Description
Hearty Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon delivers comfort in a bowl, blending rich flavors and crispy textures. Savory bacon bits and smooth potato puree create a delightful harmony you’ll crave on chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 5–6 medium russet potatoes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 6–8 slices thick-cut bacon
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
Garnish and Optional Toppings:
- Fresh chives or green onions
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Render bacon in a spacious Dutch oven over medium heat until golden and crisp, approximately 6-7 minutes. Transfer crispy strips to a paper towel-lined plate and reserve.
- Utilize the rendered bacon fat to sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring occasionally until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Introduce cubed potatoes and pour chicken broth into the pot. Elevate heat to high, bringing liquid to a robust boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 15-18 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Carefully transfer hot soup to a blender, processing until silky and smooth. Exercise caution with hot liquids by removing the blender’s center cap and covering with a towel.
- Return puréed soup to the pot, incorporating heavy cream and stirring gently. Warm through without allowing the mixture to boil.
- Crumble reserved bacon and sprinkle into the soup, seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Ladle into warm bowls, garnishing with thinly sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispy texture that enhances the soup’s richness.
- Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold to create a naturally creamy consistency without extra thickening.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream and use turkey bacon as a healthier alternative.
- Consider adding roasted garlic or a pinch of smoked paprika for deeper, more complex flavor profile without overwhelming the classic potato soup taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg