Paula Deen’s BLT Soup: A Comfort Food Classic

The scent of bacon sizzling in a pan always transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. She had a way of making even the simplest things taste extraordinary, and one of my fondest memories is her BLT sandwiches. Crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce nestled between slices of perfectly toasted bread. While a classic BLT is always a good idea, sometimes you crave that familiar flavor in a cozy, comforting form. That’s where Paula Deen’s BLT Soup comes in – it’s like a warm hug on a chilly day.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Yield: 8 cups
• Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 5 slices bacon, finely diced, plus crisp crumbled bacon for garnish
• 1/2 cup diced green onion
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cups finely sliced iceberg lettuce
• 1/2 cup instant flour
• 3 1/2 cups chicken broth, heated to a simmer
• 1 cup diced fresh tomato
• 1/8 teaspoon grated fresh nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream

Equipment Needed

• 3-quart pot
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowl

Instructions

1. In a 3-quart pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until lightly browned. Don’t rush this step – well-rendered bacon is the foundation of the soup’s flavor. Reserve some crumbled bacon for garnish.
2. Add the green onions and cook, stirring, until wilted. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The onions will soften and become translucent, releasing their mild flavor into the rendered bacon fat.
3. Add the butter and stir until melted. The butter adds richness and helps to create a smooth, creamy texture.
4. Add the iceberg lettuce and sauté for 2 minutes. Don’t overcook the lettuce, as it should retain some of its crispness. It will wilt slightly and turn a brighter green.
5. Sprinkle the instant flour into the pot, then stir until well blended. This is crucial for thickening the soup. Make sure there are no lumps. The flour will absorb the fats and liquids in the pot, creating a roux-like base.
6. Remove the pot from the heat and add the hot chicken broth, tomatoes, nutmeg, and red pepper. Removing the pot from the heat before adding the liquid helps to prevent the flour from clumping.
7. Return the pot to the heat and heat the soup to boiling, stirring constantly. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer gently for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken further.
8. Add the heavy cream and mix well. The heavy cream adds a luxurious richness and velvety texture to the soup.
9. In a small mixing bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and sour cream. This creates a creamy and tangy dollop to garnish the soup.
10. Serve each portion of soup with a dollop of mayonnaise mixture, topped with crumbled bacon.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For an extra smoky flavor, use smoked bacon.
• If you don’t have instant flour, you can use all-purpose flour, but be sure to whisk it well with a little cold chicken broth before adding it to the pot to prevent lumps.
• Don’t have fresh tomatoes? Canned diced tomatoes, drained, work just fine.
• To make the soup ahead of time, prepare through step 8 and refrigerate. Add the mayonnaise and sour cream dollop just before serving.
• If the soup is too thick, add a little more chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This BLT soup is best served warm, garnished with the creamy mayonnaise mixture and crispy bacon crumbles. It’s a wonderful lunch or light dinner, especially on a cool day. For a complete meal, serve with a side of crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. The texture may change slightly upon reheating, but the flavor will still be delicious. While freezing is possible, the creamy texture might be affected. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	263 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	224 g	85%
Total Fat	24.9 g	38%
Saturated Fat	12.3 g	61%
Cholesterol	63.1 mg	21%
Sodium	543.9 mg	22%
Total Carbohydrate	5.4 g	1%
Dietary Fiber	0.7 g	2%
Sugars	1.9 g	7%
Protein	5.2 g	10%

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian BLT Soup: Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add a pinch of smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor of bacon. Crispy fried tofu can serve as a bacon substitute.
• Spicy BLT Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Creamier BLT Soup: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a slightly lighter version.
• Gluten-Free BLT Soup: Substitute the instant flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure the chicken broth is also gluten-free.
• Healthier BLT Soup: Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon, and opt for light sour cream and mayonnaise.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of lettuce?
A: While iceberg lettuce provides a nice crunch, you can experiment with other varieties like romaine or butter lettuce. Just be mindful that they may wilt more easily.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
A: Absolutely! Diced celery, carrots, or bell peppers would all be delicious additions. Sauté them along with the green onions.

Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can! Cook the bacon and onions in a skillet first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, then add the cream and mayonnaise mixture before serving.

Q: How do I prevent the soup from curdling when adding the cream?
A: Temper the cream by gradually whisking in a small amount of the hot soup before adding it to the pot. This helps to prevent it from curdling.

Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: While you can freeze this soup, the texture may change slightly upon thawing due to the dairy content. If freezing, use freezer-safe containers and thaw completely before reheating.

Final Thoughts

Paula Deen’s BLT Soup is a delightful twist on a classic sandwich, offering a comforting and flavorful experience in every spoonful. The combination of crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and creamy broth is simply irresistible. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations to suit your own taste preferences. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort! Let me know what you think of it – and what variations you came up with! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a perfect way to warm up on a cool evening. Pair it with a simple green salad for a satisfying and complete meal.