Creamy Keto Cauliflower Soup | Easy Low Carb Chowder Recipe

Ingredients

• 6 slices bacon, cooked & crumbled
• 2 tablespoons bacon fat (reserved from cooking process)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 large head cauliflower, broken into small florets (no larger than 1 inch)
• 1/2 cup yellow or orange bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup leeks, white & light green parts, finely chopped and divided (can substitute green onions)
• 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
• 1/2 cup celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon thyme, finely minced
• 1/8 teaspoon cracked pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups (1 quart) chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (4 oz.) block cream cheese, softened at room temp
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum (optional for thickening)