🥓 Creamy, Cheesy, Bacon-Loaded Soup: The Ultimate Bowl of Comfort
When the weather turns chilly or you're simply in need of some comfort, there’s nothing quite like a hot, steamy bowl of soup. But not just any soup—something that warms you to your core, fills your belly, and makes your soul sigh with contentment.
That’s where this Creamy, Cheesy, Bacon-Loaded Soup comes in. It’s a culinary hug: rich, savory, and loaded with layers of flavor. You get the creamy texture from milk and cream, sharp notes from aged cheddar cheese, a base of sautéed aromatics and vegetables, and the smoky, irresistible flavor of crisp bacon in every spoonful.
It’s a dish that feels luxurious but is actually incredibly easy to make with basic ingredients. And the best part? You can adapt it endlessly—add potatoes for heartiness, broccoli for some green, or even pasta for extra comfort.
Let’s get into the step-by-step recipe, followed by variations, storage tips, and everything you need to perfect this cozy masterpiece.
🍲 What Makes This Soup So Special?
This soup is special because it checks all the boxes:
-
Creamy: Thanks to heavy cream, milk, and sometimes even cream cheese.
-
Cheesy: Sharp cheddar or a mix of melty cheeses gives it richness and flavor.
-
Bacon-Loaded: Crispy bacon infuses both the soup and the topping with smoky goodness.
-
Hearty: Add-ins like potatoes, broccoli, or pasta can bulk it up.
-
Comforting: Every spoonful is warm, savory, and satisfying.
Whether you're curled up with a blanket or hosting guests, this soup is guaranteed to hit the spot.
🧾 Ingredients
Serves: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–45 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
🥓 For the Base:
-
1 pound bacon, chopped
-
1 small yellow onion, diced
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
-
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
-
2 cups chicken broth
-
2 cups whole milk
-
1 cup heavy cream
-
2 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced (optional for extra bulk)
-
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
🧀 For the Creamy Cheese Mixture:
-
2 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (reserve 1/2 cup for garnish)
-
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
-
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
-
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard (optional but enhances cheese flavor)
-
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
🌿 Optional Add-ins:
-
2 cups broccoli florets
-
1/2 cup corn kernels
-
1/2 teaspoon thyme or parsley, dried or fresh
-
1/4 cup green onions, for garnish
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
-
In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
-
Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave 2–3 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot and discard the rest.
-
This rendered fat will serve as the foundation of the soup’s flavor.
🧠 Tip: Don’t overcook the bacon—it should be crispy, not burnt. Lower the heat if needed.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
-
To the pot with bacon grease, add butter and melt over medium heat.
-
Add diced onions and sauté for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent.
-
Stir in garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
The bacon fat and butter combine to give the soup a deep, rich flavor that you’ll taste in every bite.
Step 3: Make the Roux
-
Sprinkle flour over the onion and garlic mixture.
-
Stir constantly for 2–3 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste. It should form a thick paste (this is your roux).
This step thickens your soup and gives it a creamy base that won't separate.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Simmer
-
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
-
Stir in the milk and heavy cream.
-
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer (not a boil), stirring frequently.
If you're adding potatoes, toss them in now and let them simmer for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender.
🧠 Tip: Keep the heat medium-low. High heat can cause milk and cream to curdle.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Seasonings
Once the base is smooth and slightly thickened:
-
Lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese until fully melted.
-
Gradually add in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly.
-
Add paprika, dry mustard, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to taste.
Stir gently until everything is melty and incorporated. The soup should be thick, cheesy, and rich.
Step 6: Add Bacon Back and Final Touches
-
Stir in most of the cooked bacon, saving some for garnish.
-
If using vegetables like broccoli or corn, add them now and simmer for 5–10 more minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or milk.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with:
-
Reserved cheddar cheese
-
Crispy bacon bits
-
Fresh green onions or parsley
-
A dash of smoked paprika for color
Serve with warm crusty bread, garlic toast, or a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate experience.
🧊 Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator:
-
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
-
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Freezer:
-
This soup freezes well, but leave out the potatoes and cheese if planning to freeze. Dairy can separate slightly.
-
Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
-
Reheat slowly and add fresh cheese when reheating.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Here are some tasty ways to round out your cheesy bacon soup:
-
Side salad with vinaigrette to cut the richness
-
Buttery biscuits or cheesy scones
-
Baked potatoes for an ultra-hearty dinner
-
Pickles or a tangy chutney to contrast flavors
🧂 Variations and Add-Ins
| Ingredient | How to Use |
|---|---|
| Potatoes | Dice and simmer until soft—turns this into a loaded baked potato soup |
| Broccoli | Add chopped florets toward the end of cooking |
| Corn | Stir in sweet corn for texture and color |
| Crispy Fried Onions | Sprinkle on top before serving |
| Hot Sauce | A few dashes can bring the heat |
| Pasta or Rice | Add cooked pasta for a creamy chowder vibe |
🧠 Tips for Success
-
Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents and doesn’t melt as smoothly.
-
Use full-fat dairy: This prevents curdling and gives the soup its signature creamy texture.
-
Don’t boil after adding cheese: High heat can cause separation.
-
Adjust thickness: Add more broth for a thinner soup or simmer longer to thicken.
📝 Recipe Summary
Creamy, Cheesy, Bacon-Loaded Soup
Ingredients:
-
Bacon, onions, garlic
-
Butter, flour
-
Broth, milk, cream
-
Cheese (cheddar + cream cheese)
-
Seasonings (paprika, mustard, cayenne, salt, pepper)
-
Optional: potatoes, broccoli, corn
Instructions:
-
Cook bacon until crispy.
-
Sauté onions and garlic in bacon fat + butter.
-
Make a roux with flour.
-
Add broth, milk, and cream—simmer.
-
Add cream cheese and cheddar—stir until melted.
-
Return bacon to the pot. Add any extras (veggies, seasonings).
-
Serve hot with garnishes.
❤️ Why You'll Love It
-
Indulgent and rich without being overcomplicated
-
Customizable based on what you have
-
Crowd-pleaser for family or guests
-
Freezer-friendly with a few tweaks
-
Perfect for pairing with bread, salad, or sandwiches
This soup is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. It wraps you up like a cozy blanket, fills your kitchen with the scent of home-cooked happiness, and satisfies every craving for warmth and flavor.
🥓 Creamy, Cheesy, Bacon-Loaded Soup: The Ultimate Bowl of Comfort
When the weather turns chilly or you're simply in need of some comfort, there’s nothing quite like a hot, steamy bowl of soup. But not just any soup—something that warms you to your core, fills your belly, and makes your soul sigh with contentment.
That’s where this Creamy, Cheesy, Bacon-Loaded Soup comes in. It’s a culinary hug: rich, savory, and loaded with layers of flavor. You get the creamy texture from milk and cream, sharp notes from aged cheddar cheese, a base of sautéed aromatics and vegetables, and the smoky, irresistible flavor of crisp bacon in every spoonful.
It’s a dish that feels luxurious but is actually incredibly easy to make with basic ingredients. And the best part? You can adapt it endlessly—add potatoes for heartiness, broccoli for some green, or even pasta for extra comfort.
Let’s get into the step-by-step recipe, followed by variations, storage tips, and everything you need to perfect this cozy masterpiece.
🍲 What Makes This Soup So Special?
This soup is special because it checks all the boxes:
-
Creamy: Thanks to heavy cream, milk, and sometimes even cream cheese.
-
Cheesy: Sharp cheddar or a mix of melty cheeses gives it richness and flavor.
-
Bacon-Loaded: Crispy bacon infuses both the soup and the topping with smoky goodness.
-
Hearty: Add-ins like potatoes, broccoli, or pasta can bulk it up.
-
Comforting: Every spoonful is warm, savory, and satisfying.
Whether you're curled up with a blanket or hosting guests, this soup is guaranteed to hit the spot.
🧾 Ingredients
Serves: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–45 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
🥓 For the Base:
-
1 pound bacon, chopped
-
1 small yellow onion, diced
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
-
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
-
2 cups chicken broth
-
2 cups whole milk
-
1 cup heavy cream
-
2 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced (optional for extra bulk)
-
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
🧀 For the Creamy Cheese Mixture:
-
2 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (reserve 1/2 cup for garnish)
-
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
-
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
-
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard (optional but enhances cheese flavor)
-
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
🌿 Optional Add-ins:
-
2 cups broccoli florets
-
1/2 cup corn kernels
-
1/2 teaspoon thyme or parsley, dried or fresh
-
1/4 cup green onions, for garnish
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
-
In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
-
Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave 2–3 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot and discard the rest.
-
This rendered fat will serve as the foundation of the soup’s flavor.
🧠 Tip: Don’t overcook the bacon—it should be crispy, not burnt. Lower the heat if needed.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
-
To the pot with bacon grease, add butter and melt over medium heat.
-
Add diced onions and sauté for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent.
-
Stir in garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
The bacon fat and butter combine to give the soup a deep, rich flavor that you’ll taste in every bite.
Step 3: Make the Roux
-
Sprinkle flour over the onion and garlic mixture.
-
Stir constantly for 2–3 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste. It should form a thick paste (this is your roux).
This step thickens your soup and gives it a creamy base that won't separate.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Simmer
-
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
-
Stir in the milk and heavy cream.
-
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer (not a boil), stirring frequently.
If you're adding potatoes, toss them in now and let them simmer for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender.
🧠 Tip: Keep the heat medium-low. High heat can cause milk and cream to curdle.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Seasonings
Once the base is smooth and slightly thickened:
-
Lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese until fully melted.
-
Gradually add in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly.
-
Add paprika, dry mustard, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to taste.
Stir gently until everything is melty and incorporated. The soup should be thick, cheesy, and rich.
Step 6: Add Bacon Back and Final Touches
-
Stir in most of the cooked bacon, saving some for garnish.
-
If using vegetables like broccoli or corn, add them now and simmer for 5–10 more minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or milk.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with:
-
Reserved cheddar cheese
-
Crispy bacon bits
-
Fresh green onions or parsley
-
A dash of smoked paprika for color
Serve with warm crusty bread, garlic toast, or a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate experience.
🧊 Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator:
-
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
-
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Freezer:
-
This soup freezes well, but leave out the potatoes and cheese if planning to freeze. Dairy can separate slightly.
-
Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
-
Reheat slowly and add fresh cheese when reheating.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Here are some tasty ways to round out your cheesy bacon soup:
-
Side salad with vinaigrette to cut the richness
-
Buttery biscuits or cheesy scones
-
Baked potatoes for an ultra-hearty dinner
-
Pickles or a tangy chutney to contrast flavors
🧂 Variations and Add-Ins
| Ingredient | How to Use |
|---|---|
| Potatoes | Dice and simmer until soft—turns this into a loaded baked potato soup |
| Broccoli | Add chopped florets toward the end of cooking |
| Corn | Stir in sweet corn for texture and color |
| Crispy Fried Onions | Sprinkle on top before serving |
| Hot Sauce | A few dashes can bring the heat |
| Pasta or Rice | Add cooked pasta for a creamy chowder vibe |
🧠 Tips for Success
-
Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents and doesn’t melt as smoothly.
-
Use full-fat dairy: This prevents curdling and gives the soup its signature creamy texture.
-
Don’t boil after adding cheese: High heat can cause separation.
-
Adjust thickness: Add more broth for a thinner soup or simmer longer to thicken.
📝 Recipe Summary
Creamy, Cheesy, Bacon-Loaded Soup
Ingredients:
-
Bacon, onions, garlic
-
Butter, flour
-
Broth, milk, cream
-
Cheese (cheddar + cream cheese)
-
Seasonings (paprika, mustard, cayenne, salt, pepper)
-
Optional: potatoes, broccoli, corn
Instructions:
-
Cook bacon until crispy.
-
Sauté onions and garlic in bacon fat + butter.
-
Make a roux with flour.
-
Add broth, milk, and cream—simmer.
-
Add cream cheese and cheddar—stir until melted.
-
Return bacon to the pot. Add any extras (veggies, seasonings).
-
Serve hot with garnishes.
❤️ Why You'll Love It
-
Indulgent and rich without being overcomplicated
-
Customizable based on what you have
-
Crowd-pleaser for family or guests
-
Freezer-friendly with a few tweaks
-
Perfect for pairing with bread, salad, or sandwiches
This soup is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. It wraps you up like a cozy blanket, fills your kitchen with the scent of home-cooked happiness, and satisfies every craving for warmth and flavor.
0 comments:
Post a Comment