Vegetarian Cauliflower Chowder (Printable)

Creamy vegetarian chowder with cauliflower, potatoes, carrots, and cheddar. Ready in 45 minutes.

# What You 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, 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 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 15–18 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.
08 - Ladle into bowls and garnish as desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It delivers serious comfort without feeling heavy or overly rich.
  • You can tweak it endlessly with whatever vegetables or dairy alternatives you have on hand.
  • The texture is creamy and luscious, but you still get satisfying bites of tender veggies.
  • It comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special.
02 -
  • Don't skip the flour step, even if it feels fussy, it's what keeps the chowder from feeling watery.
  • Blend only part of the soup, leaving enough chunks so it still feels hearty and not baby food smooth.
  • If you're using plant-based milk, choose an unsweetened variety or the soup can taste oddly sweet.
  • Add the cheese off the heat or on very low heat to prevent it from breaking and turning grainy.
03 -
  • Cut your vegetables into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly and you don't end up with mushy carrots and crunchy potatoes.
  • Taste the soup before adding the cheese, sometimes the broth is salty enough and you can use less cheese without losing flavor.
  • If you want a thicker chowder, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot with a spoon instead of blending.
  • Let the chowder rest for a few minutes after cooking, it thickens slightly as it cools and the flavors come together beautifully.
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