This Instant Pot Cauliflower Soup is creamy, comforting, and made for busy nights when you want real food without a lot of effort. With cheese, ham, and a rich broth, it eats like a classic comfort soup while staying low carb.
I love making this recipe when I want a warm filling meal that doesn't feel heavy. While I use pancetta to give the soup a salty, savory depth, it is a great way to use any leftover ham you may have in the fridge as well!
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love Instant Pot Cauliflower Soup
- Key Ingredients for Keto Cauliflower Soup
- Ingredient Substitutions
- Variations on Instant Pot Cauliflower Soup
- Tips for the Best Keto Cauliflower Soup
- How to Store and Reheat
- Serving Suggestions for Instant Pot Cauliflower Soup
- More Recipes You'll Love
- 📖 Recipe
- 💬 Comments
Why You'll Love Instant Pot Cauliflower Soup
Creamy texture: blending part of the soup gives it a smooth, rich base without needing potatoes.
Cheesy comfort: colby jack and cream cheese melt right in for a cozy, satisfying bowl.
Keto-friendly: this keto cauliflower soup keeps things low carb without sacrificing flavor.
Key Ingredients for Keto Cauliflower Soup
See the recipe card for a full list of ingredients and instructions.
- Cauliflower: the base of the soup, giving body and mild flavor once cooked.
- Pancetta: adds savory depth and a little crispness at the start.
- Leeks: softer and sweeter than onion, they pair well with cauliflower.
- Chicken stock: builds flavor, water with Better than Bouillon works just as well.
- Cheese and cream: colby jack, cream cheese, and heavy cream make the soup rich and creamy.
- Pancetta and/or leftover ham: adds flavor and protein, use just 1 or both. Ham adds extra protein, while pancetta adds flavor and fat.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Bacon, ham, and pancetta can be used interchangeably.
- Sharp cheddar works well instead of Colby jack for a stronger cheese flavor.
- Half and half can be used in place of heavy cream for a lighter finish.
Variations on Instant Pot Cauliflower Soup
Broccoli Boost: add a couple cups of chopped broccoli with the cauliflower for a broccoli-cheese style soup.
Spicy kick: stir in red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for gentle heat.
Extra smoky: use smoked ham or add a dash of smoked paprika for deeper flavor.
Tips for the Best Keto Cauliflower Soup
- Partial blending: only blend half the soup so you keep some texture and bite.
- Low simmer: melt the cheeses gently on the warm or low saute setting to keep the soup smooth.
- Season last: ham and cheese add salt, so taste again before serving.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring often to keep the soup creamy.
Serving Suggestions for Instant Pot Cauliflower Soup
This soup pairs well with a simple side salad, low carb biscuit, or almond flour bread. It's also great served alongside roasted radishes, or a light sandwich for an easy dinner.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you enjoy creamy soups like this one, you might like my Instant Pot Chicken Taco Soup or Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup. For more traditional soups that are still low carb, try Shrimp Tortilla Soup or Keto Chicken Noodle Soup.
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Cauliflower Soup
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Ingredients
- 4 ounces pancetta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup chopped leeks
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 teaspoons Better than Bouillon Chicken Base (if not using stock)
- 4 cups water , or chicken stock
- 8 cups cauliflower chopped (about 1 head)
- 4 ounces Colby jack cheese shredded
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups diced ham
Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot to Saute setting. When hot, add the pancetta and cook until lightly browned and slightly crisp.
- Add the butter and leeks and cook until the leeks are soft and fragrant. Cancel the saute setting.
- Add the cauliflower, chicken stock, or water with bouillon, salt, pepper, and thyme. Secure the lid.
- Cook on Manual/Pressure for 5 minutes.
- Carefully quick release the pressure using a towel.
- Let the soup cool for about 10 minutes. Remove half of the soup and blend until smooth.
- Return the blended soup to the pot and stir to combine.
- Set the Instant Pot to Saute and bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the cheese, cream cheese, heavy cream, and ham until smooth and melted.
- Switch to warm setting and simmer until soup reaches your preferred thickness, stirring often.
- Serve topped with extra cheese and green onions if desired.
