Smoked ‘Cheddar’ Bacon Soup
Cozy Up with Smoked ‘Cheddar’ Bacon Soup: A Flavor Explosion!
Is there anything more comforting than a warm bowl of soup on a chilly evening? This isn’t just any soup; it’s our incredibly delicious Smoked ‘Cheddar’ Bacon Soup! We’ve taken the classic comfort of bacon and cheddar and elevated it with smoky flavors and a creamy, plant-based twist. Don’t let the ‘cheddar’ in the name fool you – this soup achieves that rich, cheesy flavor without any dairy! It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or even a special occasion.
This soup is surprisingly easy to make, coming together in under an hour. The secret? Roasting the squash brings out its natural sweetness, which perfectly complements the smoky bacon and paprika. Using a hand blender or high-powered blender ensures a velvety smooth texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.
What makes this soup special?
- Smoky Flavor: The combination of smoked bacon and smoked paprika creates a deep, satisfying smoky flavor that’s irresistible.
- Dairy-Free “Cheddar”: The creamy coconut milk and roasted squash create a surprisingly cheesy flavor without any dairy!
- Easy to Make: This soup comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Comfort Food at its Finest: Warm, creamy, and flavorful – this soup is pure comfort in a bowl.
Tips for the Best Smoked ‘Cheddar’ Bacon Soup:
- Bacon Quality Matters: Use high-quality smoked bacon for the best flavor. Thick-cut bacon is especially good.
- Roast the Squash: Don’t skip roasting the squash! It brings out its natural sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
- Blend it Smooth: For a truly velvety texture, blend the soup until completely smooth. If using a regular blender, work in batches.
- Garnish Generously: A sprinkle of crumbled bacon and fresh chives adds a beautiful finishing touch.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of squash? Yes! Butternut squash, acorn squash, or even pumpkin would work well in this recipe.
- Can I make this soup ahead of time? Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Is this soup gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
- Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth? Yes, vegetable broth will work just fine. It will slightly alter the flavor, but it will still be delicious.
- Can I make this soup vegan? Yes! Ensure your bacon is plant-based or omit it for a completely vegan soup.
Get ready to experience a bowl of pure comfort! This Smoked ‘Cheddar’ Bacon Soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!
Smoked ‘Cheddar’ Bacon Soup
Ingredients
- 16 oz Smoked Bacon
- 1 c Butter-Flavored Palm Shortening
- 1 medium Yellow Onion diced
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 8 c Roasted Squash cubed or pureed
- 4 c Chicken Broth (32 oz)
- 1 Tbs Smoked Paprika
- 2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 1 can Whole-Fat Coconut Milk
- Chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook bacon until crisp. I prefer to bake mine at 425f on parchment-lined cookie sheets. This has always proved to be the best way to achieve even results. Drain oil and allow to cool.
- In medium stock pot, warm palm shortening until melted. Add in onion and garlic, cooking until lightly caramelized. Stir in squash and cook until warm. Add in broth, paprika, salt and pepper. Bring to simmer over medium heat, cook for an additional 15 minutes.
- Puree soup by using hand blender or adding in small batches to your Vitamix or other blender. Return to pot. Crumble bacon into bits. Stir in ½ bacon and canned coconut milk, allow to cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Serve warm, using the remaining bacon and added chives for garnish.
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