Million Dollar Soup: 7 Steps to Comforting Warmth

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Hi I'm Stacy

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on 30 October 2025

Million Dollar Soup has become my go-to comfort food, especially during chilly evenings. This delightful soup is brimming with caramelized onions, smoky bacon, and rich creamy cheddar, creating a dish that’s not only tasty but also incredibly satisfying. If you’re looking to elevate your comfort food game, this recipe is sure to hit the spot!

Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Soup

There are many reasons to adore this Million Dollar Soup. First, it’s packed with flavor, combining sweet onions, savory bacon, and delightful herbs. Secondly, it’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit your dietary needs, whether you prefer a Vegetarian Million Dollar Soup Recipe or a creamier version with more cheese. Additionally, this soup is the perfect choice for meal prep as it stores well and tastes even better the next day. The Best Million Dollar Soup Recipe is not only comforting but also quick and easy to prepare, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner option. Lastly, it’s a crowd-pleaser, ensuring everyone at the table will enjoy a hearty bowl of deliciousness.

Ingredients for Million Dollar Soup

Gather these items:

2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Feel free to swap with vegetable oil if preferred.)

2 tablespoons Butter (For dairy-free, use margarine.)
2 cups Sweet Onions (Yellow onions can work as well.)
1 cup Celery (Can be omitted if necessary.)
1 bulb Fennel (Leeks make a great substitute.)
4 cloves Garlic (No substitutions recommended.)
1 cup White Wine (Replace with broth for non-alcoholic option.)

4 cups Chicken Stock (Opt for low-sodium or homemade for a lighter version.)
2 cups Kale (Spinach can be used as an alternative.)

1 cup Cooked Bacon (Turkey bacon is a leaner option.)
2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (Use tamari for gluten-free option.)
2 cups Shredded Chicken (Rotisserie chicken is perfect for quick prep.)
1 package Potato Gnocchi (Consider dumplings or pasta as substitutes.)

1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Gruyère or a dairy-free cheese alternative are good swaps.)
1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (Coconut cream works for a dairy-free version.)
2 tablespoons Cornstarch (Used to thicken the soup.)
2 tablespoons Water (Mix with cornstarch for thickening.)
1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (Paprika can be used for less heat.)

1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs (Regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can be used.)
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (Grana Padano or nutritional yeast for dairy-free option.)

How to Make Million Dollar Soup Step-by-Step

Step 1: Caramelize Onions: Sauté sliced sweet onions in olive oil and butter over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes until softened. Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 35 minutes until browned.

Step 2: Prepare Bread Crumbs: Mix panko bread crumbs with Parmesan cheese and melted butter. Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, heat more olive oil and butter, add celery, fennel, and minced garlic. Cook for 7-8 minutes until softened, then deglaze with white wine for 1-2 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients: Add the caramelized onions back, then chicken stock, kale, cooked bacon, soy sauce, and any seasonings. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Gnocchi: Stir in shredded chicken and potato gnocchi. Simmer until gnocchi floats, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Mix in cheddar cheese and gradually add heavy whipping cream, stirring until fully blended.
Step 7: Thicken Soup: Whisk cornstarch and water, then stir into the soup. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until thickened.

Step 8: Serve: Ladle soup into bowls, topping with bacon and panko mixture. Serve hot.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Million Dollar Soup

Keep these in mind:

Use vegetable oil instead of olive oil if preferred.
For dairy-free, use margarine instead of butter.
Leeks can substitute fennel.
Consider broth instead of white wine for a non-alcoholic option.
Opt for low-sodium chicken stock for a lighter soup.
Spinach can replace kale.
Turkey bacon is a leaner choice.
Rotisserie chicken can save prep time.
Dumplings or pasta can substitute for gnocchi.
Gruyère or dairy-free cheese can replace cheddar.
Coconut cream can be used instead of heavy cream.

Best Ways to Serve Million Dollar Soup

This Million Dollar Soup is perfect served with a crusty baguette or alongside a fresh salad. You can also top it with additional crispy bacon or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor. Pair it with a glass of white wine for a delightful dining experience.

How to Store and Reheat Million Dollar Soup

To store, allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. This soup is also great for meal prep, as it freezes well for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions About Million Dollar Soup

What’s the secret to perfect Million Dollar Soup?

The key to perfecting Million Dollar Soup lies in the caramelization of the onions. This step enhances the flavor profile, giving you that rich, deep taste that makes this soup so special.

Can I make Million Dollar Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare Million Dollar Soup in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently before serving for the best flavor.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Million Dollar Soup?

To avoid common pitfalls, ensure you don’t rush the caramelization of the onions. Take your time to let them develop their flavor fully, and don’t skip the deglazing step to incorporate all the delicious bits stuck to the pot.

Variations of Million Dollar Soup You Can Try

If you want to mix things up, consider trying a Gourmet Million Dollar Soup by adding truffle oil or wild mushrooms. For a lighter version, use a Vegetarian Million Dollar Soup Recipe by omitting the bacon and chicken and replacing the broth with vegetable stock. You can also experiment with Healthy Million Dollar Soup Variations by adding more vegetables or using less cream.