APPLE-CHEDDAR SOUP WITH BACON

Apple-Cheddar Soup With Bacon image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

3 slices bacon
1 small onion, chopped
2 medium apples, peeled and chopped
1 medium potato, peeled and chopped
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 cups unsweetened apple juice
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 cups shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces)
2 slices rye bread, toasted
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Chopped fresh chives, for topping

Steps:

Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crisp, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towels to drain; let cool slightly, then roughly chop. Pour out all but 2 tablespoons of the drippings from the pot.
Increase the heat under the pot to medium high. Add the onion, apples and potato and cook, stirring frequently, until the apples are soft, about 8 minutes. Add the chicken broth, apple juice, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook until the potato is soft, 10 to 12 minutes. Stir in all but 2 tablespoons of the cheddar until melted. Working in batches, transfer the soup to a blender and puree. Return to the pot and season with salt and pepper.
Meanwhile, preheat the broiler. Spread the bread with the mustard and sprinkle with the reserved 2 tablespoons cheese. Broil until the cheese melts, about 30 seconds, then cut into 1-inch squares. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the bacon, chives, cheese croutons and more pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 492, Fat 29 grams, SaturatedFat 15 grams, Cholesterol 89 milligrams, Sodium 1098 milligrams, Carbohydrate 36 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 23 grams