For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth. Toasted nuts can be added to the gremolata for extra crunch. The soup can be made ahead of time and reheated. Add the cream just before serving.
Indulge in the creamy embrace of this cauliflower soup, elevated by the smoky crunch of bacon gremolata. A symphony of textures and flavors that will warm you from the inside out.
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook and stir onion and celery until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and salt and stir for 1 minute. Stir in potato, cauliflower, chicken broth, and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until cauliflower is tender and potatoes are easily smashed against the side of the saucepan, about 30 minutes.
Purée soup using an immersion blender until smooth. Reduce heat to low; season with cayenne pepper and salt. Pour in cream and stir until warmed. Season soup with more salt if needed.
Cook and stir bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 8 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, leaving grease in the skillet.
Toss bread crumbs in bacon grease in the skillet and cook over low heat until toasted and crisp. Stir in cheese and continue to cook until melted. Transfer to a medium bowl and cool to room temperature. Stir in bacon, parsley, and lemon zest; toss to coat.
Serve soup garnished with bacon gremolata over the top.
For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth. Toasted nuts can be added to the gremolata for extra crunch. The soup can be made ahead of time and reheated. Add the cream just before serving.
Vanessa Kilback
Jun 23, 2025I appreciate the tip about roasting the cauliflower beforehand. It really enhanced the flavor of the soup.
Trevion Parker
May 9, 2025I made this for a dinner party, and everyone raved about it. The recipe was easy to follow, and the results were outstanding.
Concepcion Lehner
Aug 4, 2024Even my kids loved this soup, and they usually turn their noses up at cauliflower!
Myah Schiller
Jun 14, 2024This recipe is a keeper! It's perfect for a cold winter night.
Malcolm Sporer
May 12, 2024The best cauliflower soup I've ever had! The combination of the creamy soup and the crispy bacon gremolata is simply divine.
Rocio Crona
Mar 10, 2024I added a pinch of nutmeg to the soup for an extra layer of warmth. It was a hit!
Rodolfo Willms
Feb 27, 2024This soup is incredibly delicious! The bacon gremolata adds a wonderful textural contrast and savory flavor.
Juston Moen
Jan 30, 2024I didn't have fresh breadcrumbs on hand, so I used panko breadcrumbs instead. It worked perfectly fine!