Cheesy Ranch Soup

A warm bowl of Cheesy Ranch Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights or family gatherings. This rich and creamy chicken soup combines the delightful flavors of Turkey Turkey Bacon, cheddar cheese, and ranch seasonings, making it a standout dish. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal on a chilly day or an impressive dish to serve guests, this soup ticks all the boxes. Plus, its vibrant spinach adds a fresh touch that elevates the entire experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and quick prep time, you’ll have this comforting soup ready in just 25 minutes.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of ranch seasonings and creamy cheese creates a deliciously rich flavor that everyone will love.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or an appetizer, this soup fits any occasion—from casual dinners to holiday feasts.
• Crowd Pleaser: Serving 10 cups, it’s great for feeding a large group or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.
• Nutrient-Rich: With spinach and chicken, this soup not only tastes good but also provides essential nutrients.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather these essential tools before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch Oven
• Slotted Spoon
• Whisk
• Sharp Knife
• Cutting Board

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch Oven: Ideal for simmering soups evenly without burning; it retains heat well.
• Slotted Spoon: Perfect for removing cooked bacon while keeping the grease in the pot for added flavor.

Ingredients

A rich and creamy chicken soup featuring Turkey Turkey Bacon, cheddar cheese, and ranch seasonings, finished with fresh spinach for the perfect comfort meal.

For the Soup Base

• 4 slices Turkey Turkey Bacon, diced.
• 1 tablespoon butter.
• 1 small yellow onion, diced.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced.
• 4 to 6 cups low sodium chicken broth.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
• ½ teaspoon onion powder.
• ½ teaspoon dried dill weed.
• ½ teaspoon dried chives.
• Salt and pepper to taste.
• 1 bay leaf.

For the Creamy Finish

• 4 cups cooked shredded chicken.
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
• 3 to 4 cups baby spinach.
• ¼ cup heavy cream.

For Garnish

• Sliced green scallions for garnish.

How to Make Cheesy Ranch Soup

Step 1: Cook the Turkey Bacon

Cook diced Turkey Turkey Bacon until crisp in your Dutch Oven. Remove it with a slotted spoon and set aside while leaving the grease in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Add butter to the pot and melt over medium-high heat. Cook onions for about 3 minutes until softened. Then add garlic for just 20 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Broth and Seasonings

Pour in chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the pot. Add garlic powder, onion powder, dill weed, chives, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.

Step 4: Simmer

Reduce heat to medium-low and let it cook for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Stir in Chicken

Add cooked shredded chicken to the pot. Let it cook for another 5 minutes. Then whisk in cream cheese until melted. Follow with shredded cheddar cheese until fully combined.

Step 6: Add Spinach

Stir in baby spinach and cook for about 2 minutes until wilted. Add heavy cream and let it cook for an additional minute.

Step 7: Final Touches

Remove bay leaf from your soup. Adjust seasonings as needed before serving. Top with reserved Turkey Turkey Bacon and sliced scallions.

Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Ranch Soup!

How to Serve Cheesy Ranch Soup

Cheesy Ranch Soup is a delightful dish that combines comfort and flavor, making it perfect for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your soup experience.

With Crusty Bread

• Pair your soup with warm, crusty bread for dipping. It adds texture and makes for a hearty meal.

Over Rice

• Serve the soup over cooked rice for a filling option. This adds volume and enhances the heartiness of the dish.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. This adds a fresh flavor and brightens up the presentation.

In Bread Bowls

• For a fun twist, serve in hollowed-out bread bowls. This not only looks impressive but also provides an edible vessel!

With a Side Salad

• A light salad complements the richness of the soup. Try a simple green salad with vinaigrette to balance flavors.

As a Party Dish

• Serve Cheesy Ranch Soup in small cups at gatherings. It’s an excellent appetizer that guests will love.

How to Perfect Cheesy Ranch Soup

Creating the most delicious Cheesy Ranch Soup is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure perfection:

• Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh chicken and quality cheeses make a noticeable difference in flavor.
• Adjust Seasonings: Always taste and adjust seasonings throughout cooking for optimal flavor.
• Whisk Cream Cheese Thoroughly: Make sure to whisk cream cheese until fully melted for a smooth consistency.
• Add Spinach Last: To keep spinach vibrant and tender, add it near the end of cooking.
• Store Properly: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
• Reheat Gently: When reheating, do so on low heat to prevent curdling of dairy ingredients.

Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Ranch Soup

Pairing Cheesy Ranch Soup with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Toasted bread with garlic butter for an aromatic side that pairs perfectly with soup.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, parmesan, and croutons tossed in Caesar dressing offer a fresh crunch.
3. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread adds a delightful contrast to the creamy soup.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Hearty stuffed peppers can serve as a filling side that complements the rich flavors of the soup.
5. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a satisfying crunchy side.
6. Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts provide a nutritious option that balances out the dish’s richness.
7. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds freshness and crunch, making it an excellent counterpoint.
8. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse the palate between bites of cheesy goodness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can help you make the best Cheesy Ranch Soup possible. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the bacon: The Turkey Turkey Bacon adds essential flavor and texture. Don’t skip this ingredient, as it enhances the overall richness of the soup.

• Not sautéing the onions properly: Under-cooked onions can lead to a less flavorful base. Make sure to sauté them until they’re translucent before adding garlic.

• Using regular chicken broth: Low sodium chicken broth is recommended to control salt levels in your Cheesy Ranch Soup. Regular broth can make the dish too salty.

• Overcooking the spinach: Cooking spinach for too long makes it wilted and loses its vibrant color. Add it towards the end of cooking to keep its freshness.

• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste your soup before serving. Everyone’s palate is different, so adjust salt and pepper as needed for your ideal flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Make sure to let the soup cool completely before sealing it in a container.

Freezing Cheesy Ranch Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of containers since liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating Cheesy Ranch Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Transfer soup to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 30 minutes or until warm.

• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until hot.

• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, which takes about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cheesy Ranch Soup?

Cheesy Ranch Soup is a creamy chicken soup made with Turkey Turkey Bacon, cheese, ranch seasonings, and fresh spinach. It’s perfect for a comforting meal!

Can I use regular bacon instead of Turkey Turkey Bacon?

Yes, you can substitute regular bacon if you prefer. However, this will change the nutritional profile and flavor slightly.

How can I customize my Cheesy Ranch Soup?

You can add vegetables like carrots or potatoes for extra nutrition or swap out chicken for turkey or ham if desired.

Is Cheesy Ranch Soup gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that your chicken broth is gluten-free as well.

How do I thicken my Cheesy Ranch Soup?

If you want a thicker consistency, consider adding more cream cheese or using cornstarch mixed with water to create a slurry before stirring it into the soup.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Ranch Soup is truly a versatile comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction in every bowl. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, it’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite veggies or proteins! Give this recipe a try today; you won’t be disappointed!