Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe

If you're craving a warm, cozy meal that’s rich and satisfying, look no further than Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon. This indulgent soup combines tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a creamy, velvety broth that’s loaded with flavor. It’s the perfect dish for chilly evenings, weekend lunches, or any time you need a comforting bowl of goodness. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings and add-ins. Read on for the full recipe, tips, and variations to make the best Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon.

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What is Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon?

Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon is a rich, velvety soup made with tender chunks of potatoes, onions, garlic, and crispy bacon. The potatoes are simmered in a creamy broth until soft and then blended to create a smooth, thick texture. The bacon adds a savory, smoky flavor that complements the richness of the potatoes. This soup is often garnished with additional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chives, making it a delicious, satisfying meal that's perfect for cold weather or any time you’re in the mood for comfort food.

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Ingredients List for Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon

To make this delicious Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1. Bacon – 6-8 slices of thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled.
2. Potatoes – 5-6 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed.
3. Onion – 1 large onion, diced.
4. Garlic – 3-4 cloves garlic, minced.
5. Chicken Broth – 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth.
6. Butter – 4 tablespoons for sautéing and adding richness.
7. Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half – 1 cup for a creamy texture.
8. All-purpose Flour – ¼ cup for thickening the soup.
9. Milk – 2 cups (whole milk or 2% works best).
10. Cheddar Cheese (optional) – 1 cup shredded cheddar for an extra cheesy kick.
11. Salt and Pepper – To taste for seasoning.
12. Paprika (optional) – 1 teaspoon for a smoky touch.
13. Chives or Green Onions – For garnish.

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Substitutions and Variations

This Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon recipe is flexible, allowing you to adapt it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some substitutions and variations:

• Bacon Alternatives: For a lighter version, use turkey bacon or chicken sausage. You can also make it vegetarian by skipping the bacon and using vegetable broth.
• For a dairy-free version: Substitute the milk and cream with coconut milk or almond milk and use olive oil or vegan butter instead of butter.
• Cheesy Twist: If you want a cheesy soup, stir in a handful of shredded cheddar, Gouda, or Parmesan cheese at the end for an extra layer of flavor.
• Add vegetables: You can add more veggies like carrots, celery, or even corn to make the soup heartier and more nutritious.
• Spice it up: For a little heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon

Here’s how to make this rich and flavorful Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon:

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, and crumble it once it cools. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the pot and discard the rest.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
3. Add the Potatoes: Stir in the cubed potatoes, chicken broth, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Make the Roux: In a separate small saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it becomes golden and bubbly, creating a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Blend the Soup: Once the potatoes are tender, use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency. You can blend until completely smooth, or leave some chunks of potato for texture. Alternatively, transfer half of the soup to a blender and puree, then return it to the pot.
6. Add Cream and Bacon: Stir the thickened milk mixture (roux) into the soup, followed by the heavy cream. Let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes to thicken further. Stir in most of the crumbled bacon, reserving some for garnish.
7. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or paprika as needed.
8. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the remaining bacon, shredded cheddar cheese (if using), and chopped chives or green onions.

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

1. Cook the bacon until crispy and set aside.
2. Sauté the onions and garlic in the bacon fat and butter.
3. Add the potatoes and broth and simmer until the potatoes are tender.
4. Make a roux with butter, flour, and milk to thicken the soup.
5. Blend the soup to your preferred consistency.
6. Stir in the cream and bacon, and let it simmer.
7. Adjust seasoning to taste.
8. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon

1. Not using the right potatoes: Stick to starchy potatoes like russet or Yukon Gold. These potatoes break down more easily, giving the soup its creamy texture. Avoid waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes, as they hold their shape and won’t create the same smooth consistency.
2. Skipping the roux: The roux (flour and butter mixture) is key to thickening the soup. Without it, your soup may turn out too thin.
3. Not seasoning enough: Potatoes can absorb a lot of seasoning, so taste and adjust the salt and pepper throughout the cooking process.
4. Over-blending: If you blend the soup too much, it can become gummy or overly thick. If you prefer a chunky texture, only blend part of the soup.
5. Not reserving bacon for garnish: Crispy bacon on top adds a lovely texture contrast, so be sure to save some for garnish!

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Serving and Presentation Tips for Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon

When serving Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon, presentation is key to making it even more inviting. Here are a few ways to elevate your serving:

• Garnish Generously: Top each bowl with crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped chives or green onions for a loaded baked potato effect.
• Bread for Dipping: Serve with a slice of crusty bread, garlic bread, or even a bread bowl to soak up the creamy broth.
• Cheese Finish: For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle a little more shredded cheddar cheese on top of each bowl just before serving.
• Serve in Rustic Bowls: A deep, rustic ceramic bowl gives the soup a homey, comforting feel that complements the rich flavors.

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How to Serve Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon

Serve this Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon piping hot, topped with crispy bacon, shredded cheese, and chives or green onions. Pair it with a side salad or a slice of toasted bread for dipping. You can also serve it in a bread bowl for an extra hearty, restaurant-style meal. This soup is filling on its own, but it pairs beautifully with light sides like garlic bread, salad, or roasted vegetables.

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Presentation Ideas for Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon

1. Bread Bowl: Serve the soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a cozy, rustic presentation.
2. Cheese Lovers’ Delight: Add a layer of shredded cheese on top just before serving and let it melt into the soup for a gooey, cheesy finish.
3. Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or green onions on top for a burst of color.
4. Crispy Bacon Topping: Finish with a generous amount of crispy, crumbled bacon for texture and extra flavor.

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Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe Tips

• Make it ahead: This soup is even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Blending Options: If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup in batches in a regular blender. Make sure not to fill the blender too full, as hot liquid expands.
• Add more texture: For added crunch, serve with homemade croutons or even crisp bacon bits.
• Flavor boost: For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a smoky depth.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I freeze Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon?
Yes, you can freeze this soup. Let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop, adding a bit more broth or cream if the soup has thickened.

2. What type of potatoes work best?
Russet potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this soup. They break down easily and give the soup its creamy texture.

3. Can I make this soup without bacon?
Yes! If you prefer a meatless version, skip the bacon and use olive oil or butter to sauté the vegetables. You can also add more vegetables like carrots or celery for extra flavor.

4. How do I thicken my soup if it’s too thin?
If your soup is too thin, you can mash some of the potatoes with a potato masher or add a slurry made from 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water. Stir it into the soup and let it simmer until thickened.

5. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes! While cheddar is the most popular option, you can use other cheeses like Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan for different flavor profiles.

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Conclusion

There’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon. With its velvety texture, crispy bacon, and rich flavors, this soup is the perfect go-to for cozy nights, family dinners, or meal prep. It’s easy to make, highly customizable, and can be dressed up with all your favorite toppings. Try this recipe out, make it your own, and enjoy the delicious, comforting flavors in every spoonful. Happy cooking!

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