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
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
- Add the butter to the pot. Once melted, stir in the onion, celery, and garlic.
- Sauté for 5–7 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
3. Add the Potatoes and Broth
- Stir in the cubed potatoes, ensuring they are coated with the buttery mixture.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- 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
- Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some chunks for texture. If you prefer a fully creamy soup, blend until smooth.
- Alternatively, transfer half the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.
5. Add Milk, Cream, and Seasoning
- Stir in the milk, heavy cream, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer gently for 5 more minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Incorporate the Bacon
- Add most of the crispy bacon back into the soup, reserving some for garnish.
7. Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the reserved bacon, shredded cheese, and chives or green onions.
- 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! 🥣✨