Hearty Groninger Mustard Soup with Bacon and Leek

Creamy Dutch Groninger Mustard Soup: A Heartwarming Recipe with Crispy Topping

When the weather turns chilly or you simply crave a comforting bowl of warmth, nothing quite hits the spot like a delicious, homemade soup. This **Dutch Groninger Mosterd Soep**, or mustard soup, is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl. Renowned for its incredibly creamy texture, a delightful hint of spice, and surprisingly easy preparation, this recipe promises to deliver pure satisfaction. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you can have a rich and flavorful soup ready on your table in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.

This versatile soup shines whether served as a light yet satisfying lunch, an elegant starter to a dinner party, or the centerpiece of a cozy evening meal with loved ones. Its velvety smoothness is complemented by a bold flavor profile, where the distinctive character of Dutch mustard provides a subtle, invigorating kick. But what truly elevates this soup from excellent to extraordinary is its topping: a generous sprinkle of crispy bacon bits and crunchy fried onions, perfectly balanced with fresh, thinly sliced leek. Each spoonful offers a harmonious blend of soft, creamy textures and satisfyingly crisp elements, ensuring every bite is an absolute delight.

Two bowls on a wooden board filled with creamy Dutch Mustard Soup, garnished with crispy bacon and fresh leek.

The Irresistible Charm of Groninger Mosterd Soep

For many, soup holds a special place in the heart, evoking memories of childhood kitchens and comforting flavors. I certainly share this sentiment; growing up, soup was a staple, almost a daily ritual. Among the myriad of varieties, mustard soup always stood out as a personal favorite. The rich aroma filling the house and the unique taste transport me back to those cherished moments. It’s truly a taste of home.

This particular recipe presents a delightful, slightly modernized take on the traditional Dutch mustard soup I remember. The secret to its distinct character lies in the use of **Groninger mustard**. This coarse, robust mustard is celebrated for its deep, intense flavor and slight pungency, providing the perfect foundation for a truly memorable soup. The preparation begins by gently sautéing aromatic onions and tender leeks until they are perfectly softened, allowing their natural sweetness to develop. Next, a touch of flour is added to create a classic roux, which gradually thickens the soup as the savory broth is incorporated. This crucial step ensures a wonderfully smooth consistency before the rich flavors are fully unleashed.

Once the vegetables are tender, and the base is established, the soup is blended to a silky-smooth perfection. This is when the magic happens: a generous swirl of heavy cream is stirred in, transforming the soup into an opulent, velvety indulgence. Finally, the star ingredient, the Groninger mustard, is carefully folded in, imparting its signature warmth and a gentle, peppery kick that defines this regional Dutch specialty. The balance of creaminess and mustard spice is what makes this soup so uniquely satisfying.

And let’s not forget the grand finale – the topping! This isn’t just an afterthought; it’s an essential component that adds layers of texture and flavor. Imagine crispy, savory bacon bits, generously scattered over the creamy soup. Then, a sprinkle of crunchy fried onions (yes, the wonderfully convenient ones from a bag!) adds an extra layer of irresistible crispness and a hint of sweet oniony flavor. A final touch of thinly sliced fresh leek or vibrant chives provides a pop of color and a fresh, subtle bite. It’s an effortless addition that makes an enormous difference, turning a simple soup into a gourmet experience.

Looking to round out your meal? This comforting Dutch mustard soup pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. Consider serving it alongside homemade puff pastry cheese sticks for a savory crunch, or a crusty loaf of fresh bread generously slathered with homemade garlic butter. If you’re hosting a soup-themed dinner or simply can’t get enough of cozy, hearty bowls, I highly recommend exploring my recipe for Granny’s Rich Dutch Split Pea Soup – another super cozy and incredibly flavorful Dutch classic.

A photo from above of two bowls of Groningen Mustard Soup with crispy bacon and fresh leek on a wooden board.

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📖 Recipe: Easy Dutch Groninger Mustard Soup

RECIPE CARD

A square photo of a dark gray bowl of Groningen mustard soup with leek and bacon, ready to be served.
Dutch Groninger Mosterd Soep with Leek and Bacon



Andréa Janssen's avatar


Andréa

Indulge in the rich, bold, and incredibly cozy flavors of this traditional Dutch Groninger Mosterd Soep. This creamy mustard soup, enhanced with savory leek and crispy bacon, can be whipped up in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick yet satisfying lunch or an impressive festive starter. Its unique blend of creamy texture and a subtle mustard kick will make it a new favorite in your kitchen.















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Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Total Time

30 minutes


Course
Soup, Main Course, Starter, Lunch
Cuisine
Dutch, European Cuisine, Comfort Food


Servings

6
persons
Calories

365
kcal

Ingredients

For the soup



  • 2
    tablespoons
    butter



  • 1
    onion,
    finely chopped



  • 2
    cloves
    garlic,
    minced



  • 1
    leek,
    washed and thinly sliced



  • â…“
    cup
    all-purpose flour



  • 4 ½
    cups
    chicken stock,
    preferably homemade for richer flavor



  • 3
    tablespoons
    coarse Groninger mustard



  • ½
    cup
    heavy cream



  • salt and pepper, to taste

For the topping



  • 7
    oz.
    bacon bits, or finely diced bacon



  • 2
    tablespoons
    fried onions, (crispy, from a bag)



  • 1
    tablespoon
    chives,
    chopped



  • 2
    tablespoons
    leek,
    finely chopped (from the portion saved earlier)

All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.

Metric –
US Customary

Instructions


  • Heat the butter in a spacious soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and the majority of the thinly sliced leek (remember to reserve a small portion of the raw leek for the garnish). Sauté these vegetables gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and translucent but do not brown. This slow cooking process extracts their natural sweetness and forms a flavorful base for the soup.
    2 tablespoons butter,
    1 onion,
    2 cloves garlic,
    1 leek

  • Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the softened vegetables. Stir vigorously for about 1 minute until the flour is fully incorporated and coats the vegetables, forming a thick paste. Continue to cook this mixture on low heat for an additional 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly. This step, known as creating a roux, is crucial for cooking out the raw flour taste and ensuring your soup has a smooth, rich flavor without any pasty residue.
    â…“ cup all-purpose flour

  • Gradually pour in the chicken stock, adding a little at a time while continuously whisking. This prevents lumps and ensures a perfectly smooth soup. Once all the stock is added, bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 10 minutes, or until the leek is completely tender and soft, and the soup has slightly thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
    4 ½ cups chicken stock

  • Remove the pot from the heat. Carefully use an immersion hand blender to blend the soup directly in the pot until it reaches a wonderfully smooth and uniform consistency. If you don’t have a hand blender, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender (be extremely cautious when blending hot liquids, only fill halfway and hold the lid with a towel), then return it to the pot.

  • Return the pot to low heat. Stir in the coarse Groninger mustard and the heavy cream until thoroughly combined. Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. If you desire a more pronounced mustard flavor, feel free to add another tablespoon or two of mustard, stirring until fully incorporated. The goal is a balanced, creamy, and subtly spicy flavor.
    3 tablespoons coarse Groninger mustard,
    ½ cup heavy cream,
    salt and pepper

  • In a separate dry pan, fry the bacon bits over medium heat until they are perfectly golden brown and delightfully crispy. Once cooked, transfer the crispy bacon to a plate lined with kitchen paper to drain any excess fat. This keeps them wonderfully crunchy and prevents the soup from becoming greasy.
    7 oz. bacon bits

To Serve


  • Ladle the steaming, creamy Dutch Groninger Mustard Soup into individual serving bowls. Generously top each bowl with the freshly fried crispy bacon bits, the reserved thin slices of raw leek for a subtle bite, the irresistible crunchy fried onions, and a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives. Serve immediately and savor every delicious, comforting spoonful!
    2 tablespoons fried onions,
    1 tablespoon chives,
    2 tablespoons leek

Notes


1. Choosing the Right Mustard: The authenticity of this recipe truly shines with coarse Groninger mustard, which is known for its intense, spicy, and full-bodied flavor profile. If you’re unable to find authentic Groninger mustard, a good quality whole-grain mustard with visible seeds makes an excellent substitute. Alternatively, a robust Dijon mustard can also be used, though it might yield a slightly different flavor dynamic. Feel free to experiment to find your preferred mustard.


2. Making it Lighter (Without Cream): Absolutely! If you prefer a lighter version or want to avoid dairy, you can certainly make this soup without heavy cream. Instead, simply use a bit more chicken stock to reach your desired consistency. For a slightly creamy, yet dairy-free alternative, you could stir in a splash of plant-based milk (like oat milk or cashew milk) or even a spoonful of unsweetened plant-based yogurt after blending. It will still be incredibly flavorful and comforting.


3. Adjusting Mustard Flavor: The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. If you find the mustard flavor too sharp or strong for your palate, there are a couple of easy fixes. You can add an extra splash of heavy cream, which will mellow out the intensity. Another trick is to stir in the mustard and let it gently simmer for about one minute before blending the soup. This brief cooking period can slightly soften and round out the mustard’s sharpness, integrating its flavor more smoothly into the soup base.


4. Storage Guidelines: Proper storage ensures you can enjoy this delicious soup for days to come!

  • Fridge: Once the soup has cooled completely to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. It can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
  • Freezer: This soup freezes wonderfully, but for best results, freeze it *before* adding the heavy cream. Portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stovetop. Stir in the heavy cream after it’s warmed through to maintain its smooth texture and prevent separation.

Nutrition


Calories:
365
kcal


Carbohydrates:
19
g


Protein:
11
g


Fat:
27
g


Saturated Fat:
12
g


Polyunsaturated Fat:
3
g


Monounsaturated Fat:
10
g


Trans Fat:
0.2
g


Cholesterol:
60
mg


Sodium:
615
mg


Fiber:
1
g


Sugar:
5
g


Vitamin A:
790
IU


Vitamin C:
5
mg


Iron:
1
mg

Keyword
easy mustard soup recipe, Dutch comfort food, creamy leek soup, quick weeknight meal




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Recipe and photography: by Andréa Janssen – https://www.byandreajanssen.com