Bacon And Pea Soup Recipe

Let’s dive into a recipe that’s not only heartwarming but also bursting with flavors-the savory, creamy Bacon and Pea Soup. Imagine the smokiness of crispy bacon mingling with the sweetness of tender peas, all enveloped in a velvety broth. It’s the kind of dish that works as a cozy weeknight dinner or even a crowd-pleaser at a casual get-together. The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity, making it a fantastic comfort food with a gourmet twist. Plus, it’s flexible! Whether you want to make it lighter or pack it with extra flavor, there’s always room for customization.

In this post, I’m going to guide you step by step through creating this beautiful soup, from ingredients to cooking techniques, while sprinkling in some expert tips and variations you can try to make this dish truly your own.

This recipe is all about balance-the savory richness of bacon, the sweet creaminess of peas, and the subtle warmth of broth. And you know what makes it even better? It’s quick to prepare and doesn’t require any fancy equipment. Grab a pot, some basic ingredients, and you’re all set to make a meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s the shopping list you’ll need to get started. You likely already have most of these staples in your pantry or fridge, which is one of the reasons this soup is so great-it’s easy, affordable, and doesn’t require much in terms of ingredients.

Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for the best crispy texture and rich flavor. The fat it renders is also key to flavoring the soup.
Frozen peas: Fresh peas are a treat, but frozen peas work wonderfully and are much more accessible year-round. They bring that perfect sweet flavor without too much effort.
Yellow onion: A nice base to the soup, adding depth and sweetness as it softens.
Garlic: For that aromatic punch that pairs so well with the bacon.
Carrot: A mild, sweet vegetable that adds a bit of texture and color to the soup.
Chicken broth: Or vegetable broth if you’re aiming for a lighter version or vegetarian alternative.
Heavy cream: This is what gives the soup its luscious, smooth texture. If you’re trying to cut calories, you can swap this with a lighter cream or even milk.
Olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables if you don’t want to use too much bacon fat.
Salt and pepper: Season to taste, but don’t be shy-bacon can be salty, so keep tasting!
Fresh herbs (optional): A sprig of thyme or parsley can brighten up the flavor at the end of cooking.

Cooking Instructions

Let’s break this down step by step for an easy, foolproof approach to creating your bacon and pea soup.

Prepare The Bacon
- Cut the bacon into small pieces (about 1-inch). Heat a large pot over medium heat and cook the bacon pieces until they’re crispy, around 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, but don’t discard the bacon fat in the pot-it’s packed with flavor!
Sauté The Veggies
- In the same pot, add a little bit of olive oil if needed (depending on how much fat was rendered from the bacon). Toss in the diced onions and carrots. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent, and the carrots begin to soften.
Add Garlic And Seasoning
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Simmer The Soup
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and add the frozen peas. Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes until the peas are tender and the carrots are fully cooked.
Blend It
- For a smooth, creamy texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup right in the pot. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer it in batches to a regular blender. Blend until the soup reaches your desired consistency-some like it silky, while others enjoy a bit more texture.
Finish The Soup
- Stir in the heavy cream, and check the seasoning again. Add more salt and pepper if needed. If the soup is too thick, you can add a splash of water or broth to thin it out.
Serve
- Pour the soup into bowls and top with the crispy bacon you set aside earlier. You can also sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Ingredient Insights

Bacon: While bacon is undeniably delicious, it’s also packed with fats, which makes it an excellent flavor enhancer. The key is to render it down and use the fat as a base for sautéing the vegetables-it adds a layer of complexity that’s hard to replicate. And as you crisp it up, it provides that irresistible crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup.
Frozen peas: Frozen peas are perfect in this recipe because they hold their sweet flavor and tender texture even after cooking. They’re also much easier to work with than fresh peas, which often require shelling and may not be as readily available.
Heavy cream: Cream gives this soup its luxurious texture. If you want to lighten it up, you can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk, but I recommend the cream for that rich, silky feel.

Expert Tips

Perfecting the bacon crisp: Make sure to cook your bacon on medium heat-too high, and it can burn quickly. You’re aiming for crispy but not burnt. This gives you the best texture and flavor.
Flavor boost: Add a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the soup. This works especially well if the soup feels a bit too rich and needs a pop of acidity.
Herb enhancement: While thyme and parsley are great, you could also experiment with a bay leaf during simmering or a dash of dried oregano for an earthy kick. Just remember to remove the bay leaf before serving!
Vegetarian option: To make this soup vegetarian, omit the bacon and use a plant-based fat like olive oil. You could also add smoked paprika to bring a smoky flavor in place of the bacon.
For a chunkier texture: If you prefer a chunky soup, don’t blend the entire pot. Instead, reserve some of the peas and vegetables, and blend just part of the mixture. This gives you a balance of creamy and chunky.

Recipe Variations

Add potatoes: For a heartier version, include small diced potatoes. They’ll help thicken the soup and make it more filling.
Spicy kick: If you like a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño when you sauté the garlic.
Cheesy goodness: Stir in some grated Parmesan or cheddar for a cheesy version of the soup. The cheese will melt into the broth, giving it a rich, indulgent flavor.

Final Words

Bacon and pea soup is one of those dishes that feels both indulgent and wholesome at the same time. It’s comforting and nourishing, with the smokiness of bacon balancing out the sweetness of peas. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or as part of a larger spread, it’s bound to please even the pickiest of eaters.

And while it’s simple in its ingredients, the end result is far from basic. Each spoonful is packed with flavors that build on one another, creating a truly satisfying meal. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or get creative with your own variations, this soup is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.

Bacon And Pea Soup Recipe