A super tasty Keto Cauliflower & Ham Soup that is so comforting and delicious–but also dairy free, Whole30 and Squeaky Clean Keto compliant, and has only 125 calories and 13g protein per 1.5 cup serving! What more can you ask for out of a healthy low carb ham soup?!
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A couple of weeks ago I made this Baked Ham with Apricot Cranberry Glaze and had a bunch of ham leftovers that I wanted to use up in some keto ham soup recipes.
Using some of the ham leftovers in a soup recipe was a no-brainer, especially since I had a lovely ham bone to turn into a nice stock. I boiled the daylights out of that leftover ham bone until my broth was a hard block of gel when cooled, and then I used it in this delicious keto cauliflower & ham soup.
If you don’t have a ham bone (or any extra time) lying around, you could definitely make this keto cauliflower & ham soup with a store-bought chicken stock, but I’d toss in a couple of drops of liquid smoke to get a similar smoky flavor as a ham bone stock.
Even without the liquid smoke you’ll have nice flavor, but I’m a huge fan of liquid smoke ♨️ in low carb soup and sauce (mmm…BBQ) recipes, so you won’t go wrong if you pick some up. Just remember that a little goes a long way – one or two drops is usually all you need to get an authentic smoky flavor!
This keto cauliflower & ham soup couldn’t be easier to execute! All you need to do is simmer your cauliflower florets (I used frozen which was easy peasy) in the ham stock until tender, blend, then add the leftover ham and a few other ingredients!
I will say that an immersion blender is the easiest way to get the job done – you just plug it in, blend the cauliflower soup right in the pot, and then wash the attachment. No muss, no fuss.
You can also transfer the contents to a large blender and blend it that way – it’s a little more work but will definitely get the job done, leaving you with a silky and delicious cauliflower and ham soup!
This keto cauliflower & ham soup is hearty and comforting – it also reheats (even from the freezer) really, really well.
As a side note, I opted to make this low carb cauliflower soup recipe primarily dairy free as well – meaning it’s Whole30 and Squeaky Clean Keto compliant. You can also replace the butter with bacon fat or coconut oil if you’re strictly avoiding ALL dairy for any reason!
If you aren’t dairy free, then you can add a little heavy cream to this keto cauliflower and ham soup to make it even richer and more sumptuous – not that it needs it honestly!
This is the perfect keto cauliflower & ham soup recipe to help whittle off some pounds if you’ve overindulged a little – because it’s not only low carb, it also comes in at only 125 calories for a satisfying one and a half cup serving! That’s a win/win if I ever heard of one!
Perfect for lunch or dinner, this keto cauliflower and ham soup would be even more amazing with one of my low carb Sundried Tomato & Asiago Zucchini Muffins!
keto Cauliflower & Ham Soup – Low Carb
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Diabetic
Description
This keto cauliflower & ham soup recipe is a great way to use up leftover ham! It’s also gluten free, dairy free, squeaky clean keto, Paleo, and even Whole 30 compliant!
Ingredients
- 6 cups cauliflower florets (frozen is fine – abut 24 oz)
- 6 cups ham stock or chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 3 cups chopped ham
- 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 Tablespoons butter (or ghee, bacon fat, or coconut oil)
- kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine the cauliflower, stock, water, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large soup pot.
- Bring to a boil and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender.
- Blend in the pot with an immersion blender (or remove to a large blender and blend in batches then return to the pan) until smooth.
- Stir in the ham, and thyme leaves and simmer another 10 minutes.
- Add the butter and apple cider vinegar.
- Remove from the heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: keto soup
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 125
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 5g net
- Protein: 13g
Cheri Dunbar says
Yum! I used dried thyme because I didn’t have any fresh, and served it with chives and shredded cheddar cheese. It was really good, thanks for the recipe.
Lauren says
I decided to make mine in the instant pot (manual 5 minutes with a 10 min natural release) and it turned out amazing. I added a little siracha cause I like my food spicy ;) other than that made as directed and loved it.
Melissa says
Wonderful, quick and easy. And as others have said, made with items typically on hand in low carb kitchen. Will be making a regular appearance in our menu!
Molly says
Not sure about the vinegar comments, I think it’s everything a soup should be! I did add a little extra onion and garlic powder, and a smidge extra of thyme, but overall a fantastic, healthy recipe. Will definitely add to the repertoire!
Cherie Eastham says
So, I just made this soup after wanting to for months. It is not something I would make again. It is bland. I wanted to be wowed, but it’s just not great. I had to add lots more onion powder, garlic and thyme. It is a sweet soup, especially if you are using leftover ham and made ham stock from the leftover bone. To add a kick, I sprinkled my bowl with cayenne pepper. My additions made it palatable. I normally love all the recipes on this site though, so keep them coming!
Mike says
Try w/o vinegar use ham hock or bacon fat in slow cooker add 1/2 – tsp of nutmeg. I have also subbed a smoked turkey leg and cooked in slow cooker for 4 hours.
Kristina Crupi says
Not sure what purpose the vinegar serves, I feel like the soup tasted better without, so next time I’d add less overall a pretty good and comforting soup
Wright says
Outstanding! I did the cream and added some shredded cheddar. Who knew cauliflower could be so versatile?
Alan Sparks says
I have a request. whenever i use a head of cauliflower, I always collect as much of the stem pieces as possible. by removing the stringy bark they are a perfect sub for diced potatoes. I use them for potato salad and hash. My request is for you to develop a cauli-potato Clam chowder that fits with my Keto diet.
Ann Davis-Rowe says
Have made this every time we have leftover ham and just love how it feels so rich – but so much better for you!
Patti says
5* rating is my sister’s call…I’m making it today. She lives in Japan and emailed the recipe to me last night. I’m laughing because yesterday I made your blueberry cheese danish & took the Double Dog Dare ??…another winner!!! So I told her to try THAT one! Love the addition of vinegar and she also added some fresh dill ( we are of Slavic descent, so right up our alley…on the docket for supper!! Thank you!
Mellissa Sevigny says
I love that you guys are both trying the recipes from opposite ends of the world! Glad you’re enjoying them!!!
Line says
Your recipes are great. I will definitely try this one. I made your devil ham salad it’s very good. I purchased your book it is great.
Cici says
Sometimes I make a ham just so I can make this soup! I see some people confused about the use of vinegar in this recipe-it just brightens the flavors and is not an unusual ingredient. I can’t imagine this soup would be quite as good without the ham stock. In my opinion, the ham stock really makes this soup special. Thanks Melissa for a great recipe!