Embrace the essence of fall with these luxurious squash soup shots paired with crispy bacon soldiers that perfectly capture the season’s most beloved flavors. This sophisticated appetizer transforms the humble winter squash into a velvety, golden soup infused with warm spices and rich cream, while the bacon soldiers provide an irresistible savory contrast that elevates the entire experience. What makes this combination so extraordinary is the interplay between the sweet, earthy squash and the smoky, salty crunch of perfectly cooked bacon wrapped around tender breadsticks. The result is an appetizer that feels both rustic and refined, making it perfect for holiday entertaining, dinner parties, or any occasion where you want to showcase the comfort and elegance of seasonal cooking. The beautiful golden color of the soup paired with the golden-brown bacon creates a visually stunning presentation that tastes even better than it looks.
Serves 8-10 people as an appetizer (makes 20 soup shots and 20 bacon soldiers)
Ingredients for the Squash Soup
- 2 pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 1 pound acorn squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- Pinch of ground cloves
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon brown butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Ingredients for the Bacon Soldiers
- 10 strips thick-cut bacon, cut in half lengthwise
- 20 thin breadsticks or grissini
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons grated Gruyère cheese
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup for glazing
For Garnish
- Toasted pumpkin seeds
- Fresh sage leaves
- Heavy cream for swirling
- Maple syrup for drizzling
- Crispy sage leaves (optional)
Roasting the Squash for Maximum Flavor
The foundation of exceptional squash soup begins with properly roasting the squash to concentrate its natural sweetness and develop deep, caramelized flavors. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. The high heat will caramelize the natural sugars in the squash, creating complexity that simply cannot be achieved through other cooking methods.
Toss the cubed butternut and acorn squash with olive oil and a generous pinch of salt, ensuring each piece is lightly coated. The combination of squash varieties creates a more complex flavor profile than using just one type – butternut provides sweetness and creaminess, while acorn squash adds earthy depth and beautiful color.
Spread the squash in single layers on the prepared baking sheets, making sure the pieces don’t overlap or crowd each other. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the edges are golden brown and caramelized, and the flesh is completely tender when pierced with a fork. The roasted squash should have beautiful brown spots that will contribute incredible depth to the final soup.
Building the Aromatic Foundation
While the squash roasts, begin developing the flavor base that will complement and enhance the sweet, earthy squash. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft, translucent, and lightly golden around the edges.
Add the diced apples to the pot with the onions. The apples contribute natural sweetness and subtle acidity that balances the richness of the squash while adding complexity to the overall flavor profile. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the apples begin to soften and release their juices.
Incorporating Aromatics and Warm Spices
Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pot, cooking for about a minute until fragrant. The ginger provides warmth and subtle heat that complements the sweet squash beautifully, while the garlic adds an earthy foundation that grounds all the other flavors.
Stir in the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves, cooking for 30 seconds while stirring constantly. This brief cooking time, called blooming, releases the essential oils in the spices and dramatically intensifies their flavors. The kitchen should fill with the warm, inviting aromas of autumn spices that will permeate the entire soup.
Combining and Simmering to Perfection
Add the roasted squash to the pot along with any caramelized bits from the baking sheets – these golden pieces are packed with concentrated flavor and shouldn’t be wasted. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, ensuring there’s enough liquid to cover the ingredients by about an inch.
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes. This simmering time allows all the flavors to meld together while ensuring every piece of squash and apple is completely tender and ready for blending.
Creating Silky Smoothness
Remove the pot from heat and let the soup cool slightly for safe handling. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup directly in the pot until it reaches a completely smooth, velvety consistency. The soup should be uniform in color and texture, with no visible pieces of squash or other ingredients remaining.
If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender, being cautious with hot liquid and never filling the blender more than halfway. For restaurant-quality smoothness perfect for elegant soup shots, strain the blended soup through a fine-mesh sieve back into the pot, pressing any remaining solids with the back of a spoon.
Final Enrichment with Brown Butter
To create brown butter, melt the tablespoon of butter in a small skillet over medium heat, swirling the pan as the butter foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma. This takes about 2 to 3 minutes. The brown butter adds an incredible depth of flavor that elevates the entire soup.
Return the soup to low heat and stir in the brown butter, heavy cream, maple syrup, salt, white pepper, and fresh lemon juice. The maple syrup enhances the natural sweetness of the squash without making it cloying, while the lemon juice adds essential brightness that balances the richness.
Preparing the Bacon Soldiers
While the soup stays warm, create the bacon soldiers that will provide the perfect savory contrast. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. The bacon soldiers are what transform this from a simple soup course into an interactive, memorable appetizer experience.
Cut each strip of thick-cut bacon in half lengthwise to create 20 strips. Wrap each breadstick or grissini with a strip of bacon, starting at one end and spiraling the bacon around the breadstick in a candy cane pattern, leaving small gaps between each wrap so the bacon cooks evenly and becomes properly crispy.
Seasoning and Glazing the Soldiers
Place the bacon-wrapped breadsticks on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch each other. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves, black pepper, and grated Gruyère cheese. The thyme adds aromatic complexity that complements the autumn flavors, while the Gruyère provides nutty richness and helps create an attractive golden finish.
Lightly brush each bacon soldier with maple syrup, which will caramelize during baking and create a beautiful glaze that echoes the sweetness in the soup. The maple syrup also helps the bacon achieve a gorgeous golden-brown color.
Achieving Perfect Crispiness
Bake the bacon soldiers for 12 to 15 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the bacon is golden brown and crispy, and the breadsticks are heated through. The bacon should render its fat and become crispy while the breadsticks inside remain tender. The maple glaze should be caramelized and glossy.
Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes to set. This brief cooling period allows the bacon to crisp up even further and makes the soldiers easier to handle.
Elegant Presentation
For the most sophisticated presentation, serve the squash soup in small shot glasses, espresso cups, or small ceramic bowls. The beautiful golden-orange color looks stunning against clear glass or white ceramic vessels, immediately conveying the warmth and comfort of autumn.
Fill each vessel about three-quarters full with the warm soup, leaving room for garnish and preventing spills. The soup should be comfortably warm but not scalding, as guests will be sipping rather than spooning it.
Creating Visual Interest with Garnishes
Top each soup shot with a few toasted pumpkin seeds for textural contrast and seasonal appeal. The seeds add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the smooth soup perfectly. Float a single fresh sage leaf on the surface for aromatic complexity and beautiful color contrast against the golden soup.
Create an elegant swirl pattern by adding a small dollop of heavy cream to each shot and using a toothpick to create decorative spirals. Finish with a light drizzle of pure maple syrup, which adds both visual appeal and an extra touch of autumn sweetness.
Serving the Complete Experience
Arrange the bacon soldiers on a separate platter or serve 1 to 2 alongside each soup shot on individual small plates. The soldiers should be served warm and crispy, providing the perfect textural and flavor contrast to the smooth, sweet soup. The combination of warm soup and crispy bacon creates a memorable sensory experience that guests will talk about long after the meal.
Temperature and Timing Management
Success with this appetizer depends on proper timing and temperature control. The soup can be kept warm for several hours without losing quality, making it ideal for entertaining. The bacon soldiers, however, are best served within 15 minutes of baking for optimal crispiness.
If you need to hold the soldiers longer, keep them warm on a wire rack in a 200-degree oven, which helps maintain crispiness while preventing overcooking.
Make-Ahead Strategies
The squash soup can be made up to three days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve with time as the spices have a chance to meld and develop complexity. When ready to serve, reheat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of cream or broth if the soup has thickened too much.
The bacon soldiers can be wrapped around the breadsticks several hours ahead and kept refrigerated until ready to bake. This advance preparation makes the recipe much more manageable for entertaining while ensuring freshness and quality.
Seasonal Variations and Adaptations
This recipe embodies autumn and winter flavors but can be adapted for different occasions. Try adding roasted chestnuts for extra richness, or incorporate pears instead of apples for a different fruit note. The bacon soldiers can be varied with different herbs – try rosemary, oregano, or even a touch of sage for unique flavor profiles.
Dietary Considerations
For vegetarian guests, the bacon soldiers can be replaced with herb-crusted breadsticks, cheese straws, or caramelized onion and Gruyère palmiers. The soup itself is naturally vegetarian when made with vegetable broth and can be made dairy-free by substituting coconut cream for the heavy cream, though this will add a subtle coconut flavor.
Storage and Leftover Solutions
Leftover soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to five days and freezes well for up to three months. The bacon soldiers don’t store well once baked, so it’s best to make only what you need for immediate service. Any leftover soup makes an excellent light lunch when served in regular portions with crusty bread.
Wine and Beverage Pairings
This appetizer pairs beautifully with medium-bodied white wines like Chardonnay or Viognier, or light red wines like Pinot Noir that won’t overpower the delicate squash flavors. For non-alcoholic options, consider warm spiced cider, ginger beer, or sparkling water with apple slices.
This squash soup shots with bacon soldiers recipe represents the perfect marriage of seasonal comfort and elegant presentation. The sweet, velvety soup provides warmth and satisfaction, while the savory, crispy soldiers add textural interest and rich flavor that keeps each bite engaging. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner party, autumn gathering, or intimate dinner, this appetizer is guaranteed to impress guests while capturing the essence of the season in every delicious spoonful.
