Potato and Bacon Soup Recipe

Best Homemade Potato and Bacon Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Hearty potato and bacon soup whispers comfort on chilly evenings, promising warmth with every spoonful.

Crispy bacon bits dance through creamy potatoes, creating a symphony of flavors.

Rustic ingredients blend seamlessly in this simple yet remarkable dish.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen flood back as aromas fill the room.

Chunky potatoes absorb smoky bacon essence, promising pure deliciousness.

Minimal effort leads to maximum satisfaction in this soul-satisfying meal.

Dive in and savor each incredible bite.

Million Dollar Roast Beef Tenderloin Ingredients

Protein Base:
  • Bacon: Provides crispy, smoky flavor and textural contrast.
  • Chicken Stock: Builds rich, savory foundation for the soup.
Main Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: Hearty and creamy base vegetable for the soup.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps develop deep flavors.
  • Onion, Garlic: Provide aromatic depth and savory undertones.
Creamy and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Heavy Cream, Cheddar Cheese: Create smooth, luxurious texture.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning for balanced taste.
Garnish:
  • Parsley: Fresh herb that adds bright color and light flavor.

Cooking Directions for Potato and Bacon Soup

Step 1: Sizzle and Crisp the Bacon

Cook bacon in a large pot over medium heat until it becomes wonderfully crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the delicious drippings in the pot.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Melt butter into the bacon drippings. Add diced onions and minced garlic, stirring until they release their aromatic magic and turn translucent.

Step 3: Introduce the Potatoes

Ingredients:
  • Diced potatoes
  • Chicken stock

Add potatoes to the pot and stir to coat with the flavorful base. Pour in chicken stock, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil. Reduce heat and let simmer gently until potatoes become tender and soft, approximately 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Create Creamy Texture

Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, creating a luxurious, creamy consistency. Alternatively, use a potato masher to crush some potatoes for a rustic feel.

Step 5: Enrich and Season

Ingredients:
  • Heavy cream
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until they melt into a smooth, silky mixture. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Crumble the reserved crispy bacon on top. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve piping hot alongside crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal that warms the soul.

Soup Tips That Max Out Potato Bacon Creaminess

  • Bacon Drippings Boost: Use the rendered bacon fat to infuse extra flavor into the soup base, creating a rich, smoky undertone that elevates the entire dish.
  • Texture Trick: Partially blend the soup for a creamy consistency while keeping some potato chunks for a satisfying, rustic feel that adds interesting mouthfeel.
  • Cheese Selection Hack: Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or smoked gouda to customize the soup's flavor profile and depth.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap potatoes with cauliflower for a keto-friendly version that maintains the creamy texture and hearty character of the original recipe.
  • Garnish Game: Top with green onions, extra crispy bacon bits, or a dollop of sour cream to add layers of flavor and visual appeal to the finished soup.

Keeping Potato And Bacon Soup Fresh And Warm

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing if soup contains cream, as it may separate.
  • Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Stop when soup reaches desired temperature.
  • Pour soup into a pot, add a splash of chicken stock to restore consistency. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add additional cream if needed to restore creamy texture.

Maple Nut Fudge Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with Bold Red Wine: Robust Cabernet Sauvignon cuts through the creamy soup's richness, complementing its hearty bacon and potato flavors with its full-bodied character.
  • Enhance with Tangy Side Salad: Create a bright arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the soup's heavy texture, adding fresh, zesty notes that cleanse the palate.
  • Match with Crisp Beer Companion: Select a malty amber ale or wheat beer that echoes the soup's warm, comforting profile while providing a refreshing counterpoint to its creamy consistency.
  • Serve with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Rustic, tangy sourdough slices offer the perfect vehicle for soaking up the soup, adding textural contrast and extending the meal's satisfying experience.

Roast Beef Tenderloin Celebration Cuts

  • Vegetarian Potato Soup: Replace bacon with smoked paprika and use vegetable stock for a rich, smoky flavor. Swap bacon drippings with olive oil and add sautéed mushrooms for depth.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of cheddar cheese. Garnish with dairy-free bacon bits or roasted nuts for crunch.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower or turnips, keeping the creamy texture while reducing carbohydrates. Use Greek yogurt or sour cream as a lighter cream replacement.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance flavor and use cornstarch to thicken if needed.

FAQs

  • Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?

No, this soup contains bacon and chicken stock, making it not vegetarian-friendly. Vegetarians would need to substitute these ingredients with plant-based alternatives.

  • Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this soup in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of extra stock if needed to maintain the creamy consistency.

  • What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold are ideal. They break down easily and help create a thick, creamy texture for the soup.

  • Is this soup gluten-free?

The basic recipe is naturally gluten-free. However, always check your chicken stock and bacon labels to ensure no gluten-containing ingredients are present, especially if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Bacon Potato Soup That’s All Kinds of Comfort

  • Savor Speedy Comfort: Whip up this hearty soup in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious and satisfying.
  • Customize with Ease: Modify the recipe by adding extra vegetables, swapping cheeses, or making it vegetarian-friendly, allowing you to personalize every bowl.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Goodness: Packed with rich flavors and creamy texture, this soup appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal family meal that everyone will love.
  • Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: Using just a few simple pantry staples, you can create a restaurant-worthy soup that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
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Potato and Bacon Soup Recipe

Potato and Bacon Soup Recipe


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4.9 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comfort meets culinary magic in this hearty potato and bacon soup, where creamy potatoes mingle with crispy bacon bits. Warm, rich flavors invite you to savor each spoonful of pure comfort and satisfaction.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 6 slices bacon (chopped)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) potatoes (peeled and diced)
  • 1 medium onion (finely diced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)

Liquids and Seasonings:

  • 4 cups chicken stock
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Pepper (to taste)
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Render bacon in a spacious cookware until golden and crisp, creating a rich, smoky base for the soup. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the flavorful drippings.
  2. Combine bacon drippings with butter, creating a luxurious cooking medium. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they release their aromatic essence and become translucent.
  3. Incorporate cubed potatoes into the fragrant mixture, ensuring each piece is coated with the savory fat. Pour in chicken stock, allowing the liquid to envelop the potatoes completely.
  4. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Let the potatoes simmer until they reach a tender, yielding consistency, approximately 15-20 minutes.
  5. Transform the soup’s texture by strategically breaking down some potatoes. Use an immersion blender to partially puree, or manually crush with a masher, creating a rustic, creamy consistency.
  6. Introduce heavy cream and shredded cheddar, stirring until the cheese melts seamlessly and the soup achieves a velvety smoothness. Season judiciously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  7. Crumble the reserved bacon and sprinkle over the soup, along with fresh parsley. Serve immediately, accompanied by crusty artisan bread or a crisp side salad for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

  • Choose thick-cut bacon for richer flavor and crispier texture that holds up well in the soup.
  • Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for best creamy consistency and natural thickening.
  • Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternative for lactose-intolerant diners.
  • Blend only half the soup for a perfect balance between chunky potatoes and smooth, velvety broth.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Marcus Hale

Marcus Hale

Founder & Recipe Storyteller

Expertise

  • Demystifying knife work, sauce emulsification, and pastry basics.
  • Curating seasonal guides that adapt global recipes to local, in-season produce.
  • Crafting blog posts, videos, and social media tips.

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on global cuisine training emphasizes sustainable cooking and recipe development under accredited chefs.

Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.

At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.

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