Penny's Bacon Tomato Soup

Warm, comforting, and brimming with rich flavors, Penny's Bacon Tomato Soup is a modern twist on a classic favorite. This hearty recipe combines the smoky essence of crispy thick-cut bacon with the tangy sweetness of crushed tomatoes, creating a velvety soup enhanced by the creaminess of heavy cream and a touch of aromatic dried basil. A subtle hint of paprika adds depth, while sautéed garlic and onions provide a savory foundation. Blended to smooth perfection, this soup is topped with golden bacon crumbles and bright parsley for a gourmet touch. Perfect for cozy nights, serve this irresistible soup with crusty bread or crunchy croutons for dipping. Easy to make in just 40 minutes, it's an ideal choice for a quick yet indulgent meal that's sure to satisfy.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 6 slices thick-cut bacon
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
• 1 loaf crusty bread or croutons (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper-towel-lined plate. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces and set aside. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease in the pot.

Step 2

Add the olive oil to the pot with the bacon grease. Heat over medium heat, then add the diced onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.

Step 4

Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, granulated sugar, dried basil, and paprika. Stir well to combine.

Step 5

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Using an immersion blender, blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth. (Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.)

Step 7

Stir in the heavy cream, salt, and black pepper, adjusting seasoning to taste.

Step 8

Add the crumbled bacon back into the soup, reserving a small amount for garnish, if desired.

Step 9

Simmer for another 3-5 minutes until heated through. Remove the soup from heat.

Step 10

Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with the reserved bacon and fresh parsley, if desired. Serve with crusty bread or croutons for dipping.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2308.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2297.0

Total Fat 103.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 41.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 184.3mg	0%
Sodium 7090.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 272.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.8g	0%
Total Sugars 53.4g
Protein 65.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 483.8mg	0%
Iron 19.6mg	0%
Potassium 4121.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 40.8%

Protein: 11.5%

Carbs: 47.7%