Comforting Hearty Potato and Bacon Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of potato and bacon soup that warms every corner of your soul.

Cold evenings call for this rich, creamy blend of hearty ingredients.

Crispy bacon pieces dance alongside tender potato chunks, creating a symphony of flavors.

Russet potatoes simmered in a velvety broth become the perfect canvas for smoky bacon bits.

Each spoonful promises a delightful mixture of textures and robust tastes.

Home cooks adore this simple yet satisfying recipe that transforms everyday ingredients into something extraordinary.

Grab a ladle and prepare to savor a classic soup that feels like a warm embrace.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients That Make Potato and Bacon Soup Comforting

• Bacon: Brings a smoky depth and rich flavor foundation to the soup, choose thick-cut for maximum crispiness.
• Onion: Provides sweet undertones and aromatic base, select firm bulbs without soft spots.
• Garlic: Adds robust, pungent flavor complexity, look for plump cloves with tight, unbroken skin.
• Potatoes: Creates hearty texture and thickness, pick starchy varieties like Russet for best results.
• Chicken Broth: Delivers essential liquid and savory background, opt for low-sodium versions for better control.

• Heavy Cream: Generates luxurious silky consistency, ensure freshness by checking expiration date.
• Milk: Alternative for lighter texture, whole milk provides richer taste compared to skim.

• Fresh Parsley: Introduces bright color and fresh herbal note, choose vibrant green leaves.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhances overall seasoning, use freshly ground black pepper for intense aroma.

Kitchen Tools for Crafting Potato and Bacon Soup

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking bacon and preparing the entire soup.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping bacon, onions, and potatoes.
• Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise ingredient preparation.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring cups: Help accurately measure chicken broth and cream.
• Immersion blender or regular blender: Optional tool for creating creamy texture.
• Ladle: Helps serve soup smoothly into bowls.

How to Cook and Potato and Bacon Soup

• Create Crispy Bacon Pieces

Cook bacon in a large pot over medium heat until perfectly crisp. Remove and set aside, leaving delicious fat in the pot.

• Build Flavor Foundation

Sauté onions until soft and translucent, then quickly add garlic and stir quickly to prevent burning.

• Cook Potato Base

Drop diced potatoes into the pot and mix with onions. Pour chicken broth, bring to boil, then lower heat and simmer until potatoes become tender and soft.

• Customize Soup Texture

Decide on soup consistency. For creamy version, use immersion blender to partially puree soup. For chunky style, leave as is.

• Finish and Enhance

Swirl in cream and fold in reserved bacon pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Let soup gently simmer for few more minutes to marry flavors.

• Serve and Enjoy

Ladle soup into warm bowls. Sprinkle extra bacon bits and fresh parsley on top. Pair with crusty bread for ultimate comfort meal.

Toppings and Twists for Bacon-Packed Potato Soup

• Freeze bacon before chopping for cleaner, easier cutting without crumbling or sticking to the knife.
• Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for the creamiest, most velvety soup texture.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a lighter, lactose-free version that still delivers rich flavor.
• Replace potatoes with cauliflower or turnips to create a keto-friendly soup that maintains the creamy, comforting essence of the original recipe.
• Swap bacon with smoked paprika and use vegetable broth to create a smoky, satisfying meat-free soup that doesn't compromise on taste.

Serve Potato and Bacon Soup as a Full Meal or Starter

• Cozy Bread Companions: Serve with warm, crusty sourdough or rustic French bread to soak up every delicious spoonful of this hearty soup.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle sharp cheddar, crumbled blue cheese, or grated parmesan on top for an extra layer of rich, tangy flavor that complements the bacon and potatoes.
• Fresh Green Garnish: Add chopped chives, sliced green onions, or finely diced fresh parsley to brighten the soup's creamy texture and provide a crisp, fresh contrast to the rich base.
• Comfort Side Kick: Pair with a simple mixed green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the soup's creamy and savory profile, creating a complete and satisfying meal.

Store and Reheat Without Losing Flavor or Texture

• Keep your potato and bacon soup fresh and delicious with these easy tips.
• Transfer cooled soup to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to lock in flavor and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Portion soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Pro tip: Avoid adding cream before freezing to maintain best texture.
• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to restore creamy consistency. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick after refrigeration.
• Double the recipe and save extra portions for quick meals during busy weeks. Separate into individual servings for convenient grab-and-go lunches or comforting dinners.

FAQs

• What kind of bacon works best for this soup?

Thick-cut bacon provides more flavor and crispiness. Regular sliced bacon also works well, just ensure it’s cooked until crispy for the best texture and taste.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace bacon with smoked paprika or vegetarian bacon bits. Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to maintain a rich flavor profile and keep the soup vegetarian-friendly.

• How do I prevent my potatoes from getting mushy?

Cut potatoes into uniform, medium-sized cubes to ensure even cooking. Avoid overcooking by checking potato tenderness around 15 minutes and removing from heat immediately once they’re soft.

• Is it necessary to use heavy cream?

No, you can substitute heavy cream with whole milk, half-and-half, or even non-dairy alternatives like coconut milk. Each option will slightly alter the soup’s richness and flavor.

Hearty Potato And Bacon Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty potato and bacon soup combines creamy potatoes with crispy bacon in a comforting blend. Rich flavors and simple ingredients make this classic soup a satisfying meal for cold days you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 2 lbs (907 g) 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
• 4 cups (946 ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (237 ml) heavy cream
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped green onions
• Shredded cheese
• Extra bacon bits

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Instructions

1. Bacon Preparation: Crisp bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until golden brown. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the rendered fat in the pan.
2. Aromatic Base: Sauté onions in the bacon fat until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook briefly to release their fragrant essence. Ensure garlic doesn’t brown to prevent bitterness.
3. Potato and Liquid Infusion: Add diced potatoes to the vegetable mixture, stirring to coat with the aromatic base. Pour in chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil before reducing to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook until potatoes become tender and easily pierced with a fork, approximately 15-20 minutes.
4. Texture Development: Create a luxurious consistency by partially pureeing the soup. Use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup directly in the pot, or carefully transfer some contents to a standard blender. The goal is a creamy base with some potato chunks remaining for textural contrast.
5. Final Enhancement: Stir in heavy cream and most of the reserved bacon pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper, allowing the flavors to meld during a final 2-3 minute simmer. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serving Presentation: Ladle the soup into warm bowls. Garnish with remaining crispy bacon crumbles and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve alongside crusty bread or crisp crackers for a complete, comforting meal.

Notes

• Maximize Bacon Flavor: Slowly render bacon to extract maximum fat and achieve optimal crispiness, which becomes the foundational flavor for the entire soup.
• Prevent Potato Mushiness: Cut potatoes into uniform, medium-sized cubes to ensure even cooking and prevent overcooking or uneven texture.
• Blending Technique: When partially pureeing, reserve some potato chunks for a rustic, textured soup that maintains a hearty mouthfeel and visual appeal.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace potatoes with cauliflower for a keto-friendly version, maintaining the soup’s creamy consistency and rich bacon essence.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg