As the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, there’s nothing quite like a warm and comforting bowl of soup to cozy up with. And when it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a hearty and delicious one-pot meal. That’s why I want to share with you my personal favorite recipe for Cheesy Cauliflower and Ham Soup. This soup is not only incredibly tasty, but it’s also easy to make and perfect for those busy weeknights. So, let’s dive into the details of this comforting one-pot meal.

Why This Recipe Works

There are a few key reasons why this recipe stands out and has become a staple in my household:

• The combination of cauliflower and ham creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The cauliflower adds a creamy and slightly sweet taste, while the ham adds a savory and smoky element.
• This soup is a great way to use up leftover ham from a holiday meal or a Sunday roast. It’s a delicious and creative way to repurpose leftovers.
• The addition of cheese adds a rich and indulgent touch to the soup, making it even more satisfying and comforting.
• This recipe is a one-pot meal, which means less dishes to clean up afterwards. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a delicious and easy meal without the extra hassle.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe serves 4-6 people and takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook.

• 1 head of cauliflower, chopped into small florets
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of diced ham
• 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup of milk
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, extra shredded cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent.
2. Add the chopped cauliflower and diced ham to the pot, and stir to combine with the onion and garlic.
3. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender.
4. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. I like to leave some chunks of cauliflower for texture, but you can blend it completely if you prefer a smoother soup.
5. Return the soup to the pot, and stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese. Let it simmer for a few more minutes until the cheese is melted and the soup is heated through.
6. Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serve the soup hot, and top with your desired toppings, such as crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, or extra shredded cheese.

Pro tip: If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender to blend the soup in batches. Just be careful when blending hot liquids, and make sure to leave some space for steam to escape.

My Pro Tips for Success

• If you want to make this soup vegetarian, you can omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• For a creamier and thicker soup, you can add a few tablespoons of cream cheese or sour cream to the soup before blending.
• If you don’t have cheddar cheese, you can use any other type of cheese that melts well, such as Gouda or Swiss.
• This soup can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd. Just make sure to adjust the ingredients accordingly.

What I Serve With This Recipe

• A crusty bread or dinner rolls are perfect for dipping into the soup and soaking up all the delicious flavors.
• A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette dressing can add some freshness and balance to the meal.
• If you want to make it a heartier meal, you can serve the soup with a side of grilled cheese sandwiches.

FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)

1. Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it before adding it to the soup.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! You can use any type of cheese that you like or have on hand. Just keep in mind that different cheeses may alter the taste and texture of the soup.

3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot on Your Table

This Cheesy Cauliflower and Ham Soup is not only a delicious and comforting meal, but it’s also versatile and easy to make. It’s a great way to use up leftovers and can be customized to your liking. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, which means less clean-up and more time to enjoy your cozy evening. Trust me, once you try this soup, it will become a regular in your meal rotation.

Your Turn

Now it’s your turn to give this recipe a try! I would love to hear your thoughts and any variations you come up with. Share your experience in the comments below and let’s spread the love for this comforting one-pot meal. Happy cooking!

Cheesy Cauliflower and Ham Soup: A Comforting One-Pot Meal

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Cheesy Cauliflower and Ham Soup. A delicious one-pot meal that will warm your soul.

By Jason GriffithPublished on March 29, 2025

Prep Time15 min

Cook Time30 min

Total Time45 min

Servings4-6 servings

Category: Soup

Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups cauliflower, chopped
• 2 cups diced ham
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, extra shredded cheese

Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent.
2. Add the chopped cauliflower and diced ham to the pot, and stir to combine with the onion and garlic.
3. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender.
4. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. I like to leave some chunks of cauliflower for texture, but you can blend it completely if you prefer a smoother soup.
5. Return the soup to the pot, and stir in the milk and shredded cheddar cheese. Let it simmer for a few more minutes until the cheese is melted and the soup is heated through.
6. Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serve the soup hot, and top with your desired toppings, such as crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, or extra shredded cheese.

Nutrition Information

@type: NutritionInformation

Calories: 350 calories

Protein Content: 20g

Carbohydrate Content: 30g

Fat Content: 18g

Tags: soup, cauliflower, ham, cheesy soup, comfort food, one-pot meal

Related posts:

My Favorite Low-Fuss Crab Rangoon Recipe That’s Crispy and Delicious Without Frying Easy Carrot Cake Bars That Always Impress at Parties and Potlucks How I Make Crescent Roll Carrots Stuffed with Creamy Chicken Salad for a Fun Holiday Lunch Easy Easter Cookies with Pastel Candies That Are Perfect for Parties and Gifts