This Cheesy Bacon and Asparagus Soup is creamy, comforting, and full of flavor! With crispy bacon and tender asparagus, it’s a warm hug in a bowl—perfect for chilly days!
Honestly, who can resist crispy bacon? I often have to remind myself not to add too much! 😄 Serve this tasty soup with some crusty bread for a delightful meal.
What I love about this soup is how quick it is to make. Just chop, cook, and blend it all together. It’s a tasty dish that feels special without a lot of fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: The bacon adds a wonderful smoky flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon is a great substitute. It won’t be as crispy, but it still brings a nice taste. You can also skip it for a vegetarian version.
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus is key for that vibrant color and crunch. If it’s out of season, substitute with green beans or even frozen peas. They cook faster and will still lend a nice sweetness to the soup.
Heavy Cream: This makes the soup rich and creamy. If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free version, coconut cream or cashew cream works well and adds a unique flavor.
Dijon Mustard: It enhances the flavor with a bit of tang. If you don’t have it, yellow mustard can be used instead, but it will change the flavor slightly. A squeeze of lemon juice is also a good substitute for acidity.
How Do I Make Sure My Soup Is Creamy and Without Clumps?
To achieve that perfect creamy soup without clumps, there are a couple of techniques to follow. First, you want to ensure your cheese is added gradually and at low heat. This helps it melt smoothly.
- Keep the heat on low as you add the cheese, stirring constantly.
- Shred your cheese fresh instead of using pre-shredded. Fresh cheese melts easier and gives a better texture.
- If using cream, add it after the broth has simmered and not boiling to avoid curdling.
By following these steps, you’ll have a wonderfully creamy soup that’s packed with flavor!
How to Make Cheesy Bacon and Asparagus Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 6 strips of bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty soup will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook. So, in roughly 35 minutes, you’ll have a delicious and warming bowl of cheesy bacon and asparagus soup ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add the chopped bacon. Cook the bacon until it’s crispy, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once done, remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside on a paper towel, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In the same pot with the bacon fat, add the diced onion. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes or until it turns translucent. This adds a nice flavor to your soup! Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can smell its delightful aroma.
3. Add the Asparagus:
Now it’s time to add the asparagus pieces to your pot. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, just until they start to soften a bit. This step will enhance their flavor and texture in the soup.
4. Boil and Simmer:
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring everything to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This will help cook the asparagus until it’s tender and full of flavor.
5. Mix in Cream and Mustard:
After the asparagus has cooked, stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Mix well until everything is combined and creamy.
6. Add the Cheddar Cheese:
Time to make it cheesy! Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese to the soup, stirring continuously. This will help it melt smoothly, creating a luscious and creamy soup.
7. Season to Perfection:
Finally, season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot in bowls, garnished with the reserved crispy bacon on top. If you like, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor. Enjoy your delicious homemade cheesy bacon and asparagus soup!
Can I Use Frozen Asparagus for This Soup?
Yes, you can use frozen asparagus! Just make sure to thaw it first for even cooking. You can do this overnight in the fridge or by running it under cold water. Keep in mind that frozen asparagus may be a bit softer than fresh, so adjust cooking time accordingly.
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free version, consider using coconut milk or almond milk, but note that this may change the flavor slightly.
How to Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months; just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
What Can I Use Instead of Dijon Mustard?
If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can substitute it with yellow mustard or even a teaspoon of whole grain mustard for a different texture and flavor. If you’re avoiding mustard altogether, simply omit it, but you might miss out on some depth of flavor.
