Potato And Bacon Soup Recipe

The Creamiest Potato And Bacon Soup Recipe You’ll Ever Taste

Creamy potato and bacon soup strikes the perfect balance between comfort and culinary delight.

Hearty ingredients mingle to create a soul-warming dish perfect for chilly evenings.

Crispy bacon pieces add a salty crunch that complements the smooth potato base.

Rich flavors develop slowly, inviting everyone to savor each spoonful.

Cooking this soup feels like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket of deliciousness.

Simple techniques make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe and make it a weekend staple.

Grab a ladle and let’s bring some delicious magic to your kitchen!

What Makes Potato and Bacon Soup So Satisfying

  • Quick and Simple Cooking: Master this recipe with minimal culinary skills, perfect for beginners wanting a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
  • Customizable Flavor Boost: Transform basic ingredients into a rich, creamy soup by crushing potatoes and adding personal seasoning touches that make each batch unique.
  • Budget-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Create a hearty meal using affordable ingredients like potatoes, bacon, and pantry staples that feed multiple people without breaking the bank.
  • Versatile Meal Option: Enjoy as a standalone dish or pair with crusty bread, making it ideal for lunch, dinner, or a satisfying comfort food moment during chilly days.

What You Need for Potato and Bacon Soup

For the Proteins:
  • Bacon: A crispy, flavorful ingredient that adds richness and depth to the potato soup.
  • Chicken Broth: A savory liquid base that enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
For the Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that provide a foundational flavor profile to the soup.
  • Potatoes: Starchy vegetables that create the hearty and creamy texture of the soup.
  • Chives: A fresh herb that offers a mild onion-like garnish and bright green color.
For the Dairy and Thickeners:
  • Heavy Cream, Milk: Dairy ingredients that contribute to the soup's creamy and smooth consistency.
  • Flour: A thickening agent used to create a roux and provide body to the soup.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the soup's overall taste.

How to Cook Up Potato and Bacon Soup

Step 1: Cook Crispy Bacon For The Base

Crisp bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until golden and perfectly rendered. Transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, keeping the delicious drippings in the pot.

Step 2: Create Flavor Foundation

Dice the onion and mince the garlic, then sauté them in the reserved bacon drippings. Cook until the vegetables become translucent and release their aromatic qualities.

Step 3: Develop Smooth Soup Base

Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture, stirring continuously to create a roux. Cook briefly to eliminate any raw flour taste and develop a rich foundation for the soup.

Step 4: Incorporate Liquid Ingredients

Gradually pour chicken broth into the pot, whisking constantly to ensure a smooth, lump-free base. This technique creates a silky texture for the soup.

Step 5: Add Hearty Potatoes

Peel and cube potatoes into uniform chunks. Add them to the simmering liquid, reducing heat to medium-low. Cook until potatoes become tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 6: Create Rustic Texture

Crush half the potato chunks against the pot’s side to naturally thicken the soup. This method creates a wonderfully hearty and textured consistency.

Step 7: Finish With Creamy Touches

Pour in heavy cream and milk, stirring to incorporate fully. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting the flavors to your personal preference.

Step 8: Blend Final Flavors

Simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes, allowing all the ingredients to meld together and create a harmonious taste profile.

Step 9: Garnish And Serve

Crumble the reserved bacon and sprinkle on top of the soup. Add freshly chopped chives for an extra layer of flavor if desired.

Step 10: Present The Dish

Serve the soup piping hot, with an extra sprinkle of cracked black pepper. Pair with a crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Smart Tricks for Creamy Potato and Bacon Soup

  • Choose Thick-Cut Bacon: Select high-quality, thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispy texture in your soup.
  • Control Potato Size: Cut potatoes into uniform 1-inch chunks to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Prevent Lumpy Soup: Whisk chicken broth slowly and steadily into the roux to create a smooth, silky base without unwanted flour clumps.
  • Master Thickening Technique: Gently crush some potato chunks against the pot's side to naturally thicken the soup without adding extra flour or cornstarch.
  • Balance Dairy Consistency: Add cream and milk gradually, stirring continuously to maintain a rich, creamy texture without separating the liquid.

Flavor Options for Potato and Bacon Soup Lovers

  • Vegetarian Potato Soup: Replace bacon with smoked tofu or tempeh, sautéed until crispy. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a completely plant-based version.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and chili powder during the onion sauté stage. Top with pepper jack cheese and jalapeño slices for extra heat and flavor complexity.
  • Lighter Cream Alternative: Swap heavy cream and whole milk with low-fat milk and Greek yogurt. Use cauliflower puree to maintain creamy texture while reducing overall calorie content.

Best Matches for Potato and Bacon Soup

  • Elevate Bacon Potato Soup Pairings
  • Savor Crusty Sourdough Bread: Tear off chunks of tangy sourdough to soak up the creamy soup, adding delightful texture and complementary flavor.
  • Match with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Select a chilled, zesty white wine that cuts through the soup's richness, providing a refreshing palate cleanse between spoonfuls.
  • Create Herb-Infused Green Salad: Toss mixed greens with light vinaigrette and fresh herbs like parsley or dill, offering a bright, crisp contrast to the hearty soup.
  • Complement with Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle aged cheddar crumbles alongside the soup for an extra layer of bold, tangy flavor that enhances the bacon's smokiness.

Keeping Potato and Bacon Soup Fresh and Tasty

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container, cool completely before sealing, and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing dairy-based soups with cream for best texture.
  • Gently warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore original consistency and prevent scorching.
  • Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Be cautious to prevent separation of cream.

Your Potato and Bacon Soup Questions, Answered

  • What makes this potato soup different from other recipes?

This recipe uses bacon drippings for extra flavor and creates a rustic texture by crushing some potatoes directly in the pot, which naturally thickens the soup without using additional thickeners.

  • Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this soup in advance. Simply reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore the creamy consistency if needed.

  • Is this soup gluten-free?

No, the recipe uses flour to create a roux, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

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Potato And Bacon Soup Recipe

Potato And Bacon Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy potato and bacon soup blends hearty comfort with rich, smoky flavors from crispy bacon bits. Warm, velvety goodness waits in each spoonful, inviting you to savor this classic culinary embrace.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 medium potatoes
  • 8 slices bacon
  • 1 large onion

Liquid Base:

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup milk

Seasonings and Extras:

  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup fresh chives (optional)

Instructions

  1. Crisp the bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until golden and rendered, about 6-7 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the bacon drippings in the pot.
  2. Dice the onion and mince the garlic, then sauté in the reserved bacon drippings until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  3. Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture, stirring continuously to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
  4. Gradually pour in chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and create a smooth base.
  5. Peel and cube potatoes into uniform chunks, then add them to the simmering liquid. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  6. Crush half the potato chunks against the pot’s side to thicken the soup naturally, maintaining a rustic texture.
  7. Pour in heavy cream and milk, stirring to incorporate. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to taste.
  8. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld flavors and ensure proper consistency.
  9. Crumble reserved bacon and sprinkle on top of the soup. Garnish with freshly chopped chives if desired.
  10. Serve hot, with additional cracked black pepper and a side of crusty bread.

Notes

  • Bacon Selection: Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispier texture, which enhances the soup’s overall richness.
  • Potato Precision: Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for better thickening and creamier consistency.
  • Dairy Alternatives: Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for lighter versions, accommodating dietary preferences.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or potato starch to make the soup celiac-friendly without compromising texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

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