Pumpkin Bisque with Smoked Gouda Cheese

Source: Taste of Home

The Gouda cheese adds a delightful smokiness that is perfect in Fall.
The fresh parsley really adds to the overall deliciousness!

Ingredients

  • 4-6 bacon strips, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 c. chicken broth
  • 1 (29 oz.) can solid-pack pumpkin
  • 1/2 t. salt
  • 1/4 t. ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 t. pepper
  • 1 c. heavy whipping cream
  • 1 c. (4 oz.) shredded smoked Gouda cheese (plus more for serving, optional)
  • pinch of red pepper flakes, optional
  • 2 Tbls. minced fresh parsley, for serving
  • coarse black pepper, for serving

Instructions

In a Dutch oven, cook bacon over low- medium heat until crisp. Remove to paper towels with a slotted spoon; drain, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings. Set bacon pieces aside, or refrigerate, until serving (use for garnish).

Sauté onion in drippings until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer.

Stir in the broth, pumpkin, salt, nutmeg and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.

Take pot off burner and let sit for about 15 minutes to cool slightly.

In a blender, process soup in batches until smooth. Return all to pot and place on burner, to warm a bit.

Stir in cream and heat through.

Add cheese and stir until melted. Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes, if using

To Serve: Sprinkle each serving with a little chopped fresh parsley, bacon crumbles and if desired, additional cheese

NOTE: Makes 8 servings.