Comforting Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe to Warm Your Soul

Cold winter nights demand a soul-warming creamy potato soup with bacon that hugs you like a cozy blanket.

Grandma’s secret touches make this recipe extra special for comfort food enthusiasts.

Hearty chunks of tender potatoes swim alongside crispy bacon pieces in a velvety broth.

Seasonal root vegetables add depth and richness to each spoonful of deliciousness.

Minimal ingredients combine to create maximum flavor in this simple yet satisfying dish.

Fragrant herbs and a sprinkle of green onions provide the perfect finishing touch.

We bet you can almost smell the delectable aroma wafting through your kitchen right now.

FAQs

• Is this soup high in calories?

While creamy and rich, a typical serving has around 350-400 calories due to ingredients like bacon, heavy cream, and cheese. It’s a hearty meal best enjoyed in moderation.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

You can substitute bacon with smoked paprika for flavor, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and replace bacon with crispy mushrooms or vegetarian bacon bits for similar texture.

• How can I make the soup lighter?

Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, use less cheese, and reduce bacon amount. These small changes can significantly lower the fat and calorie content without compromising taste.

• What potatoes work best for this recipe?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal. They have a starchy texture that helps thicken the soup and creates a smooth, creamy consistency when blended.

Creamy Potato Soup With Bacon Provides Smoky Depth And Pure Comfort

• Quick Weeknight Comfort: Whip up this hearty potato soup in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a warm, satisfying meal after a long day.
• Flavor-Packed Simplicity: Create restaurant-quality soup with basic ingredients and minimal cooking skills, transforming everyday pantry staples into a delicious dinner that will impress everyone at the table.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt the recipe by switching cheeses, adding different toppings, or making it vegetarian, ensuring it meets various dietary preferences and tastes.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare a large batch ahead of time, store in the refrigerator, and enjoy leftovers that taste even better the next day, saving time and reducing kitchen stress.

What You Add To Potato Soup With Bacon

• Russet Potatoes: Hearty potatoes perfect for creamy soups, with a starchy texture that helps thicken the soup. Choose firm, clean potatoes without sprouts or green patches.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a rich, savory liquid base for the soup. Low-sodium broth gives better control over salt levels.

• Bacon, Cheddar Cheese: Adds smoky flavor and creamy richness to the soup. Use thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and sharp cheddar for a more intense cheese taste.
• Heavy Cream, Butter, Sour Cream: Contributes to the soup's luxurious, velvety texture. Full-fat dairy ensures a more indulgent result.

• Onion, Garlic: Builds a flavor foundation with deep, savory undertones. Fresh garlic provides more intense flavor than pre-minced.
• Flour: Helps thicken the soup and create a smooth consistency.
• Salt, Pepper, Smoked Paprika: Enhances overall flavor profile with subtle heat and depth. Smoked paprika adds an optional smoky dimension.
• Green Onions: Provides a fresh, mild onion garnish with bright color and crisp texture.

Creamy Potato Soup With Bacon Instructions

Step 1: Sizzle Smoky Bacon

Heat a large pot over medium flame.

Cook bacon until deliciously crispy.

Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving 1-2 tablespoons of rendered bacon fat in the pot.

Step 2: Soften Aromatic Vegetables

Toss chopped onions and minced garlic into the bacon-infused pot.

Sauté until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.

Step 3: Create Silky Roux

Melt butter into the pot and sprinkle flour, stirring continuously to create a smooth base.

Gradually pour chicken broth while whisking to prevent any lumpy texture.

Step 4: Simmer Hearty Potatoes

Add diced potatoes to the liquid mixture.

Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let the soup simmer.

Cook until potatoes become tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 5: Blend Smooth or Chunky

Use an immersion blender to transform the soup.

Decide between a velvety smooth consistency or leaving some potato chunks for rustic texture.

Step 6: Enrich with Creamy Goodness

• Heavy cream
• Half of the crumbled bacon
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Continue cooking until cheese melts completely and soup reaches a luxurious, creamy consistency.

Step 7: Season to Perfection

Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and a touch of smoked paprika to elevate the soup’s flavor profile.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls.

• Remaining crispy bacon bits
• Chopped green onions
• A dollop of tangy sour cream

Bacon And Potato Soup Finished With Pro Touches

• Cook bacon slowly over medium heat to achieve perfect crispiness without burning, ensuring a delightful crunch in every bite.
• Whisk constantly when adding chicken broth to prevent lumps, creating a silky-smooth base for the soup.
• Use an immersion blender to control soup consistency – blend completely for a smooth texture or leave some chunks for a rustic feel.
• Reduce salt by using low-sodium chicken broth and controlling bacon's saltiness, allowing you to manage the soup's overall flavor profile.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or plant-based cream alternatives, and use dairy-free cheese to make the soup suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Best Way to Save Creamy Potato Bacon Soup

• Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep bacon and additional toppings separate to maintain crispiness.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Dairy-based soups may slightly separate when thawed, so whisk well after reheating.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creamy consistency if needed. Avoid boiling to prevent cream from breaking.
• Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Top with fresh bacon bits and green onions just before serving to restore texture and flavor.

Bacon Potato Soup Serving Tips

• Pair with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Slice thick, rustic sourdough bread to soak up the creamy soup's rich flavors and provide a delightful textural contrast.
• Complement with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Choose a chilled, light-bodied white wine with bright acidity to cut through the soup's richness and cleanse the palate.
• Match with Tangy Green Salad: Create a fresh side salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a zesty vinaigrette to balance the soup's creamy and hearty profile.
• Serve with Craft Beer Pairing: Select a smooth amber ale or wheat beer that complements the smoky bacon and enhances the soup's comforting warmth.

Bacon Creamy Potato Soup Edits

• Vegetarian Potato Soup: Replace bacon with smoked tempeh or mushroom bacon. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based version.
• Dairy-Free Creamy Soup: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese for a rich, cheesy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets. Reduce cooking time and adjust liquid accordingly to maintain a creamy consistency.

Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty “Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon” delivers comfort in every spoonful, blending rich flavors of smoky bacon and smooth potatoes. Cheese-topped and garnished with crisp bacon bits, this soul-warming soup promises delicious satisfaction for hungry diners.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 112 cups (354 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Garnish:

• Green onions, chopped
• Sour cream (optional)

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Instructions

1. Render the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until golden and crisp, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the rendered fat.
2. Sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic in the bacon drippings until translucent and fragrant.
3. Create a light roux by whisking butter and flour into the aromatics, cooking briefly to eliminate raw flour taste.
4. Gradually pour in chicken broth, continuously whisking to ensure a smooth, lump-free base.
5. Add diced potatoes to the liquid, allowing them to simmer gently until fork-tender and beginning to break down at the edges.
6. For a velvety texture, partially blend the soup using an immersion blender, maintaining some potato chunks for rustic appeal.
7. Introduce heavy cream, incorporating half of the crumbled bacon and sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese melts completely.
8. Season the soup with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a hint of smoked paprika for depth of flavor.
9. Ladle the creamy soup into warm bowls, garnishing with remaining crisp bacon bits, thinly sliced green onions, and a dollop of tangy sour cream.

Notes

• Swap out bacon for turkey bacon or tempeh bacon to make the dish lighter and suitable for those watching fat intake.
• Keep some potato chunks unblended for a rustic, hearty texture that adds interesting mouthfeel to the soup.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like smoked gouda or pepper jack to create unique flavor profiles that elevate the classic recipe.
• For a gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with cornstarch or potato starch when creating the roux to maintain the soup’s creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg