Brussels Sprout Soup with Bacon

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The warmth of this Creamy Brussels Sprout & Bacon Soup wraps you in savory goodness, spoon after spoon. With smoky bacon, tender Brussels sprouts, and a velvety base, it’s a cozy kitchen staple for chilly evenings.

It’s the kind of soup that surprises you—deep flavor, comforting texture, and just the right balance of creamy and hearty. Whether you’re a Brussels sprout fan or not, this recipe might just convert you. Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad and serve it up as a starter or a full meal.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

1 lb fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium Yukon gold potato, peeled and diced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Croutons or crusty bread for serving

Directions:

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add the diced potato and Brussels sprouts to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to slightly caramelize the edges.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until vegetables are soft.
Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth and creamy.
Stir in the heavy cream, season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
Serve hot, topped with crispy bacon and croutons or bread if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

A Cozy Classic: Brussels Sprout Soup with Bacon

When it comes to comfort food that delivers on flavor, texture, and warmth, few dishes rival the simple luxury of a creamy soup. Among the most underrated but undeniably satisfying options is Brussels Sprout Soup with Bacon. This dish masterfully combines the earthy, nutty tones of Brussels sprouts with the rich, smoky depth of bacon, resulting in a soul-soothing bowl of nourishment that’s both rustic and refined. Perfect for chilly nights or leisurely weekend lunches, this soup captures everything we crave about cozy, seasonal cooking.

The Magic of Brussels Sprouts

Often misunderstood or unfairly maligned, Brussels sprouts have undergone a culinary renaissance in recent years—and for good reason. Roasted, sautéed, or simmered into soups like this one, Brussels sprouts develop a sweet, nutty character that pairs well with bold, umami-rich ingredients like bacon. In soup form, they become tender and velvety, their flavor mellowing and deepening as they blend into the creamy base. The result is not just palatable but addictive, especially when combined with layers of savory ingredients.

Why Bacon Makes It Better

Bacon plays an integral role in this recipe, not only as a garnish but also as a flavor foundation. Rendering the fat from diced bacon creates a deeply savory base to sauté aromatics like onions and garlic. This technique adds complexity and depth to the soup, infusing it with that unmistakable smoky aroma we associate with home-cooked meals. The crisped bits of bacon sprinkled on top just before serving also add an irresistible crunch, making every spoonful a mix of creamy and crispy textures.

Comfort Food Meets Nutrition

One of the most rewarding aspects of this soup is how it seamlessly marries comfort with nutrition. Brussels sprouts are rich in vitamins K and C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. They support immune function, reduce inflammation, and aid digestion—all without compromising on flavor. Potatoes add body to the soup while offering complex carbohydrates and essential minerals. The use of chicken broth, whether homemade or store-bought, provides additional protein and savory depth, especially if enriched with collagen or bone broth.

Cream adds richness, but the amount can be easily adjusted or substituted with alternatives like coconut milk or oat cream for dairy-free versions. The final dish strikes that beautiful balance between indulgence and wholesomeness—a quality that makes it suitable for a variety of diets and occasions.

Versatility in Preparation

While the recipe shines as written, it’s incredibly adaptable. Don’t have Yukon gold potatoes? Swap in sweet potatoes or cauliflower for a slightly different flavor profile. Prefer your soup chunky rather than blended? Set aside a portion of the cooked vegetables before puréeing, then stir them back in for a more rustic texture. You can also amplify the smokiness by using smoked paprika or adding a dash of liquid smoke, or you can add a handful of shredded sharp cheddar or parmesan for cheesy depth.

Herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaf make excellent additions during the simmering process. And for those who enjoy a touch of heat, a pinch of chili flakes or a swirl of chili oil can add a delicious contrast to the creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

Brussels Sprout Soup with Bacon is a satisfying dish on its own, but a few thoughtful pairings can elevate it into a full meal experience. Serve it with a slice of toasted sourdough, a warm baguette, or a buttered biscuit for the ultimate comfort food pairing. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad with vinaigrette provides a nice counterpoint to the soup’s creamy richness.

This soup also makes a wonderful starter for holiday meals or dinner parties, offering a flavorful yet approachable beginning that appeals to both adventurous and traditional palates.

Make-Ahead Friendly and Freezer-Safe

One of the best features of this recipe is how well it stores and reheats. In fact, like many soups, the flavors tend to deepen and improve after a day or two in the fridge. It keeps well for up to five days when refrigerated in an airtight container, making it ideal for meal prepping or weekday lunches.

It also freezes beautifully. Simply allow it to cool completely, pour into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, and store for up to three months. When reheating, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to adjust the consistency.

Perfect for All Seasons

Though often associated with fall and winter due to its hearty nature and seasonal ingredients, Brussels Sprout Soup with Bacon can be enjoyed year-round. In cooler months, it’s a warming refuge from the cold; in spring or early summer, it works as a lighter but satisfying dinner when paired with salad or bread. Because Brussels sprouts are increasingly available fresh or frozen throughout the year, this soup remains within reach no matter the season.

A Crowd-Pleaser for All Ages

It’s no secret that Brussels sprouts can be a divisive ingredient—especially among children or picky eaters. But this soup has a magical way of converting even the most skeptical eaters. The creamy base masks any bitterness, while the bacon’s smoky allure acts as an instant invitation to dig in. If you’re feeding a crowd with diverse tastes, this recipe is a smart choice. It’s sophisticated enough for adults but comforting and familiar enough for kids.

An Opportunity for Mindful Eating

There’s something deeply meditative about preparing and eating soup. The gentle chopping of vegetables, the sizzle of bacon, the aromatic wave of onion and garlic sautéing—it draws you into the present moment. When served, soup asks us to slow down and savor each spoonful. This Brussels Sprout Soup with Bacon invites you not just to nourish your body, but to nurture your spirit. It’s not fast food; it’s slow comfort.

Conclusion: A New Comfort Food Favorite

In a world of fleeting food trends and complicated cooking, Brussels Sprout Soup with Bacon stands out as a timeless, dependable recipe that delivers every single time. It transforms a humble vegetable into the hero of a meal, showing us that comfort food doesn’t have to be overly rich or complex. It just has to be made with care, using ingredients that speak to the season and the soul.

Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or a simple solo meal, this soup offers the kind of honest satisfaction that lingers long after the last spoonful. Try it once, and it may just become a regular in your cozy-cooking rotation.