Potato Bacon Soup: A Creamy Comfort in a Bowl
Potato Bacon Soup is the perfect comfort food for cold days, bringing together hearty potatoes and crispy bacon in a rich, creamy broth. This dish is easy to make and satisfies both hunger and the craving for warmth. In this recipe, we’ll walk through the steps to create a delicious, satisfying soup that will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Russet Potatoes: These starchy potatoes are perfect for soups as they break down and add creaminess.
- Bacon: Thick-cut bacon adds a smoky flavor and crispy texture.
- Onions and Garlic: These add a depth of flavor to the soup.
- Chicken Broth: The base for your soup, providing a flavorful liquid.
- Heavy Cream: For a rich and creamy finish.
- Cheese: Cheddar is ideal for a touch of sharpness.
- Green Onions: For garnish, adding freshness to the dish.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Cook the Bacon
Fry the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside on a paper towel. Save a few tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat. - Sauté Onions and Garlic
In the same pot with the bacon fat, sauté onions and garlic until softened. This process will help infuse the soup with savory aromas. - Add Potatoes and Broth
Add diced potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes. - Blend the Soup
Use an immersion blender to blend half of the soup, leaving some chunks for texture. If you prefer a smoother soup, you can blend it entirely. - Stir in Cream and Cheese
Add the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and fully incorporated. - Top with Bacon and Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls, top with crispy bacon, green onions, and more shredded cheese if desired.
For similar hearty soups, you can explore The Ultimate Comfort Food: Crockpot Potato Soup with Hashbrowns and enjoy another variation of a creamy potato-based soup.
Tips for the Best Potato Bacon Soup
- Choose starchy potatoes like russet for a creamy consistency.
- Don’t skip the bacon fat: It adds extra flavor to the onions and garlic.
- Garnish generously with extra bacon bits, cheese, and green onions for added flavor and texture.
For an easy comfort meal, check out Slow Cooker Magic: Unveiling the Ease of Crock Pot Baked Ziti—another great dish to pair with your potato bacon soup.
Variations of Potato Bacon Soup
- Cheesy Potato Bacon Soup
Add extra shredded cheddar or a blend of cheeses for a thicker, richer soup. - Loaded Baked Potato Soup
Top your soup with all the fixings of a loaded baked potato—extra bacon, sour cream, and chives. - Spicy Potato Soup
For a kick, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to your soup. - Gluten-Free Potato Soup
Use gluten-free broth and avoid flour-based thickeners to make this dish gluten-friendly. - Vegan Potato Soup
Replace the bacon with plant-based alternatives, and use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute for a vegan option.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 350 per serving
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 10g
- Fiber: 5g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make potato bacon soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Combine all ingredients except the cream and cheese, and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the cream and cheese in the last 30 minutes before serving.
How do I thicken potato bacon soup?
Blend more of the potatoes for a thicker texture, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) and stir it into the soup.
Can I freeze potato bacon soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before storing in airtight containers. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a bit of broth or cream if needed.
Can I make this soup without cream?
You can substitute the cream with milk, almond milk, or coconut milk for a lighter version. It will still be creamy, but less rich.
Serving Suggestions
- Crusty Bread: Serve alongside crusty bread for dipping.
- Grilled Cheese: Pair with a classic grilled cheese for a satisfying meal.
- Fresh Salad: A light green salad complements the richness of the soup.
- Top with Garnishes: Add more bacon, cheese, and chives on top for extra flavor.
For a more indulgent dish, explore Ultimate Bacon Potato Casserole for another potato and bacon combo that’s perfect for dinner.
Storing and Reheating
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the potatoes: Overcooked potatoes can become mushy and grainy. Simmer just until tender.
- Not blending enough: If you want a creamy texture, make sure to blend the soup thoroughly.
- Under-seasoning: Potatoes require a good amount of salt to bring out their flavor, so be generous with the seasoning.
Conclusion
Potato Bacon Soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor, making it perfect for any meal, from casual weeknight dinners to cozy gatherings. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or try one of the delicious variations, this soup is sure to satisfy your cravings.
For more potato-based comfort foods, check out Creamy Potato Soup for another heartwarming dish.
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