Creamy Cauliflower And Ham Soup
Creamy cauliflower and ham soup combines tender vegetables with savory ham in a rich, smooth broth, perfect for comforting meals and adaptable for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp margarine or butter ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove minced ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz) pkg Green Giant frozen cauliflower chopped ⓘ
- 2 (10 1/2 oz) cans chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 cups cubed peeled potatoes ⓘ
- 1 cup diced cooked ham ⓘ
- 1 cup half and half ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped chives ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp white pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt margarine or butter over medium heat in a large pot.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic; cook until tender.
- Add water, chopped cauliflower, chicken broth, and cubed potatoes.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in diced cooked ham, 1/2 cup of half and half, chopped chives, white pepper, and nutmeg.
- In a small bowl, combine remaining half and half with flour; blend well.
- Slowly stir the mixture into the soup.
- Cook and stir constantly until slightly thickened and bubbly.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using a homemade chicken broth instead of canned. If you're looking for a lighter option, substitute the half and half with a plant-based milk and add a bit of nutritional yeast for creaminess. To enhance the soup's texture, you can blend a portion of it for a creamier consistency while leaving some chunks intact.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy cauliflower and ham soup with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with American recipes such as Jiffy And Delicious Chicken. For a fun twist, top each bowl with crispy bacon bits or additional chives for added texture and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Cauliflower And Ham Soup contains roughly 830 calories, with 9g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 66g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value) and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 715mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cauliflower instead of frozen?
Yes, you can absolutely use fresh cauliflower! Just chop it into florets and steam or blanch them before adding to the soup. This will ensure they are tender by the time the soup is ready.
What can I use instead of ham?
If you're looking for a substitute for the ham, diced cooked chicken or turkey can work quite well. For a vegetarian option, you could use sautéed mushrooms or omit the meat entirely and add more vegetables for a hearty soup.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. However, it's best to freeze it before adding the half and half, as dairy can change texture when frozen. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding fresh half and half to restore creaminess.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).