🥔🥓 Potato and Bacon Soup 🥔🥓




This Potato and Bacon Soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and loaded with hearty potatoes and crispy bacon. It’s the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly day or to satisfy your craving for a savory, indulgent meal. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this soup will quickly become a family favorite.


Ingredients

For the Soup:

  • 6 slices of bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or whole milk for a lighter version)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions or chives
  • 1/2 cup sour cream for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

  1. Heat a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5–7 minutes.
  3. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

  1. In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté in the bacon fat until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Base

  1. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
  2. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

Step 4: Cook the Potatoes

  1. Add the diced potatoes, dried thyme, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper to the pot.
  2. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Step 5: Blend for Creaminess

  1. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup partially, leaving some potato chunks for texture.
    • Alternatively, transfer half of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.

Step 6: Add Cream and Bacon

  1. Stir in the heavy cream and most of the cooked bacon, reserving some for garnish.
  2. Simmer for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

  1. Ladle the soup into bowls.
  2. Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, green onions or chives, sour cream, and the reserved crispy bacon.

Tips for Perfect Potato and Bacon Soup

  1. Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for their creamy texture.
  2. Control the Thickness: Adjust the consistency by adding more chicken broth for a thinner soup or blending more for a thicker soup.
  3. Make It Smokier: Add a touch of smoked paprika or diced ham for a smoky flavor boost.
  4. Store and Reheat: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Why You’ll Love It

This Potato and Bacon Soup is:

  • Rich and Creamy: Comfort in every spoonful.
  • Savory and Flavorful: Bacon and potatoes are a match made in heaven.
  • Simple to Make: Ready in under an hour with easy-to-find ingredients.
  • Customizable: Add your favorite toppings for a personalized touch.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair the soup with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
  • Serve with a fresh green salad for a lighter side.
  • Enjoy as a standalone meal or as part of a cozy dinner spread.