Description
Classic Old-Fashioned Potato & Bacon Soup brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen. Hearty ingredients and simple techniques create a soul-warming meal you’ll savor with every delicious spoonful.
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 3 cups potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and diced
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- ½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bacon Rendering: Sizzle bacon in a large pot over medium heat until golden and crisp, then remove and reserve, leaving the flavorful drippings behind.
- Aromatic Base: Sauté onions in the bacon fat until translucent and fragrant, creating a foundational flavor for the soup.
- Potato Preparation: Add cubed potatoes to the pot, coating them in the bacon-infused base. Pour in broth, bringing to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer until potatoes become tender and begin to break down slightly.
- Texture Development: Partially mash the potatoes using a potato masher, creating a rustic, thick consistency while maintaining some potato chunks for textural interest.
- Creamy Enhancement: Stir in milk or cream and butter, blending thoroughly to create a velvety, rich soup base with a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Seasoning and Finishing: Incorporate garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Reintroduce crispy bacon pieces, allowing flavors to meld during a brief 5-minute simmer.
- Serving Presentation: Ladle the steaming soup into bowls, garnishing with additional crumbled bacon, optional shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream. Serve piping hot to maximize flavor and comfort.
Notes
Maximize Bacon Flavor: Render bacon slowly to extract maximum flavor and achieve perfect crispiness without burning. Low and steady heat ensures even cooking and rich taste.
Create Creamy Texture: Use a potato masher to partially crush potatoes, creating a rustic thickness. Avoid over-mashing to maintain chunky, hearty soup consistency.
Prevent Dairy Curdling: Add milk or cream at low temperature and stir gently to prevent separation. Remove from heat before adding dairy to maintain smooth, silky texture.
Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap bacon with turkey bacon or plant-based alternatives for lighter versions. Use vegetable broth and dairy-free milk for vegan adaptation, ensuring same rich flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg