Potato Bacon Soup is a rich, comforting dish made from tender potatoes, savory bacon, and a creamy broth. This classic soup is a perfect blend of flavors, offering a satisfying and hearty meal. It’s simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Whether served as a main course or paired with bread, Potato Bacon Soup is sure to please everyone at the table.
Making Potato Bacon Soup takes about 45 minutes, from prep to serving. The key is allowing enough time for the potatoes to soften and for the flavors to meld together. This quick yet hearty dish can easily be prepared in one pot, saving both time and cleanup. It’s a great option for a flavorful meal in less than an hour.
Creating Potato Bacon Soup brings a sense of warmth to the kitchen. The crispy bacon combined with the creamy potatoes creates a comforting dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. The ease of preparation makes it a go-to option for busy evenings, and the leftovers often taste even better the next day!
Why You’ll Love Potato Bacon Soup
- Deliciously Creamy Texture: Potato bacon soup has a smooth, velvety texture that’s perfect for a cozy meal. The creaminess, paired with crispy bacon bits, makes every spoonful a treat.
- Hearty and Filling: This soup is hearty, making it a great option for a satisfying lunch or dinner. It’s packed with potatoes, bacon, and cheese, ensuring you feel full and content.
- Easy to Make: The recipe is simple and quick, so you can enjoy this comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s the perfect go-to meal for busy days.
Ingredient Notes for Potato Bacon Soup
Here’s a breakdown of the main ingredients for a creamy, hearty potato bacon soup:
- Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russets for a creamy texture. They break down well and thicken the soup as it cooks.
- Bacon: Adds a crispy, smoky flavor. Make sure to cook it until crispy for the best texture and taste in your soup.
- Onion: Yellow onions work well. They bring a sweet, savory flavor to balance the richness of the soup.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a mild, aromatic base. It enhances the flavor of the soup without overpowering it.
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness. It provides a savory foundation for the soup’s liquid.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and a velvety texture. Use it to make the soup extra creamy and indulgent.
- Milk: A combination of milk and heavy cream helps balance the soup’s richness. Whole milk works best for creaminess.
- Butter: Adds flavor and helps sauté the onions and garlic. It makes the base of the soup rich and smooth.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Season to taste. Salt enhances the flavors, while black pepper adds a subtle kick.
Helpful Tips and Add Your Touch to Potato Bacon Soup
Making a delicious potato bacon soup is easy with a few helpful tips. Start by using Yukon Gold potatoes. These potatoes are creamy and cook well in soups. For the best flavor, choose high-quality bacon, which adds a rich, smoky taste to your soup.
When preparing the soup, chop the potatoes into uniform pieces. This ensures they cook evenly. Don’t rush the cooking process. Allow the ingredients to simmer slowly to develop the deep flavors that make potato bacon soup so comforting and savory.
Add your own twist by incorporating extra ingredients like garlic, onions, or fresh herbs. A touch of cream or cheese can make your soup even more indulgent. Customize it to suit your taste while keeping the classic potato bacon soup flavor.
For a thicker consistency, mash some of the potatoes directly in the soup. This adds creaminess without the need for heavy cream. If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup until smooth.
Potato Bacon Soup Variation
For a variation of Potato Bacon Soup, consider adding cheese. Shredded cheddar cheese blends well into the creamy base, giving it a rich and savory flavor. You can also swap the bacon for sausage or add leeks instead of onions for a subtle difference in taste. Adding kale or spinach is another great way to boost nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
How to Serve Potato Bacon Soup
To serve Potato Bacon Soup, ladle it into bowls and top with extra crumbled bacon and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives. A slice of crusty bread or a side salad complements this dish perfectly, making it a filling meal.
Pairing Potato Bacon Soup with a light drink, such as sparkling water or a crisp white wine, balances the richness of the soup. The soup itself, however, is a satisfying dish on its own and doesn’t need any heavy sides to enjoy.
Storage Options
Leftover Potato Bacon Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot over medium heat, adding a little broth or milk if needed to restore the creaminess.
For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Be sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When reheating, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.
FAQs About Potato Bacon Soup
Can I make potato bacon soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make potato bacon soup ahead of time. It stores well in the fridge for a few days or can be frozen for longer storage.
How do I make potato bacon soup thicker?
To thicken potato bacon soup, you can mash some of the potatoes in the soup or add a cornstarch or flour slurry. A little extra cream or cheese can also help make it thicker.
Can I substitute the bacon in potato bacon soup?
Yes, you can substitute the bacon with turkey bacon, sausage, or even a vegetarian alternative like smoked paprika for flavor. The taste will be slightly different, but still delicious.
Is potato bacon soup healthy?
Potato bacon soup can be high in calories and fat due to ingredients like bacon and cream. However, you can make it healthier by using less cream or opting for a lower-fat version of the ingredients.
Simple Potato Bacon Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside on a plate. Leave the bacon grease in the pot for flavor.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: In the same pot with the bacon grease, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and soft.
- Cook the potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir to coat them with the onion and garlic mixture. Cook for about 5 minutes.
- Add the liquids: Pour in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer the soup: Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Mash the potatoes (optional): Use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes for a creamier texture. You can leave some pieces intact for texture if you prefer a chunkier soup.
- Season the soup: Add salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir to combine.
- Add the bacon: Stir in the cooked bacon and let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
