
07 - Stir in the cheese until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
08 - Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, additional cheese, or red pepper flakes as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It turns simple vegetables into something rich and satisfying without feeling heavy.
  • You can make it vegan or keep it creamy with cheese, and either way it feels like a hug in a bowl.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day when the flavors settle in together.
02 -
  • Don't skip whisking the broth in slowly after adding the flour or you'll end up with stubborn little dough balls floating around.
  • If you blend it all smooth, it loses that homey chowder feel, so leave some chunks for contrast.
  • Taste before serving because vegetable broth varies wildly in saltiness and you might need to adjust.
03 -
  • Cut your vegetables roughly the same size so they cook at the same rate and you don't end up with mushy carrots and crunchy potatoes.
  • If you don't have an immersion blender, scoop out a cup of the soup, blend it in a regular blender, and stir it back in for that creamy texture.
  • Add the cheese off the heat or on very low heat so it melts smoothly and doesn't turn grainy or stringy.
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