Creamy Potato Soup With Bacon Recipe

When it comes to comforting meals, Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon is a top contender. This rich and velvety soup combines tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a flavorful broth, finished with cream for a perfectly indulgent touch. Topped with bacon, cheese, and green onions, this hearty soup is perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you need a warm, filling meal. The best part? It’s simple to make and uses ingredients you probably already have on hand!

this Recipe

---

What Is Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon?

Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon is a smooth, hearty soup made with potatoes, onions, and garlic, simmered in broth until tender, then blended with cream for a luxurious texture. The addition of crispy bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy potatoes. Topped with shredded cheese, bacon, and green onions, this soup is as delicious as it is comforting.

---

Ingredients List for Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon

Here’s everything you’ll need to make Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon:

For the Soup:

• 6 slices bacon, diced
• 6 cups diced potatoes (about 4-5 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version with plant-based bacon)
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
• 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional for thickening)

For the Toppings:

• Extra bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Chopped green onions or chives

---

Substitutions and Variations

Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon is a versatile dish, so you can easily customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few substitutions and variations:

• Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based bacon and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option.
• Dairy-Free: Swap the milk and cream with unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, or another dairy-free alternative. You can also use dairy-free cheese for topping.
• Gluten-Free: Replace the flour with cornstarch to thicken the soup or omit it altogether if you prefer a thinner soup.
• Extra Veggies: Add carrots, celery, or even cauliflower to the soup for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Lighter Version: Use low-fat milk or omit the heavy cream to lighten up the soup while still keeping it creamy.

---

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make a warm and hearty pot of Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon:

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the pot with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon drippings in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

• In the same pot, add the chopped onion to the bacon drippings and sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until softened.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Potatoes and Broth

• Add the diced potatoes to the pot, along with the chicken broth, salt, pepper, and thyme (if using).
• Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 4: Thicken the Soup (Optional)

• If you prefer a thicker soup, create a roux by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until golden.
• Stir the roux into the soup and cook for another 5 minutes to thicken.

Step 5: Blend the Soup

• For a creamy consistency, use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot until smooth. You can blend the entire soup or leave some potato chunks for texture.
• Alternatively, you can transfer half of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot.

Step 6: Add the Milk and Cream

• Stir in the milk and heavy cream, and let the soup simmer on low for an additional 5-7 minutes, but don’t bring it to a boil to prevent curdling.
• Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

• Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped green onions or chives.
• Serve with crusty bread for dipping and enjoy!

---

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

This Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon comes together quickly, and the steps are easy to follow. Start by cooking the bacon for a crispy, smoky base, then sauté the onions and garlic in the flavorful bacon drippings. Simmer the potatoes in broth until tender, then blend the soup with milk and cream for that ultra-creamy texture. Top with bacon, cheese, and your favorite garnishes for a soup that’s both satisfying and comforting.

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon turns out perfectly, here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

• Overcooking the potatoes: Keep an eye on the potatoes while simmering. Overcooked potatoes can become mushy, which can affect the soup’s texture.
• Not blending enough: For a smooth, creamy texture, make sure to blend the soup thoroughly. You can leave some chunks for texture, but blending too little may result in a grainy soup.
• Adding dairy too early: Wait until the soup is done simmering before adding the milk and cream. Adding it too early can cause the dairy to curdle.
• Forgetting to taste for seasoning: Potatoes absorb a lot of salt, so be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

---

Serving and Presentation Tips

To make your Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon even more appetizing, here are some tips for serving and presentation:

• Serve with bread: Pair the soup with crusty bread, garlic bread, or dinner rolls for dipping into the creamy broth.
• Create a toppings bar: Let your guests customize their soup by setting out bowls of toppings like bacon, shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions.
• Garnish with herbs: Freshly chopped parsley, thyme, or chives add a pop of color and freshness to the soup.

---

How to Serve Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon

This hearty soup is best served hot, topped with crispy bacon, shredded cheese, and green onions. Pair it with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or warm bread for a complete meal. You can also serve the soup family-style, allowing everyone to add their own toppings for a fun and customizable dining experience.

---

Presentation Ideas for Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon

While Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon is a rustic, homey dish, here are a few ideas to make it visually appealing:

• Serve in bread bowls: Hollow out small bread loaves and ladle the soup into the center for a fun and hearty presentation.
• Top with a swirl of cream: Drizzle a bit of extra heavy cream or sour cream on top of each bowl in a swirl pattern for a decorative touch.
• Add crispy bacon: Sprinkle extra crumbled bacon on top for an appealing contrast between creamy and crunchy textures.

---

Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe Tips

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon turns out perfectly every time:

• Use starchy potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for this recipe because they break down nicely and create a smooth, creamy texture when blended.
• Make it ahead: This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Thin out if needed: If the soup becomes too thick after sitting, add a little more broth or milk when reheating to thin it out to your desired consistency.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon ahead of time?

Yes! This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You may need to add a little extra broth or milk if the soup thickens too much after chilling.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, but keep in mind that the texture of the cream can change when frozen. If you plan to freeze it, consider freezing it before adding the milk and cream. When reheating, add the dairy after thawing the soup.

What kind of potatoes should I use?

Russet potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes work best for Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon. Russets break down easily and help create a smooth, creamy texture, while Yukon Golds add a buttery flavor and hold their shape well.

---

Conclusion

Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon is the perfect blend of comfort and flavor, with its rich, creamy texture and the smoky, savory crunch of bacon. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or making it for a special gathering, this soup is easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. Top it with all your favorite baked potato toppings like cheese, bacon, sour cream, and green onions, and enjoy a bowl of hearty, satisfying comfort food. Serve it with warm bread or a side salad for a complete and delicious meal!

Print