Lucky Dog Pumpkin Cheese Soup

Prep Time10 minutes
Active Time1 hour
Course: Soup
Yield: 4 people

Equipment

  • Blender

Materials

  • 5 ounces thick-cut bacon coarsely chopped (about 5 slices)
  • 3 ounces focaccia bread cut into 3⁄4-inch cubes (about 2 cups)
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter divided
  • 1 cup chopped carrots
  • 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin
  • 12 ounces Somerset Ridge Lucky Dog Hard Cider
  • 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 4 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar cheese grated (about 1 cup)
  • 4 ounces processed cheese such as Velveeta, chopped
  • 1 cup half-and-half
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • Place bacon in a large saucepan over medium- high, and cook until crisp, 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, dispose of drippings in pan.
  • Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in same pan.
  • Place bread on a rimmed baking sheet; pour melted butter over bread, and toss to coat.
  • Spread in an even layer, and bake in preheated oven until golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Return saucepan to medium-high heat; add butter, and swirl to coat.
  • Add carrots and onion to pan.
  • Cook, stirring often, until carrots begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
  • Add flour to pan, and cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute.
  • Add milk, pumpkin, Lucky Dog Hard Cider, and salt to pan.
  • Bring to a boil, and cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute.
  • Reduce heat to medium, and cook 10 minutes.
  • Transfer soup to a blender. Remove center cap from blender lid (to allow steam to escape); secure lid on blender, and place a clean towel over opening in lid.
  • Process until smooth. With blender on low speed, add cheeses, 1⁄2 cup at a time, processing until smooth.
  • Stir in half-and-half.
  • Divide soup evenly among 4 bowls.
  • Top evenly with croutons, bacon, thyme, and pepper.