Cheese, Ham And Bacon Soup
Creamy cheese, ham, and bacon soup with hearty vegetables and savory flavors, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for family gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 1 cup diced onion ⓘ
- 1 cup diced celery ⓘ
- 2 cups cubed raw potatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 cup diced carrots ⓘ
- 1 small package frozen broccoli ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon smoked salt ⓘ
- 1 small package frozen cauliflower ⓘ
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 to 2 pounds Velveeta cheese ⓘ
- 5 to 6 strips crisp bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 pound diced ham ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix bouillon cubes, water, salt, diced onion, diced celery, and cubed potatoes together in a pot.
- Cover and cook for 20 to 30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Add frozen broccoli and cauliflower; cook until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in cream of chicken soup and 1 cup of water.
- Add Velveeta cheese and cook slowly until all cheese is melted and mixture is hot.
- Sprinkle crumbled bacon and diced ham into the soup before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider blending a portion of the soup before adding the cheese. If you don't have Velveeta, you can substitute with any creamy cheese like cheddar, but the melting quality may vary. To enhance flavor, try adding garlic or your favorite herbs. If you want extra veggies, feel free to toss in some spinach or kale.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with a light green salad or even as a side to sandwiches. For a fun twist, try topping with extra crumbled bacon or fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. You can also add a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess if the soup thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese, Ham And Bacon Soup contains roughly 1077 calories, with 28g protein, 168g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (141% of the Daily Value), and potassium (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1204mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently on the stove. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even more delicious!
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Absolutely! You can omit the bacon and ham, replace the chicken bouillon with vegetable bouillon, and enhance the flavor with more vegetables and spices. For creaminess, use plant-based cheese or coconut cream.
Can I freeze the leftover soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. However, the texture may change slightly when reheated. To maintain quality, consider freezing without the cheese and adding it fresh when reheating.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).