Description
Creamy bacon asparagus soup delivers a luxurious blend of smoky and fresh flavors that dance across your palate. Hearty ingredients combine into a comforting bowl perfect for warming spring evenings when you crave something nourishing and elegant.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 strips bacon, chopped
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Supporting Ingredients:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and crisp the bacon, stirring occasionally until golden brown. Transfer bacon to a paper towel, reserving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Using the same pot, sauté diced onions in bacon fat for 5 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, releasing its aromatic essence.
- Introduce asparagus pieces to the pot, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and develop a vibrant green color.
- Pour chicken or vegetable broth into the pot, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing asparagus to become tender and infuse the broth with flavor.
- Incorporate heavy cream and Dijon mustard, stirring thoroughly to create a smooth, unified base.
- Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, whisking continuously to ensure a silky, even melt without any lumps.
- Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Ladle the soup into serving bowls, topping with reserved crispy bacon pieces and optional fresh parsley for a final flourish of flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- Select thick, fresh asparagus spears for the best texture and flavor, avoiding any limp or discolored stalks.
- Chop bacon into uniform pieces to ensure even crispiness and consistent flavor distribution throughout the soup.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense, robust flavor that complements the asparagus and bacon perfectly.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, and use turkey bacon to reduce overall fat content.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 348
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg