A creamy, rich keto bacon butternut squash soup that’s smoky, sweet, and full of flavor. Made with real bacon, butter, and cream for a low-carb comfort meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs, peeled and cubed)
6 slices bacon
3 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For topping (optional):
Crumbled bacon bits
A swirl of heavy cream
Fresh thyme or chives
Cook the bacon: In a large pot, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside. Keep the bacon fat in the pot.
Sauté the onion and garlic: Add butter to the bacon fat. Stir in chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Add the squash: Stir in cubed butternut squash, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring now and then.
Add broth: Pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until squash is soft.
Blend: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. (If using a regular blender, let it cool a bit first.)
Add cream and bacon: Stir in heavy cream and half of the crumbled bacon. Simmer for another 5 minutes on low heat.
Serve: Spoon into bowls. Top with extra bacon bits, a swirl of cream, and fresh herbs if you like.
Use real bacon, the fat gives the soup its smoky taste.
For a dairy-free version, replace heavy cream with coconut cream.
If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or cream when reheating.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.