Butternut Squash Soup with Bacon is my go-to appetizer for impressing guests. Its rich, savory taste satisfies every palate. The crisp bacon complements the sweet squash wonderfully.
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Butternut squash soup with bacon recipe
Butternut squash soup with bacon is a comforting and flavorful dish. It showcases the natural sweetness of butternut squash. The savory richness of bacon enhances this sweetness.
This soup is popular in fall and winter. Its warming qualities and hearty ingredients appeal to many. It offers a harmonious blend of the squash’s sweetness, the salty bacon’s savory, and the creamy flavors.
This comforting soup delivers a satisfying experience. Here’s how to make the butternut squash soup with bacon:
Butternut Squash Soup with Bacon
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash peeled and cubed
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 slices bacon chopped
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg optional
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
- Add olive oil to the pot, then sauté the diced onion and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the cubed butternut squash to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the broth, bring to a simmer, and cook until the squash is tender, about 20 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Stir in the heavy cream, nutmeg (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Heat through.
- Serve the soup in bowls, topping with the crispy bacon and a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley.
Nutrition
Pairing suggestions
Drinks
These drink pairings will enhance your dining experience:
- Non-Alcoholic Choices
- Warm apple cider contrasts the soup’s savoriness.
- Herbal tea cleanses the palate gently.
- Sparkling water with lemon offers a refreshing accompaniment.
- Wine Pairings
- Chardonnay complements the creamy soup.
- Pinot Noir contrasts the squash’s sweetness and the bacon’s smokiness.
- Sauvignon Blanc balances the soup’s richness.
- Beer Options
- Amber Ale enhances roasted squash and bacon flavors.
- Brown Ale pairs with the soup’s sweetness.
- Pumpkin Ale enhances autumn flavors.
Food pairings
Butternut squash soup with bacon pairs well with various accompaniments.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
- Grilled cheese sandwiches complement creamy soup.
- Melty cheese adds a satisfying texture contrast.
- Salads:
- Greek salad balances the richness of the soup. Fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta provide a refreshing touch.
- Fall harvest salad enhances the autumnal flavor. Apples and nuts add seasonal depth to the dish.
- Crusty Bread:
- Sourdough bread adds a hearty element to the meal.
- French bread works perfectly for dipping in soup.
- Garlic bread enhances the soup’s natural sweetness. Its garlic flavor provides extra depth.
- Roasted Vegetables add nutrients and texture to the meal. Seasonal vegetables complete the dish with variety.
- Cheese Board serve as delightful appetizers before soup. Cheeses, nuts, and fruits create a balanced starter.
- Pasta Dishes pair well with soup without overpowering it.
Variations
There are several delicious variations of non-roasted butternut squash soup with bacon that you can try.
- Butternut Squash Soup with Bacon and Pecans: This soup incorporates apples for sweetness and pecans for crunch.
- Blend the soup until smooth.
- Finish with crispy bacon and toasted pecans.
- Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Rosemary provides a herbal note.
- Puree the soup until smooth.
- Roast the squash for enhanced flavor.
- Cook thick-cut bacon until crispy for texture.
- Bacon, Sherry, and Thyme Addition
- Simmer the soup with caramelized onions.
Finish with cream for a luxurious texture.
- Simmer the soup with caramelized onions.
- Silky Smooth Version: This soup delivers comfort with a creamy texture. It excludes sweeteners and complex flavors. It uses simple ingredients like butternut squash, diced bacon, onion, garlic, carrot, and red pepper.
- Vegetarian Option
- Vegetarian soup omits bacon.
- Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
- Add smoked paprika to mimic bacon flavor.
