Tasty Bacon And Cheese Soup Recipe – A Refreshing Dish

Savor the rich fusion of bacon and cheese soup. Every spoonful brings a symphony of flavors. Crispy bacon tantalizes the palate. Melted cheese envelops the senses. It’s a dance of classic tastes. Comfort finds its way into every bowl. People crave it’s warm embrace. 

It’s a tale of two favorites merging as one. This soup doesn’t just warm the stomach. It ignites the soul. Dive into a world where bacon and cheese reign. Let the journey of taste begin. Your next favorite dish awaits. 

Welcome to the gourmet experience of bacon and cheese delight.

What Is Bacon And Cheese Soup?

Bacon and cheese soup is a rich, creamy concoction that melds the smoky and savory essence of bacon with the velvety texture of melted cheese. 

Often crafted with a base of broth or cream, this soup frequently features vegetables like onions and potatoes for added depth. 

Herbs and spices accentuate its flavors, creating a hearty dish. It is perfect for chilly days and offers warmth and comfort in every delightful spoonful.

Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients? 

Bacon and cheese soup can be adapted to fit various diets:

• Keto: Focus on high-fat, low-carb ingredients. Replace regular onions with green onions and use full-fat dairy.
• Paleo: Ditch dairy and processed ingredients. Use coconut milk as a creamy base and opt for uncured, sugar-free bacon.
• Gluten-Free: Naturally, this soup is gluten-free, but always check beef broth and bacon for hidden gluten or additives.
• Whole30: Use compliant bacon without added sugar, replace dairy with coconut milk, and ensure all spices and broths have no additives.
• Vegetarian: Swap bacon with smoked tempeh and beef broth with vegetable broth.
• Vegan: Besides the vegetarian swaps, use cashew cream or vegan cheese for creaminess.

Recipe Directions

• In a skillet, heat coconut oil; cook bacon until crispy—excellent, chop, set aside.
• In bacon fat, cook ground beef until browned. Add onions; cook 2-3 minutes.
• Transfer beef and onions to a stockpot. Add all ingredients except bacon, heavy cream, sour cream, and cheese. Cook for 25 minutes.
• Warm heavy cream. Stir into the soup with cheese.
• Serve topped with chopped bacon and sour cream.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings 

Variations

• Vegan: Use coconut milk, vegan cheese, and tempeh or mushroom bacon.
• Vegetarian: Opt for vegetable broth and add smoked tempeh as a bacon alternative.
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.

Add-Ons

• Vegetables: Incorporate carrots, celery, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
• Protein: Introduce chicken, turkey, or tofu for varied protein sources.
• Grains: Barley or rice can offer a heartier texture.

Toppings

• Herbs: Freshly chopped parsley, chives, or cilantro can enhance flavor and color.
• Cheeses: Experiment with blue cheese crumbles or Monterey Jack.
• Crunch: Top with croutons, breadcrumbs, or even flavored popcorn.
• Zest: A sprinkle of lemon or lime zest can add a refreshing twist.

Can I Make Bacon And Cheese Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

Slow Cooker

• Brown the bacon and beef in a skillet, then transfer to the slow cooker.
• Add all ingredients, excluding the heavy cream, sour cream, and cheese.
• Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
• Before serving, stir in warmed heavy cream and cheese until melted.

Instant Pot

• Use the “Sauté” function to cook the bacon and beef.
• Add the other ingredients minus the heavy cream, sour cream, and cheese.
• Seal and cook on the “Soup” setting for 25 minutes. Release pressure.
• Stir in warmed heavy cream and cheese until smooth.

Can I Use Store Bought Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?

Both store-bought and homemade broths have their merits:

Store-Bought Broth

• Convenience: Quick and ready to use, it’s a time-saver.
• Consistency: Provides a uniform flavor each time.
• Variety: Many types are available, from low-sodium to organic or bone broths.

Homemade Broth

• Flavor: Richer, deeper, and customizable to personal taste.
• Freshness: Made from fresh ingredients without preservatives.
• Economical: Utilize vegetable scraps or leftover bones.
• Nutrition: Extract natural minerals and collagen, especially from bones.

How To Serve?

Serving the Bacon and Cheese Soup to maximize its appeal involves presentation, accompaniments, and setting:

• Warm Bowls: Pre-warm bowls to ensure the soup retains its heat.
• Garnish: Top with crispy bacon bits, a dollop of sour cream, fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of cheese.
• Bread Pairing: Serve with crusty bread, garlic toast, or breadsticks for dipping.
• Salad Companion: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the soup’s richness.
• Portion Control: Use ladles to serve consistent amounts.
• Ambience: Enhance the dining experience with soft lighting and calm background music.
• Drink Pairing: Consider a glass of dry white wine or iced tea.
• Color Pop: Fresh herbs or colorful serving dishes elevate the presentation.

Perfect Side Dishes

• Crusty Bread: Ideal for soaking up the broth.
• Green Salad: Light greens with vinaigrette cut through the soup’s richness.
• Roasted Vegetables: Brings a caramelized flavor profile.
• Coleslaw: Adds a refreshing crunch.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Doubles down on cheesy goodness.
• Garlic Toast: Infuses an aromatic crunch.
• Quinoa Salad: Offers a light, protein-packed pairing.
• Steamed Asparagus: A slight bitterness balances the soup.
• Bruschetta: Tomato and basil freshness pairs beautifully.
• Pickled Veggies: Introduce tanginess to contrast the creamy soup.

Storage And Make Ahead

• Make Ahead: Prepare the soup base in advance, excluding any dairy or crispy bacon toppings. Store them separately.
• Storage: Cool the soup completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup base gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add dairy and crispy bacon just before serving to retain their flavors and textures.
• Cheese Maintenance: Store any additional cheese separately to prevent it from becoming overly melted.
• Garnish Fresh: Add freshly chopped chives or a drizzle of cream upon serving to enhance flavor and presentation.

What Can We Do With Leftovers? 

Leftover Bacon and Cheese Soup offers versatile options for repurposing:

• Reheat and Eat: The simplest option; enjoy it as soup again!
• Soup Base: Use as a flavorful base for new soup variants.
• Casserole Filling: Mix vegetables, pasta, or protein, then bake.
• Pasta Sauce: Thin slightly and toss with your favorite pasta.
• Pot Pie Filling: Encase in pie dough, then bake until golden.
• Stuffed Peppers: Fill bell peppers and bake.
• Bread Bowl: Serve inside a hollowed-out round loaf for an edible container.
• Risotto Base: Use in place of broth for a creamy risotto.
• Soup Dumplings: Encase in dumpling wrappers, steam, and enjoy.
• Freeze: For later use, freeze in portioned containers.

Tasty Bacon And Cheese Soup Recipe – A Refreshing Dish

5 from 4 votes

Recipe by Hanna Barnes Course: Soups u0026amp; Broths

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

35

minutes

Calories

386

kcal

Bacon and Cheese Soup combines the savory richness of crispy bacon with the creamy indulgence of melted cheddar. Every spoonful is a comforting blend of familiar flavors, perfect for warming up on a chilly day.

Ingredients

• 1 Pound 1 Lean Ground Beef

• 6 Slices 6 Uncured Bacon

• 1 Cups 1 Beef Broth

• 1 Cup 1 Heavy Cream

• 1 Cup 1 Shredded Cheddar Cheese

• 1 1 Yellow Onion, Chopped

• 1 Teaspoon 1 Garlic Powder

• 1/2 Teaspoon 1/2 Onion Powder

• 1/2 Teaspoon 1/2 Cumin

• 1/2 Teaspoon 1/2 Paprika

• 1/2 Cup 1/2 Sour Cream (For Serving)

• 1 Tablespoon 1 Coconut Oil (For Cooking)

Step-By-Step Directions

• Preparation Steps
  Prepare all your ingredients by gathering them in one place.
• Cooking
  Begin by heating the coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  Add the bacon slices, ensuring they’re evenly spread out. Cook until they attain a crispy texture.
  Remove the bacon and let it cool on a paper towel plate.
• Blending
  Once the bacon cools to a manageable temperature, chop it into small pieces—reserve for later.
• Cooking Continued
  Add lean ground beef to the leftover bacon fat in the skillet. Break it apart and cook until it’s completely browned.
  Toss in the chopped onions, letting them soften and become translucent, typically 2-3 minutes.
  Move this beef-onion mixture to a large stockpot. Combine with garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, and beef broth. Stir well. Allow the mixture to simmer for 25 minutes, ensuring the flavors meld.
• Final Touches
  In a separate pan, gently warm the heavy cream to prevent it from curdling when added to the hot soup.
  Stir the warmed cream into the stockpot, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese. Ensure it’s well incorporated and the cheese melts smoothly.
• Serving
  Ladle the soup into bowls.
  Garnish each with a generous sprinkle of the chopped crispy bacon.
  Finish with a dollop of sour cream for a creamy contrast.
• Additional Options
  Add some fresh chopped parsley or chives for color and flavor.
  Serve with crusty bread on the side for a complete meal.
• EQUIPMENT LIST
• Stockpot or Dutch Oven
• Skillet or Frying Pan
• Sharp Knife & Cutting Board
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula
• Blender or Immersion Blender
• Ladle
• Strainer
• Thermometer
• Airtight Containers

Notes

• Opt for organic ingredients to enhance the soup’s health profile.
• To reduce calorie content, consider skimmed milk or low-fat cheese alternatives.
• Add a dash of cayenne or crushed red pepper for a spicier kick.
• Soup consistency can be adjusted with broth or cream based on personal preference.
• Stale bread can be repurposed as croutons for an added crunchy topping.
• For a vegetarian twist, consider using vegetable broth and omitting beef.
• Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can be sprinkled on top for flavor.
• The soup is versatile and pairs well with various wines, especially white.
• Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
• Consider pairing it with a tangy salad to cut through the soup’s richness.

Nutrition Table 

• Author
• Recent Posts

Hanna Barnes

Hanna is a writer at Soup Chick. Yulia's website reignited her passion for crafting affordable, veggie-packed soups. She is certified by the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts and has expertise in healthy, baking, and vegan cuisine. With years of food blogging and collaborating with chefs, she offers a range of recipes on Soup Chick, from classic broths to the heavenly slow cooker chicken tortilla soup. Join her in creating flavorsome, wholesome soups in your kitchen!

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