croutons Archives - Taste With The Eyes

Split Pea Soup with Bacon, Homemade Croutons

Split Pea Soup with Bacon
Homemade Croutons

Velvety, savory, and deeply comforting, Split Pea Soup is a timeless classic that warms the soul. While its muddy yellow-green hue and sludgy appearance may not win beauty contests, one spoonful is enough to transport you to a world of rich, satisfying flavor.

More than just a dish, split pea soup carries nostalgia in every bite. It’s not the kind of soup that reminds you of a five-star restaurant or a once-in-a-lifetime meal—it’s the kind that makes you feel at home. It soothes, comforts, and wraps you in a sense of warmth and familiarity.

This version takes things up a notch with cherrywood-smoked bacon from Nashville’s Porter Road Butcher, adding depth and smokiness, while crispy homemade Old Bay croutons introduce the perfect crunch. Together, they elevate this humble classic into something truly special—still simple, still nostalgic, but with just the right touch of indulgence. It’s the ideal soup to enjoy as winter comes to a close.

Wine Pairing

2022 King Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Gris

This Oregon Pinot Gris balances the soup’s richness with bright acidity and complements the smoky bacon with its fresh, fruity character. It’s a well-balanced pairing that enhances both the wine and the dish.

Split Pea Soup Recipe

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Shrimp Bisque with Old Bay Croutons

🦐 Shrimp Bisque with Old Bay Croutons 🦐
🌺 Creme Fraiche, Chives, Edible Flowers 🌺

Whereas my previous Shrimp Bisque was hearty and rustic, the texture of this one is smooth and elegant. It is the same hearty-style recipe inspired by Emeril Lagasse and Ina Garten but at the end I simply purée the soup with an immersion blender. And instead of garnishing with jumbo sautéed gulf shrimp, here I top the bisque with buttery homemade Old Bay croutons. A swirl of crème fraîche, snipped chives, and sometimes an edible flower finish it off.

Shrimp Bisque with Old Bay Croutons

Shrimp Bisque and Old Bay Croutons Recipes

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Meatless and Marvelous Collard Greens Soup

Meatless & Marvelous Collard Greens Soup

Meatless and Marvelous
Collard Greens Soup

Want to add some pizzazz to a bowl of classic meatless Southern collard greens soup, try this! Greek yogurt brings that rich creamy element, Calabrian chili sauce adds fruity, super-spicy notes, and plenty homemade croutons nail it with a buttery crunch.

This simple, easy soup is so satisfying… (almost) no one will miss the ham. It is chock-full of nutrient-rich collard greens where cannellini beans, carrots, and celery play a supporting role. Onion and garlic provide aromatic and savory undertones, thyme and oregano bring those lovely herbal qualities, where a very flavorful vegetable broth is essential to the recipe.

Meatless & Marvelous Collard Greens Soup