BLT Soup Recipe

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a bowl of soup, and when you combine the rich, smoky flavor of bacon with the freshness of lettuce and the tanginess of tomatoes, you’ve got yourself a meal that’s both heartwarming and satisfying. Enter BLT Soup-a delightful twist on the classic BLT sandwich. This soup takes everything we love about the sandwich, from crispy bacon to creamy mayo, and transforms it into a smooth, rich, and flavorful bowl of deliciousness.

The beauty of BLT Soup lies in its simplicity. It’s the perfect choice for a cozy dinner on a chilly night or even a lunch that feels more indulgent than your average soup. The balance of salty, creamy, and fresh elements creates a complex, layered taste that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.

Let’s get into the recipe!

BLT Soup Recipe

A warm, hearty bowl of BLT Soup is just a few steps away. You’ll be amazed at how easily the classic sandwich flavors come together in a comforting, velvety soup. Let’s break it down:

Ingredients Needed

To make this BLT Soup, you’ll need some pantry staples, along with fresh ingredients that bring out the bold flavors of the BLT sandwich. Here’s your shopping list:

• Bacon (6-8 slices): The star of the show, bacon brings its irresistible smoky flavor to the soup. Make sure to use thick-cut bacon for the best texture and richness.
• Onion (1 medium): Adds a sweet, aromatic base to the soup. A yellow or white onion works best.
• Garlic (3-4 cloves): Garlic is essential for depth of flavor. It’s aromatic and savory-perfect for enhancing the taste of the soup.
• Tomatoes (4-5 large, ripe): Fresh tomatoes give the soup a juicy, tangy foundation. You can also use canned crushed tomatoes for convenience, but fresh will yield the best results.
• Vegetable or chicken broth (4 cups): This provides the liquid base of the soup. Chicken broth tends to give a slightly richer flavor, while vegetable broth offers a lighter, vegetarian option.
• Heavy cream (1 cup): This is what makes the soup creamy and smooth, balancing the tanginess of the tomatoes and the saltiness of the bacon.
• Lettuce (2 cups, shredded): Fresh lettuce adds that crisp, refreshing element you love in a BLT. Romaine or iceberg lettuce works well, but you can experiment with other types like butter lettuce.
• Olive oil (2 tbsp): Used to sauté the vegetables. You can also use butter for a richer flavor.
• Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning, as always. Start with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper and adjust according to your taste.
• Croutons or toasted bread (optional, for garnish): For that added crunch, you can serve the soup with croutons or a slice of toasted bread, reminiscent of the sandwich itself.
• Chives (optional, for garnish): These are perfect for adding a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of green on top.

Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s get into the actual cooking. Don’t worry-this is going to be easy, but you’re still going to end up with a rich, flavorful dish.

1. Cook The Bacon

   • In a large pot, heat a little bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crispy and browned. This should take around 6-8 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon, let it cool slightly, and crumble it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

2. Sauté The Aromatics

   • In the same pot (don’t discard that bacon grease-it’s gold!), add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until it’s soft and translucent. Add the garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

3. Add Tomatoes And Broth

   • Toss in your chopped fresh tomatoes (or crushed canned tomatoes if you’re in a pinch). Stir everything together and cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and release their juices.
   • Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes, so the flavors can meld together.

4. Blend The Soup

   • Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, or transfer it to a blender in batches. Once pureed, return it to the pot if you used a blender.

5. Finish With Cream And Lettuce

   • Stir in the heavy cream, adjusting the texture to your liking. The cream will give it that velvety richness that you expect from a soup. Next, fold in the shredded lettuce, which will wilt slightly but still maintain some of its freshness.

6. Season To Taste

   • Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.

7. Serve

   • Ladle the soup into bowls, and top with the crumbled bacon and a sprinkle of chives. You can also add a few croutons or a slice of toasted bread on the side to complete the experience.

Ingredient Insights

When it comes to BLT Soup, the ingredients really shine, and each one contributes something essential to the final dish. Let’s break them down:

• Bacon: Bacon isn’t just for sandwiches! It infuses the soup with that savory, smoky flavor that makes the dish feel indulgent. The rendered fat from the bacon also helps sauté the onions and garlic, creating a rich, flavorful base.
• Tomatoes: The tomatoes provide acidity, sweetness, and freshness-essential for balancing out the richness of the cream and bacon. They’re the backbone of the soup’s flavor profile.
• Heavy Cream: The cream adds a silky smoothness and helps mellow out the tangy tomatoes, creating that perfect comfort-food texture. It’s not just for decadence; it balances flavors and enriches the soup.
• Lettuce: Lettuce in a soup might seem unusual, but it brings the essence of the classic BLT sandwich right into the bowl. The lettuce wilts into the soup, contributing a mild, fresh taste and a subtle crunch.

Expert Tips

• Use thick-cut bacon: The thicker slices of bacon provide more meatiness and flavor. You want that perfect crispy bacon in each bite, so go for the thicker cut.
• Make it ahead: Like many soups, BLT Soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. Make a big batch, and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
• Adjust the cream: If you prefer a lighter soup, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk instead of heavy cream, but the result will be less creamy. For an extra rich finish, use a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche when serving.
• Crunch factor: Don’t skip the croutons or toasted bread. That crispy texture is what gives the BLT its iconic bite, and it’s no different in the soup!

Recipe Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some creative ways to make this soup your own:

• Vegan Version: Swap the bacon for plant-based bacon or tempeh. Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and opt for vegetable broth. You’ll still have a rich, smoky, and creamy soup.
• Spicy BLT Soup: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the soup a spicy kick. It’s a great contrast to the rich, creamy base.
• Cheesy Twist: Stir in some shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese for a cheesy BLT Soup. The cheese will melt into the broth, adding extra creaminess and depth.
• Herb Infused: Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme to the soup for an herbal note that complements the tomato base and brightens up the rich flavors.

Final Words

BLT Soup is the best of both worlds: it’s comfort food with a twist, combining the familiar flavors of a classic sandwich with the warmth and richness of a bowl of soup. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re craving something familiar or looking to add a new favorite to your rotation, this recipe checks all the boxes.