Step 1

Place cauliflower florets, garlic, celery and onions in a large slow cooker.

Step 2

Pour in chicken broth and 2 cups water, then add thyme, rosemary and bay leaf, and season generously with salt and pepper.

Step 3

Cover slow cooker and cook on high for 1-2 hours (or on low for 3-4). Vegetables should be tender.

Step 4

Remove and discard bay leaf, then, working in batches, transfer soup to a large blender or food processor and pulse until desired consistency is reached. (Or use an immersion blender.)

Step 5

Return to slow cooker, and mix in heavy cream and 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, stirring until smooth.

Step 6

Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.

Step 7

Ladle soup into serving bowls and garnish with crumbled bacon, remaining cheddar cheese and fresh chives. Enjoy!