Keto Bacon Chowder
Keto Bacon Chowder is a creamy, rich soup packed with smoky bacon, cauliflower, and a blend of flavorful seasonings, perfect for those following a low-carb, high-fat ketogenic diet. This hearty dish replaces traditional potatoes with cauliflower to keep the carb count low while still delivering the satisfying texture of a classic chowder. Ideal for cozy evenings, it’s a filling and comforting meal that’s sure to please both keto dieters and non-dieters alike.
Equipment
- 1 large pot or Dutch oven (for cooking the chowder)
- 1 sharp knife (for chopping vegetables)
- 1 wooden spoon for stirring
- 1 immersion blender (or regular blender for blending the chowder)
- 1 paper towel (for draining bacon)
- 1 cutting board (for chopping ingredients)
Ingredients
- 8-10 strips bacon
- 1 medium head cauliflower cut into florets
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for dairy-free
- 3 cups chicken broth low-sodium
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional, for garnish
- Chives or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, transfer to paper towels to drain, reserving the bacon fat in the pot for flavor.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with bacon fat and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until fragrant and softened. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes.
- Add Broth and Cream: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer.Let it cook for 15-20 minutes until the cauliflower is tender and easily mashable with a spoon.
- Blend the Chowder: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth and creamy. If using a regular blender, transfer the mixture in batches and blend until smooth. Return the soup to the pot.
- Season and Add Bacon: Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme to taste. Crumble the crispy bacon and add it to the soup, saving some for garnish.
- Serve: Ladle the chowder into bowls and top with shredded cheese (optional) and fresh chives or parsley for garnish.
Notes
- Make it Dairy-Free: Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
- Storage: This chowder can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently over the stove and add more cream or broth if needed.
- Freezing: Keto Bacon Chowder freezes well for up to 2-3 months. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing and store in a freezer-safe container.
- For a Thicker Soup: If you like your chowder extra thick, you can cook it down longer or add more cauliflower to the mixture.