Creamy Vegetarian Cauliflower Chowder (Printable Version)

A creamy, comforting chowder featuring tender cauliflower, potatoes, and carrots with warm spices. Vegetarian-friendly and ready in 45 minutes.

# 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, plus more to taste

→ Thickener

15 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

→ Garnish

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

# Directions:

01 - In a large 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 prevent lumps.
03 - Gradually add the vegetable broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
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 while leaving some vegetables chunky.
07 - Stir in the cheese until completely melted. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
08 - Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, extra cheese, and red pepper flakes as desired.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It delivers restaurant-quality creaminess without heavy cream, relying on naturally starchy vegetables and just enough cheese to make it indulgent.
  • You can make it in under an hour with everyday pantry staples, no fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients required.
  • The gentle blend of smoked paprika and thyme adds warmth without overwhelming the delicate sweetness of the cauliflower.
  • It adapts beautifully to dietary needs, swapping easily to vegan or gluten-free without losing its soul.
02 -
  • Don't skip the roux step, even though it feels small, it's what keeps your chowder from being thin and watery.
  • Blend only part of the soup, leaving some vegetable chunks gives you that classic chowder texture instead of a smooth puree.
  • Add the cheese off the heat or on very low heat, high heat can make it grainy and separated instead of silky.
  • If you're making this vegan, nutritional yeast mixed with a bit of miso adds a cheesy, umami depth that really works.
03 -
  • Cut your cauliflower and potatoes into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly and you don't end up with mushy florets and hard potatoes.
  • Use a good quality sharp cheddar, the cheap pre-shredded stuff often has anti-caking agents that can make your chowder grainy.
  • If you want a deeper flavor, roast the cauliflower in the oven for 20 minutes before adding it to the pot, it adds a nutty sweetness that's incredible.
  • Always taste before serving, the cheese and broth can vary in saltiness, so adjust at the end to get it just right.
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