Florentine Soup
A rich, creamy Florentine soup loaded with spinach, cheeses, and flavorful bacon, perfect for cozy meals and satisfying comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground thyme ⓘ
- 1 cup heavy cream ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 4 bags spinach
- 1 onion ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced mushroom ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 2 cups milk ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chicken soup base
Instructions
- Cook bacon until crispy, then crumble and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sliced mushrooms; sauté until softened.
- Sprinkle flour and stir to form a roux; cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk and chicken soup base, stirring constantly.
- Add heavy cream, white pepper, ground thyme, ground mustard, garlic powder, and white pepper; stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened.
- Add bags of spinach and cook until wilted.
- Stir in shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with crispy bacon.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or substituting half of the heavy cream with sour cream for a tangy twist. If you want to lighten the dish, you can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative. Using frozen spinach can also be a time-saver; just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Florentine soup hot, garnished with the crispy bacon for added crunch. This soup pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or crusty bread for dipping. For a complete meal, consider adding a protein like grilled chicken or shrimp, or serve it alongside a hearty dish such as Cabbage And Potato Bake for a comforting dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Florentine soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent separation. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Avoid boiling to maintain the creamy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Florentine Soup contains roughly 927 calories, with 31g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (73% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (64% of the Daily Value), and protein (61% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1016mg per serving (44% 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 use other types of cheese in this soup?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and cheddar are traditional, feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as gouda, fontina, or even a bit of blue cheese for a unique flavor. Just ensure the cheese melts well for a smooth texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of chicken soup base. You can also add more vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
Can I freeze this Florentine soup?
While it's possible to freeze the soup, the cream may change texture upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, consider leaving out the cream until you reheat it. Once thawed, stir in the cream just before serving for a fresher taste.
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).