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Smoky Pumpkin Bisque with Grilled Cheese Croutons

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A creamy and silky pumpkin bisque with smoky bacon flavor, topped with crunchy grilled cheese croutons for the ultimate fall comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1/2 sweet onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
  • 3 1/2 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable stock
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 3 tablespoons snipped chives for topping
  • 4 slices bread
  • softened brown butter for spreading
  • 6 ounces fontina cheese, freshly grated

Instructions

  1. Cook chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving bacon fat in the pot.
  2. Add diced onion to the pot and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic, smoked paprika, brown sugar, ground cumin, salt, pepper, and nutmeg; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Stir in pumpkin puree and chicken or vegetable stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
  5. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth and creamy.
  6. Stir in heavy cream and cooked bacon pieces. Keep warm on low heat.
  7. For grilled cheese croutons, spread softened brown butter on the outsides of bread slices.
  8. Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Assemble sandwiches with fontina cheese inside, buttered sides out.
  9. Cook sandwiches until golden brown on both sides and cheese is melted, about 5 to 6 minutes per side.
  10. Let sandwiches cool slightly, then slice into bite-sized croutons.
  11. Serve the pumpkin bisque topped with grilled cheese croutons and snipped chives.

Notes

This bisque is rich and smoky from the bacon, balanced by the creamy pumpkin and spices. Grilled cheese croutons add a delightful crunchy texture and cheesy flavor. The soup can be made ahead and reheated gently.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.rapidrecipes.blog/ultimate-pumpkin-bisque-grilled-cheese/