Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe

There's nothing quite like a warm, creamy bowl of potato soup with bacon to satisfy your comfort food cravings. This rich and velvety soup features tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a creamy broth that comes together to create the ultimate comfort dish. Whether you're feeding your family or preparing a cozy meal for a chilly day, this creamy potato soup with bacon is easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Read on for a step-by-step guide, including tips, variations, and serving suggestions to make the best creamy potato soup with bacon at home.

What is Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon?

Creamy potato soup with bacon is a hearty soup made with tender potatoes, onions, garlic, and crispy bacon, all simmered in a rich, creamy broth. The soup is thickened by mashing or blending some of the cooked potatoes, giving it a velvety texture without needing too many additional thickeners. The crispy bacon adds a savory, smoky depth that pairs perfectly with the mild flavor of the potatoes. Often garnished with shredded cheese, green onions, or sour cream, this soup is the definition of comfort food in a bowl.

Ingredients List for Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious and comforting soup:

1. Bacon – 8 slices of bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled (reserve some for garnish).
2. Potatoes – 5-6 medium Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes.
3. Onion – 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped.
4. Garlic – 3 cloves of garlic, minced.
5. Butter – 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter for sautéing the vegetables.
6. Flour – 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to thicken the soup.
7. Chicken broth – 4 cups of chicken broth to form the base of the soup (you can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option).
8. Milk or heavy cream – 1 cup of whole milk or ½ cup of heavy cream for added creaminess.
9. Cheddar cheese (optional) – 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for added richness and flavor.
10. Salt – 1 teaspoon of salt, or to taste.
11. Black pepper – ½ teaspoon of black pepper, or to taste.
12. Bay leaf – 1 bay leaf for added depth of flavor.
13. Thyme – 1 teaspoon of dried thyme or 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme.
14. Green onions or chives – For garnish.
15. Sour cream (optional) – For topping the soup.

Substitutions and Variations

This creamy potato soup with bacon is versatile and can be easily adapted to suit different tastes or dietary preferences. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations:

1. Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and replace it with smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
2. Dairy-Free Version: Use a plant-based milk like almond or coconut milk and replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative. You can also omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese substitute.
3. Add Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like carrots, celery, or even corn for added texture.
4. Cheesy Potato Soup: Stir in an extra cup of cheddar cheese or your favorite cheese at the end for a rich, cheesy version of this soup.
5. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or use peppered bacon for a spicy twist.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into the process of making this creamy, comforting potato soup with bacon.

How to Cook Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Cook the Bacon

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces, reserving some for garnishing the finished soup. If there’s excess bacon grease in the pot, drain most of it, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons for added flavor.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add the butter and melt it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

3. Make the Roux

Once the onions and garlic are sautéed, sprinkle the flour over the mixture. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste. This flour-butter mixture, known as a roux, will help thicken the soup.

4. Add the Potatoes and Broth

Add the diced potatoes to the pot, then slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add the thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

5. Mash or Blend the Potatoes

Once the potatoes are fully cooked, you can mash some of them directly in the pot using a potato masher for a chunkier texture, or use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup for a creamier consistency. If you prefer a completely smooth soup, blend it all, but most people enjoy leaving some chunks of potato for texture.

6. Add the Cream and Cheese (Optional)

Stir in the milk or heavy cream, along with the shredded cheddar cheese if you're using it. Allow the soup to simmer on low for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is well combined and creamy. Be careful not to let the soup boil after adding the dairy, as this can cause it to curdle.

7. Stir in the Bacon

Once the soup is creamy and heated through, stir in most of the crumbled bacon, reserving some for garnish. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

8. Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra bacon, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or chives. A dollop of sour cream also makes a great topping for added creaminess.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Draining the Bacon Grease: If your bacon releases too much grease, make sure to drain most of it off to avoid a greasy soup. Leave just a small amount to sauté the vegetables for added flavor.
2. Overcooking the Potatoes: Be careful not to overcook the potatoes, as they can turn too mushy and lose their structure. Cook them just until they are tender.
3. Skipping the Roux: The butter and flour roux is essential for thickening the soup. Skipping this step may result in a soup that’s too thin.
4. Boiling After Adding Dairy: Make sure to keep the heat low after adding the milk or cream. Boiling the soup can cause the dairy to curdle.

Serving and Presentation Tips

When it comes to serving creamy potato soup with bacon, presentation can make a simple dish feel even more special.

How to Serve Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon

1. Bread: Serve the soup with warm, crusty bread, sourdough, or dinner rolls for dipping.
2. Salad: Pair the rich soup with a fresh, crisp side salad for balance.
3. Toppings: Offer a variety of toppings, such as extra shredded cheese, crispy bacon, green onions, chives, or sour cream, so everyone can customize their bowl.

Presentation Ideas for Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon

1. Garnish Generously: Sprinkle each bowl with crumbled bacon, extra cheese, and chopped green onions or chives for added flavor and color.
2. Serve in Bread Bowls: For a fun and indulgent twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. The bread will soak up the creamy broth, making it even more delicious.
3. Sour Cream Swirl: Add a small swirl of sour cream on top of each bowl for a gourmet touch and extra creaminess.

Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe Tips

1. Make Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding more broth or cream if needed.
2. Freezing: Cream-based soups don’t always freeze well, as the dairy can separate when thawed. If you plan to freeze this soup, do so before adding the cream. When reheating, stir in the cream just before serving.
3. Blending: For a super-smooth texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot. You can blend as much or as little as you like, depending on your preferred texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use other types of potatoes?
A: Yes, Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well in this recipe. They have a creamier texture and don’t break down as easily as Russet potatoes, but any starchy potato will work.

Q: Can I make this soup without cream?
A: Yes, you can use

more broth instead of cream or milk for a lighter soup. You can also substitute the cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or almond milk.

Q: How long does potato soup last in the fridge?
A: Stored in an airtight container, creamy potato soup with bacon will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: You can freeze the soup, but it’s best to do so before adding the cream. Once you’re ready to serve, thaw the soup, reheat it, and stir in the cream just before serving.

Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Adding vegetables like carrots, celery, or corn can give the soup extra flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Creamy potato soup with bacon is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a velvety broth for a soup that’s satisfying and full of flavor. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or to warm up on a cold day, this recipe is easy to follow and endlessly customizable. Serve it with your favorite toppings and sides, and enjoy a cozy, hearty meal that will become a family favorite. Happy cooking!

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