When the fall season rolls around, there’s something magical about the smells and flavors that fill the air. The crispness in the air, the crunch of leaves underfoot, and the warm embrace of comfort food are all part of what makes autumn so special. Among the cozy dishes that come to mind, pumpkin soup stands out as a hearty, flavorful option. But this isn’t just any ordinary pumpkin soup-this one has a twist of savory, crispy bacon, adding a rich layer of depth that will make your taste buds dance.
Whether you’re serving it as a starter for Thanksgiving dinner or enjoying it as a cozy dinner on a chilly evening, this pumpkin soup recipe will surely become a fall favorite. Let’s dive into the details of this delicious creation, from the ingredients to the expert tips that will take it to the next level.
Pumpkin Soup With Bacon Recipe
This creamy, velvety pumpkin soup combines the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with the savory goodness of crispy bacon. With a touch of aromatics like onions, garlic, and thyme, it’s the perfect balance of flavors. The addition of cream and broth makes it rich and indulgent, while the bacon adds a satisfying crunch that complements the smooth texture of the soup.
Here’s How To Make It
Ingredients Needed
- 1 small pumpkin (about 2-3 lbs) – For the freshest flavor, choose a sugar pumpkin or any variety labeled as “pie pumpkin”. They’re naturally sweeter and ideal for soups.
- 6 slices of bacon – Bacon’s smoky, crispy texture contrasts beautifully with the smooth soup.
- 1 large onion, diced – Adds depth and a mild sweetness when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Brings an aromatic, savory punch to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves – Thyme adds an earthy, slightly peppery flavor that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version) – This will serve as the base of your soup, providing richness without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1 cup heavy cream – This will make the soup luxuriously creamy and smooth.
- Salt and pepper – To taste, for seasoning.
- Olive oil – For sautéing the vegetables and bacon.
- Optional: A pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon – These warm spices can be added for a more aromatic, festive twist.
Cooking Instructions
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Prepare The Pumpkin
- Cut the pumpkin in half and scoop out the seeds and stringy bits. You can roast the pumpkin seeds later if you like! Then, cut the flesh into chunks.
- Roast the pumpkin at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes or until soft. This will bring out its natural sweetness. Alternatively, you can also cook it in a pot of boiling water until soft, but roasting enhances the flavor.
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Cook The Bacon
- While the pumpkin roasts, heat a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the bacon slices and cook until crispy, about 7-8 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon and set aside on a paper towel to drain.
- Once cooled, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
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Sauté The Aromatics
- In the same pot with the bacon grease (or add a little olive oil if needed), sauté the diced onion until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and fresh thyme and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Make The Soup
- Add the roasted pumpkin chunks to the pot with the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir everything together, and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 15 minutes, allowing the pumpkin to soften and absorb the flavors.
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Blend The Soup
- Once the pumpkin is tender, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.
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Finish With Cream And Seasoning
- Return the soup to a gentle heat and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to thicken and combine the flavors.
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Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the crumbled bacon. You can also add a drizzle of cream or a few sprigs of fresh thyme for extra flair.
Ingredient Insights
- Pumpkin: Not just a symbol of fall, pumpkin is packed with beta-carotene, which gives it its vibrant color. It’s also a good source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. Choosing a sugar pumpkin over a carving pumpkin will result in a much smoother, sweeter texture in your soup.
- Bacon: Bacon doesn’t just add flavor; it contributes texture and saltiness that balances the sweetness of the pumpkin. It’s a savory touch that takes this soup from basic to extraordinary. Plus, the rendered bacon fat helps sauté the vegetables, making them even more flavorful.
- Thyme: Thyme is a classic herb for autumn dishes. It’s warm, earthy, and works well with pumpkin’s natural sweetness. Plus, it pairs perfectly with the bacon, creating a flavor profile that feels both rustic and refined.
- Heavy Cream: The cream adds that silky texture that makes the soup feel luxurious. It’s a great contrast to the crunchy bacon and the smooth pumpkin base. For a lighter version, you could swap it for coconut cream, which will also lend a slightly sweet, tropical twist to the soup.
Expert Tips
- Blending the Soup: If you’re after an ultra-smooth texture, strain the soup through a fine mesh sieve after blending to remove any remaining bits of pumpkin. This step is optional but will give your soup a velvety finish.
- Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thinner soup, you can always add extra broth or a bit more cream. Conversely, if you’d like a thicker consistency, let the soup simmer for a bit longer.
- Make It Ahead: This soup actually gets better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently and add a little more cream if needed to refresh the texture.
- For Extra Bacon Flavor: Don’t discard the bacon grease! It’s packed with flavor and can be used to sauté the onions and garlic, enhancing the overall taste of the soup.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Kick: If you’re a fan of heat, add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper when you sauté the onions and garlic. It will give the soup a nice spicy contrast to the sweetness of the pumpkin.
- Vegan Version: To make this soup vegan, swap the bacon for crispy fried chickpeas or tempeh, and replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.
- Herb Variations: While thyme is a classic choice, you could try using sage, rosemary, or even a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg for a more festive, spiced version.
- Roasted Garlic: For an even deeper flavor, roast the garlic cloves with the pumpkin and blend them into the soup. It adds a rich, caramelized flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Final Words
This pumpkin soup with bacon recipe combines everything we love about fall: comfort, warmth, and a touch of indulgence. The combination of sweet, roasted pumpkin and smoky bacon creates a perfect harmony of flavors. Whether you’re preparing this for a family dinner or as a solo meal to warm up on a crisp evening, this soup is sure to hit the spot.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For A Pumpkin Soup With Bacon Recipe?
You will need pumpkin (fresh or canned), bacon, onions, garlic, vegetable broth, heavy cream, olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional seasonings such as thyme or sage.
Can I Use Canned Pumpkin For The Soup?
Yes, canned pumpkin is a great time-saver. Just make sure to choose 100% pure pumpkin without added spices or sugar.
How Do I Prepare The Pumpkin For The Soup?
If using fresh pumpkin, peel it, remove the seeds, and cut it into cubes. You can roast the pumpkin beforehand for a deeper flavor or cook it directly in the soup.
How Do I Make The Soup Creamy?
To achieve a creamy texture, add heavy cream or coconut milk to the soup after blending. You can also use a hand blender to purée the soup directly in the pot for a smoother consistency.
Can I Use Other Types Of Meat Instead Of Bacon?
Yes, you can substitute bacon with pancetta, sausage, or smoked turkey for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Make The Bacon Crispy For This Recipe?
To make crispy bacon, cook it in a skillet over medium heat until it turns golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble or chop into pieces before adding it to the soup.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead Of Time?
Yes, pumpkin soup with bacon can be made ahead of time. In fact, the flavors often improve after a day in the fridge. Just store it in an airtight container, and reheat before serving.
What Are Some Ways To Garnish The Pumpkin Soup?
You can garnish the soup with crispy bacon, fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme), a swirl of cream, roasted pumpkin seeds, or a drizzle of olive oil for added richness.
How Do I Thicken The Soup If It’s Too Runny?
If the soup is too thin, you can simmer it longer to reduce the liquid or add a thickening agent like cornstarch or mashed potatoes. Blending the soup can also help achieve a thicker consistency.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can make the soup vegetarian by omitting the bacon and replacing the broth with a vegetable-based stock. You can also add some roasted vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes for additional flavor.