Description
Hearty “cheesy ranch soup with turkey bacon” brings comfort to your table with its rich, creamy blend of flavors. Warm, savory ingredients mingle together, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Dairy:
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 6 slices turkey bacon, chopped
Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning and Flavor:
- 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Render the turkey bacon in a spacious pot over medium heat until achieving a golden, crisp texture, approximately 5-6 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined surface using a slotted spoon, preserving the rendered fat.
- Utilize the existing bacon drippings, supplementing with olive oil if necessary. Introduce diced onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing until the vegetables soften and become translucent, roughly 4-5 minutes. Incorporate minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute to release aromatic flavors.
- Cascade chicken broth into the vegetable mixture, elevating the temperature to a gentle simmer. Introduce diced potatoes and allow them to cook until fork-tender, approximately 10-12 minutes.
- Whisk ranch seasoning into the simmering liquid, followed by heavy cream, creating a harmonious blend. Gradually fold in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously to ensure a smooth, velvety consistency without cheese clumping.
- Perform a flavor assessment, adjusting seasoning with salt and freshly ground pepper to suit your palate.
- Distribute the luxurious soup into serving vessels. Crown each portion with the previously crisped turkey bacon fragments. Optional: Sprinkle fresh parsley for a vibrant garnish. Accompany with rustic bread or crisp crackers for a complete dining experience.
Notes
- Swap turkey bacon with regular bacon or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences like vegetarian or halal diets.
- Use low-sodium broth and reduce added salt to control overall sodium content for heart-healthy meals.
- Consider adding Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to lower fat content while maintaining creamy texture.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like smoked gouda or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg