Vegetarian Cauliflower Chowder (Print view)

Creamy, comforting chowder with cauliflower, potatoes, carrots, and cheddar. Ready in just 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

→ Thickener

15 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

→ Garnish

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

# Cooking Steps:

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.
03 - Gradually add the vegetable broth, whisking 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, leaving some vegetables chunky.
07 - Stir in the cheese until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
08 - Ladle into bowls and garnish as desired.

# Expert Ideas:

01 -
  • It tastes indulgent and creamy but wont leave you feeling sluggish or overly full afterward.
  • You can make it completely dairy-free or vegan without losing that rich, comforting chowder texture.
  • Everything cooks in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to relax with your bowl.
  • The gentle smokiness from the paprika adds a surprising warmth that makes each spoonful interesting.
02 -
  • Dont skip the step of cooking the flour with the vegetables, or your chowder will taste starchy and unfinished.
  • If you blend too much of the soup, it turns into a puree instead of a chowder, so leave at least half of it chunky for the best texture.
  • Add the milk after the vegetables are fully cooked, otherwise it can curdle if the heat is too high or uneven.
03 -
  • Cut your vegetables into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly and you dont end up with mushy carrots and undercooked potatoes.
  • Taste the chowder before serving and adjust the seasoning, sometimes it needs an extra pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten it up.
  • If you want a thicker chowder, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot with a spoon instead of blending.
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