Potato Bacon Soup is a comforting dish that warms the soul and tantalizes the taste buds. As the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of this creamy, savory soup to bring a sense of coziness to your home. Originating from humble beginnings, this dish has roots in various cultures, often celebrated for its ability to transform simple ingredients into a hearty meal. The combination of tender potatoes and crispy bacon creates a delightful contrast in both taste and texture, making it a favorite among families and friends alike.

People love Potato Bacon Soup not only for its rich flavor but also for its convenience; it can be whipped up in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. The aroma of sizzling bacon and simmering potatoes fills the kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that promises to become a staple in your household!

Ingredients:

4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
6 slices of bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
4 cups of chicken broth
1 cup of heavy cream
1 teaspoon of dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for garnish)

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Start by peeling the russet potatoes. I find that using a good vegetable peeler makes this task much easier. Once peeled, dice the potatoes into small, even cubes, about 1-inch in size. This helps them cook evenly and blend well into the soup later. 2. Next, chop the bacon into small pieces. I usually cut the slices in half lengthwise and then crosswise to get nice bite-sized bits. 3. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. I like to use a sharp knife for this to make the process quicker and safer. 4. Gather all your ingredients together on the counter. This makes it easier to follow the recipe without having to search for items mid-cooking.

Cooking the Bacon

5. In a large pot or Dutch oven, place the chopped bacon over medium heat. Cook the bacon until its crispy, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly and doesnt burn. 6. Once the bacon is crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pot and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave the bacon drippings in the pot; this will add incredible flavor to our soup.

Sautéing the Vegetables

7. In the same pot with the bacon drippings, add the diced onion. Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant. 8. Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter. 9. Now, its time to add the diced potatoes to the pot. Stir them in with the onions and garlic, allowing them to soak up all those delicious flavors for about 2-3 minutes.

Adding the Broth and Seasoning

10. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to release any stuck bits of flavor. 11. Add the dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. I usually start with about 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of pepper, then adjust later if needed. 12. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Blending the Soup

13. Once the potatoes are tender, its time to blend the soup. You can use an immersion blender directly in the pot for a smoother texture, or carefully transfer the soup in batches to a countertop blender. If using a blender, be sure to let the soup cool slightly before blending to avoid any splatters. 14. Blend until you reach your desired consistency. I like to leave a few chunks of potato for texture, but you can blend it completely smooth if you prefer.

Finishing Touches

15. After blending, return the soup to the pot (if you used a countertop blender) and stir in the heavy cream. This adds a rich creaminess that makes the soup so comforting. 16. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Sometimes, I find it needs a little more salt or pepper, depending on the broth used. 17. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors together.

Assembling and Serving

18. To serve, ladle the soup into bowls. I love to top mine with the crispy bacon bits we set aside earlier. 19. If youre feeling indulgent, sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top. It melts beautifully into the warm soup and adds an extra layer of flavor. 20. Finally, garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh crunch and a pop of color. 21. Serve the soup hot with some crusty bread or crackers on the side for dipping. Enjoy your homemade potato bacon soup! Its perfect for

Conclusion:

In summary, this Potato Bacon Soup is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to warm their hearts and bellies with a comforting bowl of goodness. The combination of creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, and aromatic herbs creates a symphony of flavors that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it at a gathering with friends and family, this soup is sure to impress. For serving suggestions, consider topping your Potato Bacon Soup with a sprinkle of fresh chives or a dollop of sour cream for an extra touch of flavor. You can also pair it with a crusty loaf of bread or a fresh garden salad to make it a complete meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding in some vegetables like carrots or corn for added texture and nutrition, or even swap out the bacon for turkey bacon or a vegetarian alternative to suit your dietary preferences. I encourage you to give this Potato Bacon Soup a try and experience the delightful flavors for yourself. Once you do, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, variations, or any creative twists you added to the recipe. Cooking is all about experimenting and making it your own, so dont hesitate to get creative. Happy cooking, and enjoy every spoonful of this delicious Potato Bacon Soup! Print

Potato Bacon Soup: A Creamy Comfort Food Recipe Youll Love

Author: Maria
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

This creamy Potato Bacon Soup combines tender russet potatoes, crispy bacon, and aromatic vegetables in a rich chicken broth, finished with heavy cream. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish, perfect for chilly days and ideal for sharing with family and friends. Enjoy it with crusty bread for a cozy meal.

Instructions

Peel and dice the russet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Chop the bacon into small pieces. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Gather all ingredients on the counter.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the drippings in the pot.
In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
Stir in the diced potatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot. Add dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
Blend the soup using an immersion blender or in batches in a countertop blender until desired consistency is reached.
Return the blended soup to the pot (if using a countertop blender) and stir in the heavy cream. Adjust seasoning as needed and let simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Ladle the soup into bowls, topping with crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese (if using), and sliced green onions. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, you can omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Feel free to customize the soup by adding other vegetables like carrots or celery for extra flavor and nutrition.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes