Cheesy Ranch Soup

A warm bowl of Cheesy Ranch Soup is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. This rich and creamy chicken soup combines the delightful flavors of Turkey Turkey Bacon, cheddar cheese, and ranch seasonings, all topped off with fresh spinach. It’s comfort food at its finest, ready in just 25 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This soup comes together in just 25 minutes, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of cheddar cheese and ranch seasonings creates a savory flavor that everyone will love.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use leftover chicken or substitute proteins as needed; this soup adapts to what you have on hand.
• Nutritious Spinach: Adding spinach boosts the nutrient content while adding color and freshness to the dish.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With ten servings, this recipe is great for feeding a group or meal prepping for the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking your delicious Cheesy Ranch Soup, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment simplifies the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch Oven
• Slotted Spoon
• Whisk
• Measuring Cups
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch Oven: Ideal for evenly cooking soups and stews on the stovetop.
• Slotted Spoon: Perfect for removing crispy bacon without excess grease.
• Whisk: Ensures smooth blending of cream cheese and cheddar without lumps.

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.

Seasoning Blend

• 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.

Protein & Dairy

• 4 cups cooked shredded chicken.
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.

Greens & Garnish

• 3 to 4 cups baby spinach.
• ¼ cup heavy cream.
• Sliced green scallions for garnish.

How to Make Cheesy Ranch Soup

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Cook diced Turkey Turkey Bacon until crisp in a Dutch Oven. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the grease in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add butter to the pot and melt it over medium-high heat. Cook onions for about 3 minutes until they are soft. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 20 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Prepare the Broth

Pour in 4 to 6 cups of low sodium chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the pot to lift any flavorful bits. Add garlic powder, onion powder, dill weed, chives, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.

Step 4: Simmer

Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Cheese

Stir in cooked shredded chicken and let it cook for another 5 minutes. Add softened cream cheese; whisk until melted. Then add shredded cheddar cheese; continue whisking until well combined.

Step 6: Incorporate Spinach

Add baby spinach into the pot and cook for about 2 minutes until wilted. Stir in heavy cream; let it cook for an additional minute. Remove bay leaf from soup before serving.

Step 7: Serve

Top each bowl with sliced green scallions and reserved crispy Turkey Turkey Bacon before serving warm! Enjoy your comforting bowl of Cheesy Ranch Soup!

How to Serve Cheesy Ranch Soup

Cheesy Ranch Soup is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways, making it perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your soup experience.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve with slices of warm, crusty bread for dipping. The bread absorbs the creamy broth and adds texture.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill to enhance flavor. This adds a pop of color and freshness to your bowl.

In a Bread Bowl

• For a fun presentation, serve Cheesy Ranch Soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl. It combines soup and bread into one delicious dish!

Accompanied by a Salad

• Pair with a light side salad for balance. A crisp green salad complements the richness of the soup perfectly.

With Tortilla Chips

• Add crunch by serving with tortilla chips on the side. They provide a delightful contrast to the creamy soup.

Drizzled with Hot Sauce

• For those who enjoy spice, drizzle hot sauce on top. It adds an exciting kick that enhances the overall flavor profile.

How to Perfect Cheesy Ranch Soup

To achieve the ultimate Cheesy Ranch Soup, consider these helpful tips.

• Use high-quality chicken broth – A flavorful broth enhances the soup’s overall taste and richness.
• Sauté vegetables well – Properly sautéing onions and garlic brings out their natural sweetness, which enriches the soup.
• Whisk cream cheese thoroughly – Ensure cream cheese is well blended into the broth for a smooth texture without lumps.
• Adjust seasoning carefully – Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and ranch seasonings to suit your preferences.
• Add spinach at the end – Stirring in spinach just before serving keeps it vibrant and fresh while minimizing wilting.
• Let it cool slightly before serving – Allowing the soup to rest for a few minutes lets flavors meld beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Ranch Soup

Cheesy Ranch Soup pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread – A classic companion that’s perfect for dipping into creamy soups.
2. Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing offers a nice crunch alongside the rich soup.
3. Stuffed Mushrooms – These bite-sized treats filled with cheese and herbs add an elegant touch to your meal.
4. Coleslaw – This refreshing side provides a crunchy contrast to the smoothness of Cheesy Ranch Soup.
5. Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a hearty addition that pairs well with soup.
6. Pasta Salad – A light pasta salad tossed in vinaigrette complements the flavor of the soup without overwhelming it.
7. Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful balance of flavors when served alongside savory soup.
8. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches – The gooey, melty sandwich is always a hit when paired with any kind of soup!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Cheesy Ranch Soup can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skipping the seasoning – Neglecting to season your soup properly can lead to bland flavors. Make sure to taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed throughout cooking.
• Not cooking the bacon enough – Undercooking Turkey Turkey Bacon will leave it chewy rather than crispy. Ensure it is cooked until crisp before removing it from the pot.
• Adding cream cheese too quickly – If you add cream cheese too soon, it may clump instead of melting smoothly. Whisk it in after the chicken is heated for better results.
• Ignoring the bay leaf – Forgetting to add or remove the bay leaf can affect the soup’s flavor. Always remember to include it in cooking and remove it before serving.
• Overcooking spinach – Cooking spinach for too long can make it wilted and lose its vibrant color. Add it in the last few minutes of cooking for optimal texture and flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Cheesy Ranch Soup in airtight containers.
• It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Cheesy Ranch Soup

• Freeze soup in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags.
• It will last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Cheesy Ranch Soup

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat soup in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
• Microwave – Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop – Warm soup over medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until hot; add a splash of broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Cheesy Ranch Soup, check these FAQs for helpful answers.

Can I use regular bacon instead of Turkey Turkey Bacon?

Yes, you can substitute regular bacon, but keep in mind that it will increase fat content and calories.

How can I make my Cheesy Ranch Soup spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking for an extra kick.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Absolutely! Just ensure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the soup.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth, Cheesy Ranch Soup can be gluten-free.

What are some good sides to serve with Cheesy Ranch Soup?

Consider pairing it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Ranch Soup is a comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction. Its creamy texture combined with savory flavors makes it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins!