There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of potato soup to soothe the soul. And when you add the smoky, savory flavor of bacon to the mix, it’s a match made in heaven. In this article, we’ll show you how to cook a delicious and creamy potato soup with bacon that’s sure to become a family favorite.
The Benefits of Potato Soup
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about the benefits of potato soup. Potatoes are a great source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and several important vitamins and minerals, including potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. They’re also low in calories and rich in antioxidants, making them a nutritious addition to a healthy diet.
In addition to the health benefits of potatoes, soup in general is a great way to warm up on a chilly day and can be a comforting and satisfying meal. And when you add bacon to the mix, you get a boost of protein and a smoky flavor that’s hard to resist.
The Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this creamy potato soup with bacon, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 6 slices of bacon, diced
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cups of chopped potatoes (about 2-3 medium-sized potatoes)
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients, let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions for making this delicious potato soup with bacon.
Cooking the Bacon
The first step in making this recipe is to cook the bacon. To do this, simply place the diced bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook the bacon until it’s crispy and golden brown, stirring occasionally. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Removing the Bacon and Leaving the Grease
Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the pot with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the grease from the bacon in the pot, as this will add flavor to the soup.
Sauteing the Onion and Garlic
Next, add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until it’s softened and translucent. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Adding the Potatoes and Chicken Broth
Now it’s time to add the chopped potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Adding the Heavy Cream and Thyme
Once the potatoes are tender, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it’s smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
Next, stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half and dried thyme. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
Adding the Cooked Bacon
Finally, add the cooked bacon back into the pot and stir to combine.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to keep in mind when making this recipe:
- For an extra creamy soup, you can add more heavy cream or half-and-half.
- If you prefer a chunky soup, you can skip the step of pureeing the soup.
- You can also add other ingredients to customize the soup to your taste. Some ideas include diced ham, shredded cheese, diced bell peppers, and chopped fresh herbs.
- To make this recipe in a slow cooker, simply brown the bacon and cook the onion and garlic in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy potato soup with bacon is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a variety of toppings and sides to make it even more special. Here are a few ideas:
- Crusty bread: Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the creamy broth.
- Shredded cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the soup for an extra burst of flavor.
- Sour cream: Top the soup with a dollop of sour cream for a tangy contrast to the rich, creamy broth.
- Chopped herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs, such as chives or parsley, on top of the soup for a pop of color and freshness.
Conclusion
This creamy potato soup with bacon is a delicious and comforting recipe that’s perfect for a chilly day. With its rich, creamy broth and smoky bacon flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special occasion recipe, this soup is sure to hit the spot. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the comforting, warming goodness of this delicious potato soup with bacon.
What makes this creamy potato soup with bacon recipe so special?
This creamy potato soup with bacon recipe is a standout due to its rich and velvety texture, achieved by combining tender potatoes with a generous amount of heavy cream and crispy bacon. The smoky flavor of the bacon adds a depth to the dish that complements the natural sweetness of the potatoes perfectly.
The recipe also allows for a great deal of customization, making it easy to tailor the flavors to your liking. Whether you prefer a stronger bacon flavor or a lighter, more subtle taste, you can adjust the amount of bacon and seasonings to suit your preferences. This versatility, combined with the comforting and familiar flavors of potatoes and cream, makes this recipe a true winner.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can make this creamy potato soup with bacon recipe in advance, but it’s best to prepare the components separately and assemble the soup just before serving. You can cook the bacon and potatoes ahead of time, then refrigerate or freeze them until you’re ready to finish the soup.
When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the potatoes and bacon, then stir in the heavy cream and any additional seasonings you like. This approach will help preserve the texture and flavor of the soup, ensuring that it remains creamy and delicious even after refrigeration or freezing.
How do I prevent the soup from becoming too thick?
To prevent the soup from becoming too thick, it’s essential to monitor the consistency as you add the heavy cream. Start by adding a small amount of cream and stirring well, then gradually add more cream until the desired consistency is reached.
You can also thin the soup with a little chicken or vegetable broth if it becomes too thick. This will help maintain a smooth, creamy texture without diluting the flavors of the soup. Be cautious not to add too much broth, as this can make the soup too watery.
Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?
While Russet potatoes are the preferred choice for this creamy potato soup with bacon recipe, you can experiment with other types of potatoes to find the one that works best for you. Yukon Gold or red potatoes, for example, will add a slightly sweet and nutty flavor to the soup.
However, keep in mind that waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes may not break down as smoothly as Russet potatoes, resulting in a slightly chunkier texture. If you prefer a smoother soup, Russet potatoes are still the best choice.
How do I store leftover creamy potato soup with bacon?
To store leftover creamy potato soup with bacon, allow the soup to cool completely, then refrigerate or freeze it in airtight containers. If refrigerating, the soup will keep for up to 3 days. If freezing, the soup will keep for up to 3 months.
When reheating the soup, be sure to stir well and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may also need to add a little more cream or broth to achieve the desired consistency, as the soup may thicken slightly during refrigeration or freezing.
Can I make this recipe without bacon?
While the bacon adds a rich, smoky flavor to the creamy potato soup, you can make the recipe without it if you prefer. Simply omit the bacon and proceed with the remaining ingredients, adding any additional seasonings or spices you like to compensate for the lack of bacon flavor.
Keep in mind that the soup may not be as rich and savory without the bacon, so you may want to add other ingredients like diced ham, cooked vegetables, or a sprinkle of grated cheese to enhance the flavor.
Is this creamy potato soup with bacon recipe suitable for special diets?
This creamy potato soup with bacon recipe is not suitable for vegetarian or vegan diets due to the presence of bacon and heavy cream. However, you can modify the recipe to make it more suitable for these diets by substituting the bacon with a vegetarian alternative and using a non-dairy milk or creamer.
The recipe is also not suitable for low-carb or keto diets due to the high starch content of the potatoes. If you’re following a specific diet, be sure to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to determine the best modifications for your needs.