Ingredients

Ingredients

.1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1 cup chopped onion

1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

5 garlic cloves, chopped

1 pound cubed peeled baking potato (about 2)

1 pound cubed Yukon gold potato (about 4)

5 cups unsalted chicken stock (such as Swanson)

1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided

1 bay leaf

1 pound cauliflower, cut into florets (about 1/2 head) 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided Cooking spray

1 1/2 cups 2% reduced-fat milk

3/4 cup chopped green onions, divided

1/2 cup fat-free fromage blanc (such as Vermont Creamery) or sour cream

2 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese (about 1/2 cup)

4 slices center-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 450°.
  2. Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add onion, thyme, and garlic; sauté 5 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Add potatoes, stock, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and bay leaf; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 35 minutes or until potatoes are very tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; discard bay leaf.
  3. While potatoes simmer, combine remaining 1 tablespoon oil, cauliflower, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper on a jelly-roll pan coated with cooking spray; toss to coat. Roast at 450° for 30 minutes or until browned, turning once.
  4. Place cauliflower mixture and milk in a blender. Remove center piece of blender lid (to allow steam to escape); secure blender lid on blender. Place a clean towel over opening (to avoid splatters). Blend until smooth. Pour cauliflower mixture into a large bowl. Add half of potato mixture to blender; pulse 5 to 6 times or until coarsely chopped. Pour into bowl with cauliflower mixture. Repeat with remaining potato mixture. Place cauliflower-potato mixture in Dutch oven over medium heat. Stir in remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, remaining 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1/2 cup green onions, and fromage blanc; stir until fromage blanc melts. Ladle soup into 8 bowls. Top evenly with remaining green onions, cheese, and bacon.