Creamy Sweet Potato, Apple, and Bacon Soup – A Perfect Blend of Sweet and Savory

For those chilly days when you need something warm, rich, and a little bit indulgent, this Creamy Sweet Potato, Apple, and Bacon Soup is the perfect solution. Combining the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and apples with the salty crunch of bacon, this soup strikes the perfect balance of flavors. It’s comforting, filling, and packed with seasonal ingredients that will leave you feeling satisfied and cozy.

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This soup starts with sautéing bacon and onions for a flavorful base, followed by sweet potatoes and apples simmered in chicken broth. The smooth, creamy texture comes from blending the soup after it’s cooked, and the addition of heavy cream gives it that luxurious feel. A splash of apple cider vinegar and fresh thyme brightens the dish, while crispy bacon sprinkled on top adds a finishing touch of crunch.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sweet Potato, Apple, and Bacon Soup
This soup is a wonderful blend of sweet and savory flavors. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes and apples is balanced by the richness of the cream and the saltiness of the bacon. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough to serve at a special gathering. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings):

• Calories: 310 kcal
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 6g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fiber: 6g

This creamy soup is hearty and satisfying, making it perfect as a standalone meal or paired with a simple salad or crusty bread.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Creamy Sweet Potato, Apple, and Bacon Soup pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad, topped with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup. It also works well with a warm slice of crusty bread or even a grilled cheese sandwich. For a complete fall-inspired meal, pair it with a sparkling apple cider or a light Chardonnay. A dessert of baked apples or a pear tart would finish off the meal perfectly.

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Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring frequently. If the soup thickens too much in the refrigerator, add a bit of extra broth or water to reach the desired consistency. You can also freeze this soup for up to 2 months—simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it gently on the stove.

Fun Fact: The History of Sweet Potatoes in Cooking
Sweet potatoes have been a staple in many cultures around the world for centuries. Native to Central and South America, they have been cultivated for more than 5,000 years. Sweet potatoes made their way to Europe and Africa via explorers and became a beloved ingredient in traditional dishes, particularly in Southern U.S. cuisine, where their natural sweetness shines in both savory and sweet recipes.

Cooking Tips
Perfect Bacon: For perfectly crispy bacon, cook it slowly over medium heat. This allows the fat to render out, leaving you with crisp, golden pieces of bacon.
Blending the Soup: If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot. For a chunkier texture, blend only half of the soup, leaving some pieces of sweet potato and apple intact.
Adjusting the Thickness: If the soup is too thick, simply add a little more broth or water to thin it out to your liking.

Optional Variations
Add Extra Vegetables: For added nutrition, toss in some chopped carrots or parsnips along with the sweet potatoes. These root vegetables blend beautifully with the other flavors.
Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the soup while it simmers.
Vegetarian Version: To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add a little smoked paprika for a hint of that smoky flavor.

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Creamy Sweet Potato, Apple, and Bacon Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
• 1 to 2 medium Fuji or Gala apples, cored and thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 to 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 2 lbs)
• 1 carton (32 oz) Progresso™ chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the pot.
2. Add the sliced onion to the pot and cook in the bacon drippings for about 5 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the apples and salt, cooking for an additional 3 minutes.
3. Add the sweet potatoes to the pot, followed by the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth.
5. Stir in the heavy cream, apple cider vinegar, and fresh thyme. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed.
6. Serve the soup hot, topped with the reserved crispy bacon.

This Creamy Sweet Potato, Apple, and Bacon Soup is the perfect fall comfort food, with a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors. Serve it at a family dinner or pack it up for lunch—it’s guaranteed to be a hit!