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Cream of Baby Chard Soup with Bacon Spam

Rustic Cream of Baby Chard Soup with Bacon Spam

Cream of Baby Chard Soup with Bacon Spam is a rich, comforting soup that blends the mild, earthy flavor of tender baby chard with the savory, smoky punch of crispy Bacon Spam. Velvety smooth thanks to a blend of sautéed aromatics and cream, this hearty soup is both satisfying and unique. The Spam adds meaty depth and texture, making it a full meal in a bowl. Balanced with a hint of garlic, optional nutmeg, and a touch of lemon for brightness, it’s a flavorful twist on classic leafy green soups—perfect for cool days or cozy dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 Tbsp Butter
  • 2 Medium onions finely chopped
  • 4 Garlic cloves minced
  • 1 Can Bacon Spam diced
  • 1.5-2 Lbs Baby chard roughly chopped
  • 8 Cups Chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 Cups Heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Nutmeg optional
  • 2 Tsp Lemon juice optional
  • Croutons or grated Parmesan cheese for garnish optional

Method
 

Sauté Spam
  1. In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced Bacon Spam and cook until browned and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the Spam from the pot and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics
  1. In the same pot, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
  2. Add the chopped onions and garlic, sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
Cook Baby Chard
  1. Add the chopped baby chard leaves to the pot.
  2. Cook until the chard is wilted and tender, about 5 minutes.
Add Broth
  1. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Blend Soup
  1. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup to a blender and blend in batches.
  2. Return the blended soup to the pot.
Add Cream and Spam
  1. Stir in the heavy cream.
  2. Return the cooked Bacon Spam to the pot.
  3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a pinch of nutmeg if desired for a hint of warmth.
  4. If using, stir in the lemon juice for a touch of brightness.
Heat Through
  1. Heat the soup gently over low heat until it is warmed through. Do not boil, as this can cause the cream to curdle.
Serve
  1. Ladle the soup into bowls.
  2. Garnish with croutons or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Enjoy your creamy and delicious Baby Chard Soup with Bacon Spam!
Adjust Serving Size:
Makes 6 to 8 servings
  • 6 large bowls (about 1.5 to 2 cups per serving) — if serving as a main dish.
    8 smaller bowls (about 1 to 1.25 cups per serving) — if serving as a starter or side.
You can stretch it further by serving with crusty bread, grilled cheese, or a salad.