Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today? Because we’re about to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise with this Smoky Cheddar Bacon Oktoberfest Soup that’s absolutely INSANE – and I’m not even sorry about it! This epic, mouth-watering dish is a revolutionary take on a classic, and it’s going to have your taste buds exploding with joy. So let’s dive in and make some culinary magic happen, shall we?
Why You’ll Love This Smoky Cheddar Bacon Oktoberfest Soup
This Smoky Cheddar Bacon Oktoberfest Soup is the ultimate comfort food that’s going to leave you feeling like a culinary superstar. With its incredible blend of smoky, cheesy, and bacony goodness, this soup is going to transport you straight to flavor heaven. It’s the perfect dish to cozy up with on a chilly day, or to impress your friends and family at your next Oktoberfest celebration. This soup is a true game-changer, and once you try it, you’ll be hooked for life. Warning: This dish causes serious food jealousy, so be prepared to have all your friends begging you for the recipe!
Ingredients
To create this epic Smoky Cheddar Bacon Oktoberfest Soup, you’ll need a few key ingredients that are going to take your taste buds on a wild ride. Get ready to load up on smoked bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, smoky paprika, and more. This recipe is a flavor explosion waiting to happen!
- 8 slices – Smoked bacon, diced
- 1 onion – Diced
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 3 cups – Chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups – Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese: Try a blend of cheddar and Gruyère for extra richness and depth of flavor.
- Protein: Swap the bacon for smoked sausage or kielbasa for a hearty Oktoberfest twist.
How to Make Smoky Cheddar Bacon Oktoberfest Soup
Alright, let’s get this party started! Follow these easy steps to create your very own Smoky Cheddar Bacon Oktoberfest Soup that’s going to have your friends and family absolutely floored.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by dicing the bacon and onions, and mincing the garlic. Get all your ingredients ready to go, because things are about to move quickly in the kitchen!
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy and golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pot, leaving the rendered fat behind. Add the diced onions to the pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until they’re soft and translucent. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until it’s fragrant.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, until it’s melted and the soup is nice and creamy. Finally, add the cooked bacon back to the pot and give everything a good stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Ladle the Smoky Cheddar Bacon Oktoberfest Soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese, chopped chives, or a dollop of sour cream. Serve hot and get ready to have your taste buds dancing with joy!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Loaded Baked Potato Soup: Add diced potatoes to the soup for a heartier, more filling dish.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a few dashes of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a delightful kick of heat.
- Crispy Fried Onions: Top the soup with a generous handful of crispy fried onions for an irresistible crunch.
- Beer Cheese Twist: Replace some of the broth with a dark, malty beer for a boozy, Oktoberfest-inspired twist.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Crusty bread, soft pretzels, or a fresh green salad.
Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring frequently, until it’s hot and bubbly.
Make-Ahead: This soup can be made a day in advance and reheated just before serving. The flavors will only get better!
Nutrition Information
Now, I know what you’re thinking – with all that bacon and cheese, this Smoky Cheddar Bacon Oktoberfest Soup must be an absolute calorie bomb, right? Well, hold onto your taste buds, because this soup is actually packed with some pretty incredible nutritional benefits. From the protein-rich bacon to the bone-strengthening calcium in the cheddar, this dish is a total powerhouse that’s going to fuel your body and soul.
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 368 kcal
- Protein: 19 g
- Carbs: 9 g
- Fat: 27 g
- Sodium: 844 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup in the slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make this soup in the slow cooker, simply add all the ingredients (except the cheese) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and the soup is creamy.
Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
Yes, you can definitely use pre-cooked bacon in this recipe. Just skip the initial step of cooking the bacon and add the pre-cooked, crumbled bacon to the soup in the final step.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, simply swap the chicken or vegetable broth for a high-quality vegetable broth, and use a vegetarian-friendly cheese, like sharp cheddar or Gruyère.
Can I add any other vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add in diced potatoes, carrots, celery, or even cauliflower for extra heartiness and nutrition.
How can I make this soup ahead of time?
This Smoky Cheddar Bacon Oktoberfest Soup is the perfect make-ahead dish! You can prepare the entire soup in advance, then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave just before serving. The flavors will only get better as it sits.
Try These Next
- Loaded Bacon Cheddar Potato Skins With Smoky Ranch Dip
- Creamy Cheddar Mac And Cheese With Bacon Crumble
- Bacon Wrapped Cheddar Ranch Jalapeno Poppers
Smoky Cheddar Bacon Oktoberfest Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This hearty Smoky Cheddar Bacon Oktoberfest Soup combines rich flavors of smoked cheddar, crispy bacon, and a hint of Oktoberfest beer for a deliciously unique taste. Perfect for cozy gatherings!
Ingredients
– 6 strips of bacon, chopped
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 3 cups of vegetable broth
– 1 cup of Oktoberfest beer
– 2 cups of potatoes, diced
– 1 cup of shredded smoked cheddar cheese
– 1 cup of heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh chives, for garnish
Instructions
1. In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
2. Add the diced onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth and Oktoberfest beer, then add the diced potatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
4. Stir in the smoked cheddar cheese and heavy cream, and let it melt into the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with crispy bacon and fresh chives.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños while sautéing the onions.
This soup can be made ahead and reheated, but the cheese might become stringy if kept too long.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: 🥓 BACON EMPIRE
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 90mg