Cheese Zucchini Soup
Creamy, comforting soup featuring tender zucchini, savory bacon, and a subtle peppery kick—perfect for a quick weeknight meal that satisfies both kids and adults.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a skillet until crisp; set aside for garnish.
- Sauté onion and green pepper in the bacon fat until tender.
- Add zucchini, chopped pimento, water, and salt; stir.
- Cover and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to simmer and cook for about 5 minutes or until zucchini is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider blending part of the soup before serving. If you don’t have bacon, try using diced ham or turkey bacon for a lighter option. You can also substitute the zucchini with other vegetables like yellow squash or carrots. If you're looking for more American recipes, browse through similar seasonal soups for inspiration.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with crispy bacon pieces for added crunch. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives can enhance the flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple salad, like Avocado Salad Boats, for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent curdling, adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Zucchini Soup contains roughly 808 calories, with 43g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (100% of the Daily Value), calcium (87% of the Daily Value), and protein (86% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of water. You can also add more vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to enhance the flavor and texture.
How can I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mix a little cornstarch with water and stir it in while the soup simmers. Alternatively, blending a portion of the soup will also achieve a creamy consistency without adding extra flour.
What can I add for extra protein?
For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked chicken, white beans, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. These additions can complement the flavors well and make the soup more filling.
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).