Description
Enjoy the delightful flavors of Slow Cooker Cheesy Ham & Cauliflower Soup. This hearty and creamy dish features tender vegetables and savory ham, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal. Easy to prepare, it will become a family favorite, packed with flavor and nutrition.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 head of cauliflower (approx. 1 1/2 pounds) stem & leaves removed, cut into florets
- 2 medium carrots sliced
- 2 medium celery stalks chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 8 ounces full fat cream cheese
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (1 quart)
- 8 ounces ham steak cubed
- 8 ounce cheddar cheese block freshly grated
- optional garnishes: chives, scallions, bacon, extra cheese, crispy ham
Instructions
- Place the cauliflower, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic in the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the vegetables.
- Add a bay leaf on top along with the cream cheese and broth.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until the vegetables are tender.
- Remove the bay leaf and use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency.
- If you prefer chunks, remove some vegetables before blending and then add them back.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese and ham, cooking until the cheese has melted.
- Garnish with scallions, chives, bacon, or extra cheese as desired.
Notes
Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels.
Feel free to substitute with different vegetables to suit your taste.
For a lighter version, reduce the amount of cream cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
