How to make Old-Fashioned Potato & Bacon Soup Recipe 🥔🥓






Few dishes rival the comfort of a warm bowl of Old-Fashioned Potato & Bacon Soup. This hearty recipe is packed with creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, and a touch of nostalgia. Perfect for cold evenings or when you crave a bowl of comfort food, this soup is both satisfying and easy to prepare.


Ingredients

For the Soup Base:

  • 6 slices of bacon, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

For the Soup:

  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for extra creaminess)
  • 1/2 cup frozen corn or peas
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

For Garnish:

  • Extra crispy bacon pieces
  • Shredded cheese
  • Chopped chives or green onions

Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
  2. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

  1. Add the butter to the pot. Once melted, stir in the onion, celery, and garlic.
  2. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.

3. Add the Potatoes and Broth

  1. Stir in the cubed potatoes, ensuring they are coated with the buttery mixture.
  2. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
  3. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

4. Blend for Creaminess

  1. Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks for texture. If you prefer a fully creamy soup, blend until smooth.
  2. Alternatively, transfer half the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.

5. Add Milk, Cream, and Seasoning

  1. Stir in the milk, heavy cream, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Simmer gently for 5 more minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

6. Incorporate the Bacon

  1. Add most of the crispy bacon back into the soup, reserving some for garnish.

7. Serve and Garnish

  1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the reserved bacon, shredded cheese, and chives or green onions.
  2. Serve with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.

Tips for the Perfect Potato & Bacon Soup

  • Use Starchy Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for a creamy texture.
  • Crisp the Bacon Well: Cooking the bacon until it’s perfectly crispy enhances the flavor and adds a delightful crunch as a garnish.
  • Customize the Texture: Blend more or less soup to achieve your desired consistency.
  • Reheat Gently: Warm leftovers over low heat to prevent the milk and cream from curdling.

Why You’ll Love It

This Old-Fashioned Potato & Bacon Soup is:

  • Comforting: Perfectly creamy with rich, smoky bacon flavor.
  • Simple: Made with basic ingredients you likely already have on hand.
  • Versatile: Easily adaptable with your favorite veggies or cheese.
  • Hearty: A filling meal that’s perfect for any time of year.

Enjoy this timeless soup recipe that’s guaranteed to warm your heart and satisfy your appetite. It’s a classic for a reason! 🥣✨