Cozy Potato and Bacon Soup Recipe: Homemade Comfort in a Bowl

Hearty potato and bacon soup brings warmth to chilly evenings with its rich, comforting flavors.

Cold days demand something special that hugs your soul from the inside out.

Crispy bacon pieces dance through creamy potato landscapes, creating unexpected bursts of savory delight.

Each spoonful carries memories of cozy kitchen moments and grandmother’s traditional cooking techniques.

Smooth textures and deep, smoky undertones make this soup more than just a meal.

Simple ingredients combine to craft something magical that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

One taste, and you’ll understand why this classic recipe never goes out of style.

Get ready to experience comfort in a bowl that promises to satisfy every hunger and warm every heart.

Why Potato and Bacon Soup Hits the Spot Every Time

• This recipe requires basic cooking skills with simple steps anyone can master, making it perfect for beginners or busy home cooks wanting a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• From start to finish, you'll have a hearty soup ready in under 45 minutes, perfect for those nights when time is tight but hunger demands something satisfying and warm.
• Loaded with crispy bacon, creamy potatoes, and rich flavors, this soup appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal family dinner that brings everyone together around the table.
• Easy to customize with optional blending techniques, different cream alternatives, and flexible garnishing options, this soup adapts to personal preferences and pantry ingredients effortlessly.

All the Ingredients for Potato Bacon Soup

• Bacon: Rich flavor base and crispy topping, best with thick-cut smoky varieties.
• Chicken Broth: Creates savory liquid foundation, low-sodium preferred for better control.

• Onion: Provides sweet aromatic base, yellow or white onions work best.
• Garlic: Adds deep earthy undertones, fresh cloves recommended over pre-minced.
• Potatoes: Hearty main ingredient, starchy varieties like Russet excellent for thickening.

• Heavy Cream, Milk: Adds richness and smooth texture, whole milk works as lighter alternative.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning for balanced flavor profile, freshly ground pepper preferred.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish with clean herbal note, adds visual appeal.

How to Cook a Comforting Bowl of Potato Soup

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon

Heat a large soup pot over medium flame. Toss in chopped bacon and cook until golden and crunchy. Once perfectly crisp, transfer bacon to a separate plate, keeping the delicious rendered fat in the pot.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

In the same bacon-infused pot, introduce chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and stir quickly to prevent burning. The kitchen will start smelling incredible.

Step 3: Potatoes Take Center Stage

Tumble diced potatoes into the pot, mixing with onions and garlic. Pour chicken broth over the vegetables and bring to a rolling boil. Reduce heat and let simmer until potatoes become tender and soft.

Step 4: Create Creamy Texture

For a velvety consistency, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup. Alternatively, transfer portions to a blender and blend until smooth. Skip this step if you prefer a chunkier soup.

Step 5: Final Flavor Flourish

Stir in heavy cream and reserved crispy bacon. Season generously with salt and pepper. Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes to marry all the delicious flavors.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Garnish with extra crispy bacon bits and sprinkle fresh parsley. Serve alongside crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.

Tips for That, Savory Finish

• Maximize Bacon Crispiness: Cook bacon slowly over medium heat, ensuring each piece becomes golden brown and crunchy without burning. Break or chop the crispy bacon into smaller bits for better distribution throughout the soup.
• Prevent Potato Mushiness: Cut potatoes into uniform, medium-sized cubes to ensure even cooking and maintain their texture. Avoid overcooking by checking potato tenderness around 15 minutes to keep them firm yet soft.
• Boost Creamy Consistency: Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, creating a rich, velvety texture while maintaining some potato chunks. For extra creaminess, substitute part of the chicken broth with whole milk or half-and-half.
• Customize Flavor Variations: Experiment with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary for depth. Swap bacon for ham or pancetta, or add diced carrots and celery for more vegetable complexity. Vegetarian option: replace bacon with smoked paprika and use vegetable broth.
• Storage and Reheating Hack: Store soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or milk to restore the original creamy consistency and prevent soup from becoming too thick.

How to Store and Warm Up Potato and Bacon Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore original consistency if needed.
• Heat in microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check temperature to ensure even heating.

Bread and Salads That Go with Bacon Soup

• Grab a hearty sourdough or crusty baguette to soak up the creamy potato and bacon soup, enhancing the rich flavors and adding delightful texture to each bite.
• Select a light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the soup's richness, cutting through the creamy texture and providing a bright counterpoint.
• Create a simple green salad with mixed lettuce, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette to offer a crisp, fresh contrast to the warm, hearty soup, bringing balance to the meal.
• Choose a lighter beer like a pilsner or wheat beer to cleanse the palate and complement the smoky bacon and creamy potato flavors, creating a satisfying dining experience.

Add-Ins to Change Up Your Soup Game

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace bacon with smoked tofu or tempeh, sautéed until crispy. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a completely plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content. The cauliflower provides a similar creamy texture while keeping the soup lighter.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and omit bacon. Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor and use plant-based bacon bits for crunch.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Serve with gluten-free crackers or bread to make the soup safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Potato And Bacon Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy potato and bacon soup emerges as a comforting classic from European kitchens. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising warmth and satisfaction for those seeking rich, soul-soothing flavors you’ll crave on chilly days.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 6 strips thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced

Liquid and Cream Ingredients:

• 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 cup (237 milliliters) heavy cream

Seasoning and Thickening Ingredients:

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped green onions
• Shredded cheese
• Extra bacon bits

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Instructions

1. Render bacon in a spacious cookware over medium heat until achieving a golden, crisp texture. Extract the bacon pieces, preserving the flavorful rendered fat within the vessel.
2. Utilize the existing bacon fat to caramelize onions until translucent, then incorporate garlic, stirring vigorously to prevent scorching.
3. Introduce diced potatoes into the aromatic mixture, coating them thoroughly with the sautéed vegetables. Cascade chicken broth over the ingredients, elevating the temperature to a vigorous boil before reducing to a gentle simmer.
4. Allow potatoes to tenderize, approximately 15-20 minutes, monitoring their softness through occasional piercing with a fork.
5. For enhanced creaminess, selectively puree a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or transferring sections to a standard blender. This technique creates a luxurious, velvety consistency while maintaining some textural integrity.
6. Integrate heavy cream and reserved crispy bacon fragments, seasoning comprehensively with salt and pepper. Permit the soup to meld flavors during a brief additional simmering phase.
7. Present the soup in warmed bowls, embellishing with extra bacon crumbles and freshly chopped parsley. Accompany with rustic bread or crackers for a satisfying culinary experience.

Notes

• Bacon Selection: Choose thick-cut bacon for more robust flavor and crispier texture that holds up well in the soup.
• Potato Variety: Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the best creamy consistency and smooth blending.
• Dietary Modifications: For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and use turkey bacon for reduced fat content.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Replace bacon with smoked paprika and liquid smoke to maintain a deep, smoky flavor profile without meat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg