Bacon, Mushroom & Swiss Cheese Soup

This Bacon, Mushroom & Swiss Cheese Soup is the ultimate comfort food. It combines the rich, savory flavors of crispy bacon, earthy mushrooms, and smooth Swiss cheese into a creamy, hearty soup that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a chilly evening or a delicious starter for your dinner, this soup will hit the spot. The bacon provides a crunchy texture and smoky flavor, while the mushrooms bring depth and earthiness. The creamy broth and melted Swiss cheese add richness and indulgence. It’s a delightful dish that will warm you from the inside out.

What makes this soup even better is how easy it is to prepare. In just 35 minutes, you can enjoy a bowl of creamy, cheesy goodness that’s perfect for a family dinner or impressing guests at a gathering. The best part? It’s customizable, allowing you to adjust the ingredients and seasonings to suit your taste. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to make a bowl of comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect Balance of Flavors

The combination of smoky bacon, savory mushrooms, and creamy Swiss cheese creates a delicious, well-rounded flavor that everyone will love.

2. Quick & Easy

This soup is simple to make and comes together in just 35 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

3. Creamy Texture

The heavy cream and Swiss cheese give the soup a silky, smooth texture that’s comforting and indulgent.

4. Customizable

You can adjust the amount of bacon, mushrooms, and cheese to suit your preferences. Add more bacon for extra crunch, or use different types of cheese for a unique twist.

5. Great for Any Occasion

Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or an appetizer, this soup is versatile and perfect for cozy dinners, holiday meals, or even casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

• Bacon
• Onion
• Mushrooms
• Garlic
• Flour
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Swiss cheese
• Salt and pepper
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Variations

1. Use Different Cheese: If you don’t have Swiss cheese, try Gruyère, cheddar, or even mozzarella for a different flavor.
2. Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative to make it dairy-free.
3. Add Herbs: Try adding thyme or rosemary for an extra layer of flavor.
4. Vegetarian Version: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth to make this soup vegetarian-friendly.
5. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

In a large pot, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pot.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Add chopped onion and sliced mushrooms to the pot with the bacon grease. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Stir in Flour

Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well. Cook for 1 minute to form a roux, which will thicken the soup.

Step 5: Add Chicken Broth

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 6: Simmer

Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 7: Add Cream and Cheese

Stir in the heavy cream and shredded Swiss cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.

Step 8: Season and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the soup hot, garnished with crispy bacon and chopped parsley.

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Use Fresh Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms will provide better texture and flavor than canned mushrooms.
2. Don’t Skip the Roux: The flour helps thicken the soup and create that velvety texture, so be sure to cook it for a minute before adding the broth.
3. Stir Constantly: When adding the chicken broth, stir constantly to avoid any lumps.
4. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
5. Garnish with Extra Bacon: For extra crunch, garnish the soup with additional crispy bacon and fresh parsley.

How to Serve

This Bacon, Mushroom & Swiss Cheese Soup is best served hot. You can pair it with a slice of crusty bread, a simple green salad, or even a side of roasted vegetables. It makes a great main dish for lunch or dinner, or a rich, flavorful appetizer to start off a meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Freezing

This soup can be frozen, though the texture of the cream may change slightly once thawed. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and heat on the stove over low heat.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a little more broth or cream to achieve your desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! You can substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyère, cheddar, or mozzarella for a different flavor.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

3. Can I make it without bacon?

Yes, you can omit the bacon and still have a delicious soup. Try adding more mushrooms or a bit of smoked paprika for added flavor.

4. How do I make the soup thicker?

If you want a thicker soup, you can add more flour during the roux step or reduce the soup by simmering it for longer.

5. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version, though the soup may not be as creamy.

6. Can I add vegetables to this soup?

Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, carrots, or celery for additional flavor and texture.

7. How can I make this soup spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to give the soup a spicy kick.

8. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, vegetable broth is a great substitute if you’re making a vegetarian version.

9. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

10. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze this soup, but the texture of the cream may change after freezing. Be sure to reheat gently.

Conclusion

This Bacon, Mushroom & Swiss Cheese Soup is a rich and satisfying meal that combines the smoky goodness of bacon with the earthy flavor of mushrooms and the creaminess of Swiss cheese. It’s perfect for cozy nights at home or serving to guests. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re looking for a comforting lunch, a hearty dinner, or a delicious appetizer, this soup has you covered!

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