Potato and Bacon Soup Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort in a Bowl
Embrace the comfort of a warm bowl of creamy potato and bacon soup—a classic, flavorful dish perfect for chilly weather. Its rich, hearty consistency makes it ideal for family dinners or solo meals when you need something warm and satisfying. With its blend of tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a touch of creaminess, this soup is sure to become a favorite.
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Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or substitute milk for a lighter version)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped green onions or chives, for garnish
- Shredded cheddar cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon
Start by warming a huge pot or Dutch broiler over medium intensity. Add the chopped bacon and cook it until crispy, stirring occasionally for even browning. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with a paper towel to drain any excess grease. Tip: Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the pot for added flavor, discarding the rest if there’s more.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same pot with the reserved bacon drippings, add the diced onion and cook over medium heat until softened, which should take around 5 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid browning. Add the minced garlic, cooking for about one additional minute until it becomes fragrant. Tip: Keep a close watch on the garlic, as it can burn quickly.
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3. Add Potatoes and Broth
Once the onions and garlic are softened and aromatic, add the diced potatoes to the pot, followed by the chicken or vegetable broth. For those seeking extra herbal notes, include the dried thyme. Increment the intensity and carry the blend to a delicate bubble. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and allow it to cook for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Blend the Soup
Now, it’s time to achieve that smooth, creamy texture. Utilizing a submersion blender, mix the soup straightforwardly in the pot until it arrives at your ideal consistency. For a chunkier texture, blend only a portion of the soup, leaving some potato chunks intact. Alternative: If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer half of the soup to a countertop blender, process until smooth, then return it to the pot.
5. Stir in the Cream
Reduce the heat to low, and pour in the heavy cream (or milk if you prefer a lighter consistency). Stir gently until well incorporated. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed, adding small amounts until the flavor is balanced. Permit the soup to warm through on low for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to merge.
6. Serve and Garnish
Ladle the warm, creamy soup into bowls. Top each serving with crispy bacon, a sprinkle of chopped green onions or chives, and a handful of shredded cheddar cheese, if desired. Optional: For a little extra kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper.
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Serving Suggestions
This potato and bacon soup pairs excellently with a slice of crusty bread or a simple green salad. It’s also a great option for meal prep, as it holds up well in the fridge for several days. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain its creamy texture.
Additional Tips:
Extra Texture: For those who enjoy a bit of bite in their soup, reserve some cooked potato chunks before blending and add them back after blending.
For Added Heat: Try sprinkling in a pinch of red pepper flakes, or add a swirl of sriracha or hot sauce when serving.
Dairy-Free Options: Use a dairy-free milk alternative, such as coconut milk, for a creamy yet lighter version of this soup.
Enjoying Your Soup
This creamy potato and bacon soup is an absolute comfort meal, especially during colder months. Not only is it versatile and easy to make, but it’s also packed with flavor and has just the right blend of creaminess and savory richness.
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