Hearty Potato and Bacon Soup Recipe: Cozy Bowls of Joy

Creamy comfort beckons with this hearty potato and bacon soup that promises warmth in every spoonful.

Rich aromas of smoky bacon weave through tender potato chunks, creating a delightful harmony of flavors.

Crisp bacon bits scattered across the surface add a satisfying crunch to this velvety soup.

Cold days call for soulful dishes that nourish both body and spirit.

Each ingredient blends seamlessly, telling a story of rustic home cooking.

Spoons will dive deep into this luxurious soup, eager to savor every comforting bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

All Ingredients For Potato And Bacon Soup

• Bacon: Adds rich, smoky depth and creates a delectable base for the soup's flavor profile.
• Onion, Celery, Carrot: Classic aromatic vegetables that build a robust and comforting foundation.
• Garlic: Provides a punchy, aromatic kick that elevates the overall taste sensation.

• Flour: Creates a silky roux that gives the soup its luxurious, creamy consistency.
• Chicken Broth: Delivers essential liquid volume and introduces subtle savory undertones.
• Italian Seasoning: Infuses the soup with a harmonious blend of herbaceous notes.

• Potatoes: Hearty, starchy vegetable that adds substance and natural creaminess.
• Heavy Cream: Introduces a velvety, luxurious texture and rounds out the soup's richness.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance all the underlying flavors.
• Green Onions: Optional fresh garnish that adds a crisp, bright accent.
• Shredded Cheese: Optional topping that contributes extra tangy, melty goodness.

Tools To Prep Potato And Bacon Soup

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking bacon and preparing the entire soup base.
• Paper Towel-Lined Plate: Perfect for draining crispy bacon and absorbing excess grease.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping bacon, onions, celery, carrots, and garlic.
• Sharp Knife: Critical for precise vegetable and bacon preparation.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and scraping the pot while cooking.
• Whisk: Helps blend broth smoothly and prevent lumps in the roux.
• Potato Masher or Immersion Blender (Optional): Useful for creating a slightly smoother soup texture.
• Ladle: Helps serve the soup neatly into individual bowls.

How To Cook Potato And Bacon Soup With Ease

• Bacon Foundation

Sizzle chopped bacon in a large pot until golden and crisp. Pull out the crispy pieces, leaving behind a layer of flavorful drippings that will become the soup’s secret weapon.

• Veggie Symphony

Toss onions, celery, and carrots into the bacon-infused pot. Dance them around until they soften and release their aromatic magic. Sprinkle in garlic for an extra flavor punch.

• Silky Base

Dust the vegetables with flour, creating a smooth paste that will give the soup its luxurious thickness. Stir constantly to prevent any burning or clumping.

• Liquid Magic

Pour in chicken broth, scraping up the delicious brown bits from the pot’s bottom. Drop in potato cubes and a whisper of Italian seasoning. Let everything bubble and simmer until potatoes become tender and dreamy.

• Creamy Transformation

Gently crush some potatoes to create a rustic texture. Splash in heavy cream and most of the reserved bacon. Season with salt and pepper until the flavors sing.

• Final Flourish

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Sprinkle remaining bacon bits on top, or add a handful of green onions and a sprinkle of cheese for extra excitement.

Smart Ideas For Potato And Bacon Soup

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare a double batch and freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to maintain creamy consistency.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a lactose-free version. Use olive oil instead of bacon fat to keep the soup allergen-friendly while maintaining rich flavor profiles.
• Low-Carb Twist: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets to significantly reduce carbohydrate content. The cauliflower absorbs flavors beautifully and provides a similar creamy texture without excess starch.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute bacon with smoked paprika and caramelized mushrooms for depth. Use vegetable broth and add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the savory elements without meat.
• Texture Techniques: For ultimate creaminess, reserve some potato chunks while blending a portion of the soup. This method creates a luxurious, velvety base with delightful potato pieces throughout, offering a perfect mouthfeel.

Serving Suggestions For Potato And Bacon Soup

• Hearty Comfort Bowl: Serve this rich potato and bacon soup in oversized ceramic mugs for a cozy, warming meal that hugs your soul on chilly evenings.
• Rustic Bread Pairing: Accompany the soup with thick slices of toasted sourdough or crusty French bread, perfect for dipping and soaking up the creamy broth.
• Toppings Extravaganza: Create a fun topping station with crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream, allowing everyone to customize their soup experience.
• Winter Meal Companion: Pair this soup with a light winter salad featuring mixed greens, crisp apple slices, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness.

Keeping Potato And Bacon Soup Tasty Later

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store the soup in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezer-Friendly Method: Package the soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, removing excess air. Freeze up to 2-3 months, excluding cream for best texture preservation. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Revolution: Warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore original consistency if needed. Avoid high temperatures to prevent cream separation.
• Ingredient Separation Trick: Store bacon garnish separately in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Sprinkle crispy bacon bits just before serving to maintain maximum crunchiness and prevent soggy texture.

Hearty Potato And Bacon Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty potato and bacon soup delivers comfort in a bowl for cold winter nights. Rich flavors blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lb (907 grams) russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 6 strips thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 4 cups (946 ml) chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 cup (237 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Chopped green onions (optional garnish)
• Shredded cheese (optional garnish)
• Extra bacon bits (optional garnish)

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Instructions

1. Bacon Preparation: Crisp bacon in a large pot over medium heat until golden. Remove bacon pieces, retaining flavorful drippings.
2. Vegetable Sauté: Introduce onions, celery, and carrots to bacon drippings. Cook until softened, then add garlic, stirring briefly to release aromatic oils.
3. Roux Development: Dust vegetables with flour, creating a smooth base. Stir continuously to prevent burning and ensure even coating.
4. Liquid Integration: Whisk chicken broth into the pot, scraping caramelized bits from bottom. Add potatoes and Italian seasoning, bringing to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
5. Potato Conditioning: Simmer until potatoes become tender, approximately 15-20 minutes. Partially mash or blend to create a luxurious, textured consistency while maintaining some potato chunks.
6. Flavor Enrichment: Incorporate heavy cream and most of the crispy bacon. Season with salt and pepper, carefully balancing the soup’s flavor profile.
7. Serving Presentation: Transfer soup to bowls, garnishing with reserved bacon bits, chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of sharp cheese for added depth and visual appeal.

Notes

• Control Bacon Splattering: Use a splatter screen or lower heat when rendering bacon to minimize oil spray and potential burns. Manage the cooking process carefully to prevent messy stovetops.
• Prevent Roux Lumps: Whisk flour continuously and add liquid gradually to ensure a smooth, lump-free base. Consistent stirring is key to achieving a silky, well-integrated soup texture.
• Customize Potato Consistency: Adjust soup thickness by controlling potato mashing. Use a potato masher for chunky texture or immersion blender for creamier results. Experiment to find your perfect soup style.
• Adapt for Dietary Needs: Swap heavy cream with lighter alternatives like milk, coconut cream, or Greek yogurt for lower-fat versions. Use turkey bacon or plant-based bacon for vegetarian adaptations. Consider gluten-free flour for roux to accommodate different dietary requirements.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg