Description
Comfort meets classic charm in this hearty old-fashioned potato & bacon soup, showcasing rustic flavors that warm the soul. Creamy potatoes and crispy bacon create a delicious symphony, inviting you to savor each comforting spoonful of pure culinary bliss.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
Vegetables:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced (Russet or Yukon Gold work best)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid and Dairy:
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for serving)
Other Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Render the bacon in a spacious cooking vessel over moderate heat, stirring periodically until achieving a crisp golden texture. Extract the bacon, preserving the rich rendered fat within the pot.
- Gently sauté the diced onions in the residual bacon drippings until they become translucent and release their aromatic essence, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Introduce the cubed potatoes into the pot, thoroughly coating them with the fragrant bacon fat and softened onions. Pour in the broth, ensuring complete liquid coverage, then elevate to a boiling point before reducing to a gentle simmer.
- Allow the potatoes to tenderize for 15-20 minutes, testing their doneness with a fork. Partially mash the potatoes using a potato masher, maintaining a rustic, chunky texture while creating a slightly thickened base.
- Incorporate milk or cream along with butter to enhance the soup’s luxurious consistency. Blend gently to distribute the dairy components evenly throughout the mixture.
- Season the soup with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences. Permit the flavors to harmonize during a brief 5-minute simmering period.
- Reintroduce the crispy bacon pieces into the soup, stirring to distribute. Crumble additional bacon for a garnish if desired.
- Transfer the steaming soup into serving bowls, embellishing with optional toppings like shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately to capture the soup’s optimal warmth and flavor profile.
Notes
- Customize the bacon’s crispiness by controlling cooking time, ensuring perfectly textured soup base with rich, smoky undertones.
- Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for optimal creaminess and ideal soup consistency.
- Experiment with dairy alternatives like plant-based milk or coconut cream for lactose-free or vegan adaptations without compromising flavor depth.
- Elevate the soup’s nutritional profile by adding chopped kale, spinach, or carrots during potato simmering stage for extra vitamins and color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg