Bacon and Kale Soup with Apple Cider Vinegar

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crisp bacon and hearty kale simmered in a savory broth with a tangy apple cider vinegar kick for a simple keto favorite. This american-inspired soups (keto) ready in about 30 minutes pairs chopped bacon, chopped yellow onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 59 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 59 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot over medium heat, cook 6 slices chopped bacon until crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving bacon fat in the pot.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion to the bacon fat and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth and 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, then bring to a simmer.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 cups chopped kale and cook for 5 minutes until tender.
  5. Step 5: Return 6 slices cooked bacon to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then simmer for 2 more minutes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Bacon and Kale Soup with Apple Cider Vinegar take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Bacon and Kale Soup with Apple Cider Vinegar?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chopped bacon from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bacon and Kale Soup with Apple Cider Vinegar?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Bacon and Kale Soup with Apple Cider Vinegar for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Bacon and Kale Soup with Apple Cider Vinegar keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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