The Ultimate Creamy Bacon Soup: A Hearty & Flavorful Comfort Food for All Seasons
Bacon lovers, prepare to be delighted! My Creamy Bacon Soup recipe is poised to become your new favorite comfort food, a dish you’ll crave year-round. This indulgent soup is perfect for a variety of occasions – whether you’re seeking an easy weeknight dinner, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for tailgates, or a deeply warming meal on a chilly evening. It masterfully combines the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon, the tender embrace of aromatic vegetables, and a luxurious, velvety blend of rich cream and sharp cheddar cheese. This intensely flavorful and satisfying soup is destined to be a staple that your friends and family will request again and again, cementing its place as a cherished recipe in your culinary collection.
There’s simply no denying it: bacon makes everything better. Its smoky, savory, and perfectly salty crunch adds an unparalleled layer of flavor to almost any dish, and this soup is no exception. I’ll gladly admit that I’m often caught “sampling” pieces of crispy bacon straight from the pan while cooking, which is why I often find myself cooking not one, but two packages! And on the rare occasion there are any leftovers, you can bet I’ll be savoring them in a delightful BLT the very next day for lunch.
It might be August, but the thought of cozy winter days and the arrival of soup season is always just around the corner. Nothing brings more comfort than a delicious, hearty soup, and this creamy bacon creation is one you’ll want to keep firmly in your recipe repertoire. Its rich flavors and comforting texture make it an ideal choice for any time of year, transforming ordinary meals into extraordinary experiences.
This post is sponsored by Iowa Pork, but my opinions and my lifelong love of pork recipes and Iowa Pork are entirely my own.
Why This Creamy Bacon Soup is a Must-Try
If you’re on the hunt for truly delicious and easy weeknight recipes, be sure to bookmark this post! This creamy bacon soup delivers pure comfort in every spoonful. The combination of freshly cooked, salty bacon with rich heavy cream, tangy sour cream, and savory cheddar cheese creates a flavor profile that is both decadent and deeply satisfying. It’s an elevated take on classic comfort, designed to warm you from the inside out. Served alongside some crusty bread for dipping and a crisp green salad, it transforms into a complete and unforgettable meal. This recipe is an absolute gem for expanding your soup repertoire with something truly special.
Effortless & Delectable: Your Go-To Bacon Soup
This recipe truly exemplifies how easy and incredibly tasty a homemade soup can be. It’s perfect to enjoy throughout the entire year, utilizing everyday ingredients to create a hearty and super satisfying dish. Don’t hesitate to customize it to your liking: add more of your favorite vegetables, experiment with different cheeses, or even toss in some spices to make it uniquely your own. This adaptability ensures that the soup always feels fresh and exciting, no matter how many times you make it.
If you adore this creamy bacon soup, you’re bound to fall in love with these other delicious and hearty soup recipes from my collection: Creamy Potato Soup, Ham & Bean Soup, Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Cream of Celery Soup, or this intriguing Creamy Cabbage and Bleu Cheese Soup. Each offers a unique comforting experience!
The Magic of Bacon in Every Spoonful
That fresh, crisp, salty bacon truly has a magical way of elevating everything it touches. Don’t you agree? Its irresistible texture and deep umami flavor are what make this soup so incredibly yummy, savory, and creamy. It’s perfectly suited for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal, an impressive addition to a weekend brunch spread, or even a hearty and comforting weekday lunch. This soup is also an excellent candidate for meal prep; it holds up beautifully in the refrigerator for a few days. For maximum convenience, consider making a double batch and freezing half, ensuring you always have a delicious, homemade meal ready to go whenever a craving strikes.
Key Ingredients for Your Perfect Creamy Bacon Soup
For a comprehensive list of ingredients and detailed instructions, please scroll to the bottom of this post where you’ll find the full printable recipe card. Below is a breakdown of the star ingredients and what they bring to this incredible soup:
- Bacon: The undisputed hero ingredient! You’ll need high-quality, cooked real bacon, along with its precious drippings, to infuse the soup with that essential, fabulous bacon flavor. I highly recommend reaching for a package of thick-cut bacon for the best texture and flavor.
- Butter: Essential for sautéing our aromatics. You can use either salted or unsalted butter; just be mindful to adjust the amount of added salt accordingly, keeping in mind that the bacon also contributes a significant saltiness.
- Celery: Diced celery brings a subtle earthiness and a delightful, tender texture to the soup, complementing the other vegetables beautifully.
- Onion: Any type of onion will deeply enhance the overall flavor profile of the soup. Feel free to use a white onion, yellow onion, or even a red onion. My personal preference, however, is always a sweet onion for its mildness and sweetness.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the absolute best and most potent garlic flavor. However, if fresh isn’t readily available, jarred minced garlic will work in a pinch.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is used here to create a roux, effectively thickening the soup to that desired creamy consistency. For those seeking a gluten-free option, you can easily substitute wheat flour or a good quality gluten-free flour blend.
- Chicken Stock: This forms the flavorful base of our broth. You have the flexibility to use either low-sodium or regular chicken stock, depending on your dietary preferences. For variations, vegetable stock, pork stock, or even beef stock will also yield excellent results; simply use what you have on hand.
- Sour Cream: Full-fat sour cream is key to adding a deeply rich, tangy, and savory flavor to this creamy soup. While full-fat is recommended for optimal creaminess, a low-fat version can be used if preferred.
- Heavy Cream: The heavy cream is crucial for achieving that incredibly smooth, silky, and luxurious texture, contributing significantly to the soup’s overall creamy mouthfeel.
- Cheddar: I’ve opted for mild cheddar cheese, freshly shredded, to melt into the soup, imparting a wonderfully cheesy depth and a beautiful, cohesive texture. Freshly grated cheese melts much better than pre-shredded.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors. Remember to add them to taste, taking into account the saltiness from the bacon and stock.
- Green Onions: Sliced green onions are the perfect garnish, adding a fresh, mild onion flavor and a vibrant pop of color to the finished dish.
Continue reading to discover valuable tips, clever tricks, potential substitutions, and answers to common questions you might have about preparing this irresistible creamy bacon soup.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cheesy Cream of Bacon Soup
This incredibly flavorful and creamy soup comes together surprisingly quickly and easily. Follow these simple steps for a truly rewarding culinary experience:
Begin by placing your chosen bacon in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot. Cook the bacon over medium heat until it renders its fat and becomes perfectly crispy. Once cooked, remove the crispy bacon from the pot with a slotted spoon and place it on a plate lined with a paper towel to drain excess grease. Allow the bacon to cool completely, then crumble it into small pieces and set aside for later.
Carefully reserve 2-3 tablespoons of the rendered bacon grease in the Dutch oven, as this will add a foundational smoky flavor to our soup. Drain off any remaining grease, and then, using a paper towel, carefully wipe the bottom of the pan clean to prevent any burnt bits from affecting the flavor of your soup.
Return the Dutch oven with the reserved bacon grease to medium heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the diced onion, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté these aromatic vegetables, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and softened, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the top of the sautéed vegetables. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flour to cook out and create a light roux. This step is crucial for thickening the soup and ensuring a smooth texture. Next, gradually pour in the chicken stock, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for approximately 10 minutes, or until the celery reaches your desired level of tenderness. The soup will also begin to thicken during this time.
Reduce the stove heat to low. Gently whisk in the heavy cream and sour cream until thoroughly combined. It’s important to add the dairy on low heat to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth consistency.
Stir in a little more than half of your shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into the warm soup and create a luscious, cheesy base. Reserve the remaining cheese for serving as a delightful topping.
Finally, gently fold in the crumbled, chopped bacon. This ensures that the bacon retains some of its texture and its smoky flavor is perfectly distributed throughout the soup.
Serve your magnificent creamy bacon soup hot, generously topped with additional shredded cheddar cheese, fresh sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness, and plenty of crusty bread perfect for dipping! This soup is truly a meal in itself, but these garnishes and accompaniments elevate the experience.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Any delicious leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, maintaining their wonderful flavor. For longer storage, you can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the frozen soup in the fridge overnight. Then, gently reheat it over the stove on low heat, stirring occasionally, or warm it in the microwave in a covered, microwave-safe bowl to prevent splattering and ensure even heating. Enjoy your creamy bacon soup whenever the craving strikes!
Love It? Pin It!
If you’re as enamored with this creamy bacon soup as I am, make sure it never gets lost! Pin this delectable recipe to your favorite Pinterest recipe board right now so you can easily find it whenever you’re ready to whip up a batch!
Creative Substitutions for Your Creamy Bacon Soup
Remember that when it comes to making substitutions in recipes, there’s no need to be afraid to get creative! Feel empowered to use ingredients that truly suit your personal taste, dietary preferences, or simply what you have available in your pantry. Make this soup truly your own!
- If you find yourself without fresh garlic, garlic powder is an acceptable substitute. Start with about ½ teaspoon and add up to a full teaspoon, depending on how pronounced you like your garlic flavor.
- Instead of butter, you can use a drizzle of olive oil or any neutral vegetable oil to sauté the vegetables. This can be a good option if you’re looking to slightly reduce the dairy content or prefer a different fat source.
- Any flavor of broth can be used in place of chicken broth. Vegetable broth will make the soup more vegetarian-friendly (if you omit bacon or use a plant-based alternative), while beef or pork broth will deepen the savory, meaty notes.
- Feel free to use your favorite cheese or whatever cheese you have on hand in place of the mild cheddar. Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a smoked Gouda would offer delicious variations.
- Substitute the onion with finely chopped leeks for a milder, slightly sweeter onion flavor profile. Make sure to clean leeks thoroughly as they can hold dirt.
- To transform this into a heartier, more substantial meal, make a creamy bacon potato soup by adding diced russet or Yukon Gold potatoes in with the onion and celery. They will soften beautifully as the soup simmers.
- For those who enjoy a little heat, spice things up by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the soup.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Bacon Soup
- Is cream of bacon soup a real thing? Absolutely! This recipe is living proof. It’s the epitome of a creamy, silky-smooth soup bursting with a distinctive and deeply satisfying bacon flavor. It’s a gourmet twist on familiar comfort.
- What makes soup creamier? The secret to a truly creamy soup lies in using real cream, such as heavy cream, and often sour cream or yogurt, as we do in this recipe. Additionally, pureeing some or all of the vegetables with an immersion blender or food processor can help create a thicker and even smoother, more luxurious soup texture.
- Does Campbell’s make a cream of bacon soup? Yes, Campbell’s does offer a condensed cream of bacon soup. However, I personally prefer to bypass artificial flavors and create “cream of” soups from scratch using fresh, real ingredients for an authentic and superior taste experience.
- What is bacon soup made of? While variations exist, most bacon soups feature cooked bacon and a flavorful soup stock or broth as their base ingredients. Many also include aromatic vegetables like onion and celery. For creamy versions, dairy components such as heavy cream, sour cream, or even yogurt are incorporated to achieve that rich, velvety consistency.
Expert Tips & Tricks for the Best Creamy Bacon Soup
- To achieve an even smoother, restaurant-quality soup, consider pureeing the cooked vegetables into the broth using an immersion blender or a standard food processor. Do this *before* you stir in the crumbled bacon and shredded cheese to ensure uniform creaminess.
- If you have fresh herbs on hand, don’t hesitate to chop some up! A sprinkle of fresh chives, parsley, or thyme as a garnish will add an extra layer of fresh flavor and elevate the presentation of your soup beautifully.
- Running low on cooked bacon for garnish? A dusting of store-bought bacon bits (real bacon bits, not artificial ones) can serve as a convenient and flavorful alternative to add that final touch of bacon goodness.
Iowa Pork: A Legacy of Quality
It’s fascinating to know that approximately one-third of all the pork consumed in the United States originates from Iowa! This significant contribution highlights the state’s rich agricultural heritage and the dedication of its farming communities.
Whether you choose to purchase your pork from a large supermarket chain or a trusted local butcher, rest assured that you are directly supporting hard-working farm families across the nation. As the wife of a man who grew up on a farm in Earling, Iowa (pictured above), where his family proudly raised hogs and cultivated the land, I extend my heartfelt thanks for your support. To truly know these dedicated, hardworking individuals is to deeply appreciate them and their commitment to providing quality food.
Growing Up with the Goodness of Pork
While I didn’t have the experience of growing up on an Iowa farm like my husband did, pork was a frequent and cherished staple in my childhood home. My Mom’s Pork Chops and Mushroom Gravy stands out as one of my most beloved comfort foods from those younger years, a dish I still prepare regularly for my own family today. Little do they know, while they are relishing these delicious pork recipes, I am also appreciating Pork’s impressive nutritional value, making it a wholesome choice for any meal.
You should witness the genuine smile that spreads across my son’s face when I announce that breaded pork cutlets are on the dinner menu! I cherish these meals not only because they are incredibly delicious but also because they are wonderfully economical to prepare, proving that wholesome, satisfying food doesn’t have to break the bank.
More Irresistible Bacon Recipes to Love
If you’re eager to explore more soups featuring the delightful flavor of bacon, you’ll absolutely love these hearty options: Instant Pot Loaded Baked Potato Soup, Zuppa Toscana, and our comforting Green Bean, and Bacon Soup (pictured above). Beyond soups, if you’re searching for other appetizers that feature bacon, these BBQ Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts are a fantastic choice. You might also enjoy this savory Sauerkraut Bacon and Swiss Cheese Ball, the unique Savory Pumpkin Cheese Dip With Bacon, or the elegant Bacon and Cheese Phyllo Wrapped Asparagus. Each recipe highlights the incredible versatility and irresistible appeal of bacon!
Be sure to follow along with Iowa Pork on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter for an abundance of delicious pork recipes and inspiration throughout the year!
You can discover all of my favorite pork recipes right here.
So, the next time you’re yearning for a bowl of ultimate comfort, consider setting aside the traditional chicken noodle soup and instead whip up a batch of this truly exceptional Creamy Bacon Soup. I wholeheartedly guarantee that the combination of farm-fresh cream, the deep smoky flavor of perfectly cooked bacon, and its lusciously smooth texture will elevate this to one of your absolute favorite new recipes! It’s an experience that truly redefines comfort food.
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Print Recipe
Creamy Bacon Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound bacon + reserved bacon grease
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 3 stalks celery diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 large onion diced (about 2 cups)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup flour
- 32 ounces 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 8 ounces mild cheddar cheese shredded, divided
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Green onions sliced, for garnish
Instructions
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Place bacon in a Dutch oven and cook until crispy. Remove bacon and place on a paper towel-lined plate. When it cools off, crumble it. Set aside.
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Reserve 2-3 Tablespoons of bacon grease then drain the rest, and wipe the bottom of the pan clean.
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Return the bacon fat to the Dutch oven over medium heat and add in the butter. When it melts add in the onion, celery, and garlic. Saute until the onion is translucent.
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Sprinkle the flour over the top of the veggies and stir to coat.
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Pour in the stock, and simmer for about 10 minutes or until the celery is your desired tenderness.
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Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the cream and sour cream.
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Stir in a little more than half of the shredded cheddar cheese, reserving the rest for serving.
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Fold in the crumbled bacon.
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Serve hot topped with shredded cheddar, green onions, and crusty bread for dipping!