Hayride Kitchen Soup
A hearty, bean-based soup with smoky bacon and jalapenos, perfect for chilly days. Rich flavors that appeal to comfort food lovers and those seeking a quick, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a crock-pot.
- Add salt and pepper to taste for extra spice.
- Cook for 3 hours on low in the crock-pot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding chopped carrots or celery to the mix. If you're looking to reduce sodium, opt for low-sodium versions of the bean soups. Feel free to substitute diced turkey or smoked sausage for the ham, or make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding extra vegetables. Spice enthusiasts might enjoy adding a dash of hot sauce or paprika for an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Hayride Kitchen Soup with crusty bread or cornbread for a comforting meal. A side of Fried Eggs And Bacon can also complement this dish nicely for a hearty breakfast-for-dinner vibe. Garnish each bowl with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream to add richness. Pair it with a light salad, like Layered Lettuce Salad, to balance out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, or microwave in a covered bowl until hot. If the soup thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hayride Kitchen Soup contains roughly 572 calories, with 17g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), protein (34% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1533mg per serving (67% 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 dried beans instead of canned beans?
Yes, you can use dried beans, but you'll need to soak and cook them beforehand. Typically, you'll need about 1 ½ cups of dried beans for each can. Soak them overnight and then cook until tender before adding them to the crock-pot with the other ingredients.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as none of the ingredients contain gluten. However, always check the labels on your canned soups and beans to ensure there are no hidden gluten ingredients, especially if you're using processed versions.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make the soup vegetarian, simply omit the diced ham and consider adding more vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini. You can also enhance the flavor with vegetable broth instead of water to deepen the soup's 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).