Add 1 tablespoon butter and diced bacon to a Dutch oven or large soup pot; cook over medium-high heat for 2 minutes or until bacon is crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Add the remaining butter to the bacon fat in the pot and melt. Stir in onions and carrots; cook for 2 minutes.
Stir in cauliflower florets, garlic, thyme, chili powder, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
Lower heat to a simmer and stir in the heavy cream; simmer for 12 to 15 minutes or until veggies are tender, stirring occasionally.
Puree with an immersion blender OR working in batches, puree the soup in a blender; blend until creamy and smooth.
Pour the blended soup back into the pot; increase heat to medium, add shredded cheddar cheese and nutmeg, then stir until melted.
Taste the soup for seasonings and adjust accordingly.
Remove from heat. Garnish with previously prepared bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, if using, and chives, and serve.
Broth: I used low-sodium chicken broth in this soup, but you can use whatever broth you like or have on hand, including vegetable broth, bone broth, etc.
Roasting: For a deeper flavor, roast the cauliflower florets before adding them to the soup.
Texture: Adjust the thickness of the soup with broth or cream to reach the desired consistency.
Cheese: Experiment with other cheeses like, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or smoked gouda.
Vegetarian or Vegan Soup: If you'd like a vegetarian soup, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the bacon. Use plant-based milk, omit bacon, and choose vegan cheese for a vegan option.
Spice it Up: Add a diced jalapeño or garnish with red pepper flakes to add heat.
Add More Veggies: Consider sauteeing the onions and carrots with some diced celery and bell peppers.
Protein: Stir in a couple of handfuls of pre-cooked shredded chicken.
Flavor Twist: Try adding curry powder or turmeric.
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.