Everything tastes better with bacon, and tomato soup is no exception. This Tomato Bacon Soup takes the beloved flavors of a BLT sandwich and transforms them into a warm, creamy bowl of comfort. Smoky bacon fat infuses the tomato base with incredible depth, while crispy bacon crumbles on top provide satisfying crunch. It's indulgence at its finest.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic is in cooking the soup in bacon drippings. All that rendered fat is packed with smoky, savory flavor that transforms ordinary tomato soup into something extraordinary. Every spoonful carries the essence of bacon. The cream adds richness, while fresh bacon crumbles on top bring texture and that irresistible crispy bite.
The BLT Connection
This soup captures every element of the classic BLT sandwich. The bacon is obvious. The tomatoes form the base. For the lettuce, small butter lettuce leaves make an elegant garnish—they wilt slightly in the hot soup, adding freshness. Croutons stand in for the toast. It's a sandwich in soup form.
Step-by-Step Guide
Start by cooking the bacon until perfectly crispy—this is not the time to rush. Remove the bacon to drain but leave every bit of those precious drippings in the pot. Sauté the onion in that smoky fat until soft and sweet.
After simmering and blending the soup smooth, stir in the cream. The soup should be silky and rich. Crumble the crispy bacon right before serving so it stays crunchy. For the full BLT experience, add small lettuce leaves and croutons.
Serving Suggestions
The obvious pairing is a grilled cheese sandwich—preferably made on toasted bread to complete the BLT theme. This soup also pairs well with a simple green salad. For a lighter meal, serve with whole grain crackers.
Variations to Try
- BLTA soup: Top with diced avocado for a California twist
- Club soup: Add shredded turkey to make it more substantial
- Extra smoky: Use fire-roasted tomatoes and smoked paprika
- Maple bacon: Use maple-cured bacon for sweet-savory notes
Tomato Bacon Soup
Nutrition (per serving)
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook bacon. Cook bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy, about 8 minutes. Remove bacon to paper towels, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Sauté aromatics. In the bacon drippings, cook onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and smoked paprika, cook 1 minute.
- Simmer soup. Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Blend and finish. Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth. Stir in cream and heat through. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve. Ladle into bowls. Crumble bacon on top, add croutons, and garnish with small lettuce leaves if desired.
Recipe Notes
- Cook the bacon until very crispy—it will soften slightly in the soup
- Don't discard the bacon drippings—they're essential for flavor
- Add bacon just before serving to keep it crispy
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of bacon works best?
Thick-cut bacon provides the best texture and smoky flavor. Applewood or hickory smoked bacon add extra depth. Turkey bacon works for a lighter option but won't render as much flavorful fat.
Why cook the soup in bacon drippings?
Bacon drippings add incredible smoky, savory flavor to the soup base. This technique uses every bit of the bacon's deliciousness. You can drain some fat if concerned, but keep at least 2 tablespoons.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Use full-fat coconut cream instead of heavy cream. The result is slightly different but still delicious and creamy.
What makes this a 'BLT' soup?
It captures the flavors of a BLT sandwich: Bacon is stirred into tomato soup, and small butter lettuce leaves can be added as garnish. Serve with croutons to represent the toast.
How do I keep the bacon crispy?
Cook bacon until very crispy and add it just before serving. Bacon that sits in soup too long becomes soft. Reserve some extra crispy bits to add at the table.