Rich Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe

Velvety Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe for Cozy Nights

Chefs worldwide adore this creamy potato soup as a comforting classic that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Potatoes blend perfectly with crispy bacon bits for an irresistible flavor combination.

Hearty ingredients create a warming meal perfect for chilly evenings.

Smooth textures and rich undertones make every spoonful feel like a culinary embrace.

Simple techniques ensure you can craft this dish without complicated steps.

Each ingredient brings its own character to the final presentation.

This soup promises to become your new favorite comfort food that impresses everyone at the table.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes, you can use Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes. Each type will give a slightly different texture and flavor to the soup.

  • Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add smoked paprika for a similar smoky flavor.

  • How can I make the soup healthier?

Use turkey bacon, reduce the amount of cream, or substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. You can also add more vegetables like carrots or celery for extra nutrition.

  • Can I freeze this potato soup?

Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just avoid adding the cream until you’re ready to reheat and serve the soup.

What Makes Potato Soup with Bacon So Good

  • Quick Comfort Cooking: Dive into a soul-warming soup that comes together faster than you can say delicious, perfect for those moments when you need a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: Bacon adds a smoky crunch while creamy potatoes create a rich, satisfying base that appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal family dinner option.
  • Flexible Preparation: Customize this soup by blending to your preferred consistency, adjusting seasonings, or adding extra toppings like cheese or sour cream to match your taste preferences.
  • Simple Ingredient Magic: Transform basic pantry staples into a restaurant-quality dish that feels gourmet but requires minimal cooking skills, allowing even novice cooks to create something spectacular.

Ingredients for Potato Soup with Bacon

Main Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: Starchy root vegetables that provide the hearty base for this comforting soup.
  • Bacon: Crispy and flavorful meat that adds a rich, smoky taste to the soup.
  • Chicken Broth: Savory liquid that creates the foundation of the soup's flavor profile.
  • Heavy Cream: Luxurious dairy product that gives the soup its creamy and smooth texture.
Aromatic Ingredients:
  • Onions, Garlic: Classic flavor-building ingredients that provide depth and warmth to the soup.
Thickening and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Butter, Flour: Essential components for creating a smooth roux that thickens the soup.
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.
Garnish:
  • Green Onions: Fresh herb that adds a light, crisp finishing touch to the creamy potato soup.

How to Prepare Creamy Bacon Potato Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Bacon Brilliantly

Cook bacon in a large pot until it transforms into crispy, golden perfection. Transfer the bacon to a plate, keeping a delightful layer of bacon fat simmering in the pot for extra flavor magic.

Step 2: Savor Aromatic Onion Dance

Toss chopped onions and minced garlic into the bacon-infused pot. Sauté until the onions become translucent and release their irresistible fragrance, creating a mouthwatering base for the soup.

Step 3: Craft Magical Roux

Introduce butter and flour to the pot, whisking them together to create a smooth, silky roux. Gradually pour in chicken broth, stirring continuously to prevent any lumps from forming.

Step 4: Potato Transformation

Add diced potatoes to the pot. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer.

Cook until the potatoes become tender and start to break down slightly, creating a rich, hearty texture.

Step 5: Cream and Season

Pour in heavy cream, transforming the soup into a luxurious, velvety delight.

Sprinkle in salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting the seasoning to perfection. Let the soup simmer gently, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Blend for Creaminess

For an extra smooth texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. This creates a creamy consistency while maintaining some potato chunks for a rustic feel.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Crumble the reserved crispy bacon on top and sprinkle with freshly chopped green onions.

Serve immediately, letting the aroma and warmth invite everyone to enjoy this comforting meal.

Tips for Perfect Bacon Potato Soup

  • Crisp the bacon over medium heat to ensure maximum flavor without burning, creating a delicious base for the soup.
  • Reserve some bacon fat in the pot to enhance the depth of flavor when sautĂ©ing onions and garlic.
  • Whisk the roux slowly and steadily to prevent lumps, creating a smooth and silky soup base.
  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half instead of heavy cream and use turkey bacon to reduce calories.
  • Blend only a portion of the soup to maintain some potato texture, giving the soup a rustic and satisfying consistency.

Variations for Bacon Potato Soup

  • Vegetarian Potato Soup: Replace bacon with smoked paprika and use vegetable broth for a meat-free version that maintains a rich, smoky flavor.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk, and use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter, allergen-friendly soup.
  • Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and top with pepper jack cheese and cilantro for a zesty southwestern-inspired potato soup.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower and use Greek yogurt instead of cream to create a lower-carbohydrate soup that's still creamy and satisfying.

Serving Ideas for Potato Soup with Bacon

  • Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle the creamy potato soup into deep ceramic mugs, perfect for chilly evenings when you want something warm and comforting.
  • Rustic Bread Companion: Serve alongside thick slices of crusty sourdough or garlic bread, allowing guests to dip and soak up the rich, velvety soup.
  • Loaded Soup Style: Top each serving with extra crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, and fresh chopped green onions for a hearty, indulgent presentation that adds crunch and flavor complexity.
  • Winter Dinner Champion: Pair the soup with a simple mixed green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the richness and create a complete, satisfying meal.

Storing Potato Soup with Bacon

  • Refrigerate leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • Cool the soup completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Avoid freezing this soup as cream-based soups tend to separate and lose texture when thawed.
  • Reheat carefully on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching and maintain creamy consistency.
  • Add a splash of chicken broth or milk while reheating to restore original smoothness if the soup has thickened.
  • Discard any soup left at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety.
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Rich Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe

Rich Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe


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4.6 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comforting creamy potato soup with bacon delivers rich flavors from hearty ingredients. Crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and smooth cream blend perfectly for a satisfying meal you’ll savor until the last spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 large potatoes
  • 6 slices bacon
  • 1 large onion
  • 2 cloves garlic

Liquid Ingredients:

  • 4 cups (32 ounces/946 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream

Seasoning and Thickening Ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 green onions (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Render bacon in a spacious stockpot over medium heat until golden and crisp, approximately 6-8 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving rendered fat.
  2. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in remaining bacon drippings until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Incorporate butter and flour, stirring continuously to create a smooth roux that develops a light golden color and eliminates raw flour taste.
  4. Gradually stream chicken broth into the roux, whisking consistently to prevent lumps and achieve a silky consistency.
  5. Add cubed potatoes to the liquid mixture, raising heat to achieve a robust boil, then reduce to gentle simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes become tender when pierced with a fork.
  6. Pour heavy cream into the pot, introducing rich complexity and velvety texture. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance flavor profile.
  7. For enhanced creaminess, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, maintaining some potato chunks for textural interest.
  8. Ladle hot soup into serving bowls, garnishing with crumbled crisp bacon bits and thinly sliced green onions for a vibrant finish.

Notes

  • Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispy texture, which adds a rich smoky dimension to the soup.
  • Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best creamy consistency and smooth blending.
  • Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to create a lactose-free version without losing richness.
  • Partially blending the soup creates a perfect balance between chunky and smooth, allowing potato pieces to provide delightful texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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