Creamy Potato Bacon Soup

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of rich, velvety soup to warm you from the inside out, and this Creamy Potato Bacon Soup is a true masterpiece of comfort. It’s a hearty, satisfying dish that brings together the savory goodness of crispy bacon with the smooth, tender texture of perfectly cooked potatoes, all enveloped in a luxurious, creamy broth. This soup is designed to be your go-to for cozy evenings and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

I find myself returning to this recipe time and time again, especially when the weather turns cool or when I need a little extra comfort. It’s surprisingly simple to prepare, making it ideal even for busy weeknights, and the aroma that fills the kitchen as it simmers is simply divine. Plus, it stores beautifully, making it a fantastic option for meal prep.

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Why I Love This Creamy Potato Bacon Soup

This Creamy Potato Bacon Soup is a true winner for so many reasons. It’s incredibly flavorful, bringing together smoky bacon, tender potatoes, and gooey cheese for pure bliss. Plus, it’s surprisingly quick to make, perfect for those busy weeknights, often coming together in about an hour. Seriously, it’s the ultimate hug in a bowl! It’s also wonderfully versatile, so you can easily adapt it to suit your tastes.

Creamy Potato Bacon Soup Ingredients

The magic of this Creamy Potato Bacon Soup truly shines through its simple yet powerful combination of familiar, hearty ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building that rich, satisfying taste and creamy texture we all crave. You’ll find quantities detailed in the printable recipe card below.

• Bacon: This is our flavor foundation. It provides a deep, smoky, savory taste. Plus, it adds a delightful crispy texture as a garnish.
• Yellow Onion: We’ll sauté this to add a subtle sweetness. It forms the aromatic base of our soup.
• Garlic: Essential for its pungent, savory notes. It really enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
• Chicken Broth: This acts as our liquid base. It carries all the delicious flavors and helps cook the potatoes perfectly.
• Russet Potatoes: These are the star of the show. They provide a wonderful creamy texture and hearty substance when mashed.
• Heavy Cream & Sour Cream: These dairy powerhouses create the luxurious, velvety smoothness. It’s what truly defines this comforting soup.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: This melts into the soup for a gooey, cheesy finish. It’s utterly irresistible, folks.
• Chives or Green Onions: They offer a fresh, sharp contrast. They’re perfect for garnishing our rich soup.
• Salt & Black Pepper: These are our fundamental seasonings. They balance and enhance all the delicious flavors.

Substitutions and Tips

For a less rich soup, try half-and-half instead of heavy cream. The texture will be a bit less decadent. If russet potatoes aren’t available, Yukon Golds work well. They offer an even creamier texture. Want a vegetarian option? Skip the bacon! Sauté onions in butter or olive oil. Adding smoked paprika gives a subtle smoky flavor. Remember to keep the soup on low heat after adding dairy and cheese. This prevents any curdling, which is a real buzzkill!

How to Make Creamy Potato Bacon Soup

Making this wonderful Creamy Potato Bacon Soup is quite straightforward. We’ll walk through each step together. Follow these simple directions for a truly delicious result.

Cook the Bacon and Sauté Aromatics

First, get your large Dutch oven or stockpot. Cook the diced bacon over medium heat. You want it to be brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to move the cooked bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the pot. Next, add the chopped onion to the pot. Cook it in the bacon grease. You want it softened, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic. Cook for one minute more until it is fragrant. Our flavor base is building!

Simmer the Potatoes

Now, pour in the chicken broth. Add the cubed russet potatoes. Sprinkle in the salt and pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil, then lower the heat. Let it simmer gently. Cover the pot. Cook for 15-20 minutes. The potatoes need to be very tender.

Create the Creamy Base

Grab a potato masher. Mash about half of the potatoes right in the pot. This is a crucial step. It makes the soup thicker and creamier. Some delightful potato chunks will remain, adding great texture.

Finish and Enrich the Soup

Lower the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream. Add the sour cream. Then, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring gently. Do this until the cheese is completely melted. Heat it through. Most importantly, do not let the soup boil at this stage. Boiling can cause the dairy to curdle. We want smooth, creamy perfection.

Add Final Touches and Serve

Finally, stir in half of that crispy bacon. Add most of the chopped chives, too. Serve your delicious Creamy Potato Bacon Soup hot. Garnish the bowls with the remaining bacon. Sprinkle on the rest of the chives. An extra bit of cheese looks lovely as well.

How to Store Creamy Potato Bacon Soup

Got leftovers? This Creamy Potato Bacon Soup stores beautifully. Keep any extra soup in an airtight container. It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat it, a gentle warming on the stovetop is best. Use low heat. Stir it now and then. Microwaving can sometimes change the creamy texture. If the soup seems a bit too thick after reheating, that’s okay! Just stir in a tiny splash of milk or chicken broth. Do this until it’s just the right consistency for you.

Tips for Success

• Avoid boiling the soup after adding cream and cheese. This keeps it wonderfully smooth.
• Mash only about half the potatoes. This creates a balanced creamy texture with satisfying chunks.
• Always reserve some crispy bacon and fresh chives for garnish. It adds great flavor and visual appeal.
• Taste your soup before serving! Adjust seasonings like salt and pepper as needed.
• For an ultra-smooth soup, an immersion blender works like a charm.

Gathering the right tools makes this creamy potato bacon soup a breeze!

• A sturdy large Dutch oven or stockpot is ideal for cooking.
• Use a slotted spoon to easily retrieve the crispy bacon.
• You’ll need a cutting board and knife for prepping ingredients.
• Have your measuring cups and spoons handy for accuracy.
• A potato masher creates a creamy texture, but an immersion blender works too!
• A trusty ladle makes serving a simple pleasure.

Serving Suggestions

Let’s talk about how to make this Creamy Potato Bacon Soup even more special!

• Serve it with warm, crusty bread. Dipping is encouraged!
• A simple green salad offers a fresh contrast. It complements the soup’s richness nicely.
• Garnish each bowl with extra shredded cheese. A dollop of sour cream adds a nice touch, too.
• Pair it with a crisp white wine or a light, refreshing beer.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, you can prepare the soup base, up to adding cream and cheese, a day in advance. Store it in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop. Add the cream, cheese, and bacon just before serving. This keeps the textures best.

How can I make this soup thicker or thinner?

To thicken your Creamy Potato Bacon Soup, mash more potatoes. You can also simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes. This helps some liquid evaporate. To thin it out, just stir in a little more chicken broth or milk.

Is it possible to make this soup without bacon?

Absolutely! For a tasty vegetarian version of this potato soup, simply omit the bacon. Sauté the onions in butter or olive oil instead. Add a pinch of smoked paprika with the potatoes. This gives a subtle smoky flavor without the meat.

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