Creamy Potato Soup With Bacon Recipe

If you're looking for the ultimate comfort food, Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon is exactly what you need. This rich, velvety soup combines tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a luscious creamy broth into one satisfying dish. It's perfect for chilly days, family dinners, or even meal prepping for the week. The crispy bacon adds a savory, smoky flavor that complements the smooth, creamy potatoes, making this soup an irresistible favorite. Whether you're serving it as a main course or a side, this potato and bacon soup is guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Read on for the full recipe, tips, and variations!

What is Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon?

Creamy potato soup with bacon is a rich and hearty soup made from tender potatoes, onions, garlic, and crispy bacon, all combined in a creamy broth. The soup is thickened with either a roux or by blending part of the potatoes, giving it a smooth, velvety texture. The crispy bacon adds a savory, smoky crunch, while optional toppings like shredded cheese, green onions, and sour cream elevate the flavor even more. This soup is comforting, filling, and simple to prepare, making it a perfect go-to recipe for busy weeknights or when you need a warm, satisfying meal.

Ingredients List for Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this comforting and indulgent potato soup with bacon:

• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled (plus more for garnish)
• 5 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 4-5 cups)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version without bacon)
• 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a subtle smoky flavor)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ½ cup sour cream (optional, for a tangy finish)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
• 2 green onions or chives, chopped (for garnish)

Additional Ingredients for Flavor

To take your creamy potato soup with bacon to the next level, consider adding some of these optional ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon onion powder or garlic powder (for extra seasoning)
• ¼ cup cream cheese (for extra creaminess)
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (for a bit of heat)
• 1 cup diced carrots and celery (for added texture and flavor)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or parsley (for a fresh, herbaceous note)

Substitutions and Variations

This creamy potato soup with bacon recipe is versatile and adaptable. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a smoky flavor without bacon, add a dash of smoked paprika or liquid smoke.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace the cream with full-fat coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk. Use a dairy-free butter or olive oil and leave out the cheese or use a vegan alternative.
• Gluten-Free: Swap the flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the soup.
• Loaded Potato Soup: For a more indulgent twist, load your soup with sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and extra bacon on top.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make this delicious creamy potato soup with bacon:

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Set aside for later. Leave about 1-2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the pot for added flavor.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the pot with the bacon grease and sauté over medium heat until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the pot, stirring to coat them in the onion-garlic mixture. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Let the potatoes cook for 1-2 minutes to absorb some of the flavor.
4. Add the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the potatoes are fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the soup cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
5. Mash or Blend: Once the potatoes are tender, use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes in the pot. For a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup. If you prefer a chunkier texture, leave more potato pieces intact.
6. Make the Roux (Optional): For a thicker soup, melt the butter in a separate small pan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Stir the roux into the soup and let it simmer for another 5 minutes to thicken.
7. Add the Cream: Stir in the heavy cream or milk and bring the soup back to a simmer. Be sure to keep the heat low to avoid curdling the cream.
8. Stir in the Bacon: Add most of the crumbled bacon back into the soup, saving some for garnish. Stir well to combine and heat everything through.
9. Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. You can also stir in the sour cream for added tanginess at this point.
10. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the reserved crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions or chives. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers on the side.

How to Cook Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Cook Bacon First: Start by cooking the bacon in the pot so you can use the rendered bacon grease to flavor the soup.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Cook the onion and garlic in the bacon grease to build a flavorful base for the soup.
3. Simmer the Potatoes: The potatoes should be simmered until tender but not mushy. This step ensures that they blend or mash well into the soup.
4. Roux for Thickness: For a thicker soup, make a simple roux by combining flour and butter, then stir it into the soup.
5. Add Dairy at the End: Always add the cream or milk toward the end of cooking to avoid curdling. Keep the heat low once the dairy is added.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Curdling the Cream: Make sure to lower the heat before adding the cream or milk to prevent it from curdling.
• Overcooking the Potatoes: Be sure to check the potatoes after about 15 minutes to avoid overcooking, which can result in mushy potatoes and an overly thick soup.
• Skipping the Bacon Grease: Don’t skip cooking the onions in the bacon grease—this adds a lot of flavor to the base of the soup!

Serving and Presentation Tips

This creamy potato soup with bacon is easy to dress up for a comforting yet visually appealing meal:

• Garnish with Bacon and Cheese: Top each bowl with extra crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and green onions for added color and flavor.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: A side of warm, crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy broth.
• Top with Sour Cream: For a loaded baked potato effect, add a dollop of sour cream and extra chives or green onions on top.

How to Serve Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon

This soup is rich and hearty enough to serve as a main course, but it can also be served as a side or starter. Pair it with:

• Crusty Bread or Rolls: Serve with a warm loaf of bread, garlic bread, or buttery dinner rolls.
• Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the soup.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Double up on the comfort food by pairing this creamy soup with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich.

Presentation Ideas for Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon

1. Rustic Bowls: Serve the soup in deep, rustic ceramic bowls for a cozy presentation.
2. Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle extra cheese and bacon on top and broil briefly for a golden, melted finish.
3. Family-Style Pot: Present the soup in a large pot or Dutch oven on the table, with bowls of toppings like cheese, bacon, and green onions on the side for everyone to customize their bowl.

Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe Tips

• Use Starchy Potatoes: Russet potatoes work best for this recipe because they break down well and help thicken the soup. Yukon Golds can also be used for a creamier texture.
• Make It Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove, adding a little extra broth if needed to refresh the consistency.
• Freezing: You can freeze this soup, but do so before adding the cream for the best texture. When ready to serve, thaw and reheat, then stir in the cream.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Add the potatoes, onion, garlic, broth, and bacon to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cream and cooked bacon at the end, and cook for an additional 30 minutes to warm through.

Q: Can I freeze creamy potato soup?
A: Yes, but it's best to freeze the soup before adding the cream. When reheating, add the cream or milk after thawing to maintain a smooth, creamy texture.

Q: Can I use red or Yukon Gold potatoes instead of russet?
A: Yes! Yukon Gold potatoes will create a creamier texture, while red potatoes will hold their shape better for a chunkier soup.

Q: How can I make the soup thicker?
A: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash more of the potatoes, blend part of the soup, or add a roux made with butter and flour.

Conclusion

This Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy potatoes, smoky bacon, and a rich, flavorful broth into one irresistible dish. It's easy to make, highly customizable, and perfect for cozy nights in or serving guests. Whether you enjoy it as a main course or a side dish, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Try this recipe today and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of homemade potato soup!

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