Introduction
Potato and Bacon Soup is a rich and comforting soup that combines tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and savory aromatics in a creamy broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or family dinners, it’s easy to make and full of flavor.
⏱️ Prep Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: 45–50 minutes
🧰 Equipment
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Potato masher or immersion blender (optional)
📝 Ingredients (Serves 6)
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4–5 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2–3 green onions, sliced, for garnish
📌 Ingredient Notes
- Bacon: Adds smokiness; adjust quantity for more or less flavor.
- Potatoes: Russets give a creamy texture when cooked and mashed.
- Cream: Heavy cream makes the soup rich; half-and-half is lighter.
- Optional: Smoked paprika adds depth and a subtle smoky flavor.
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook the Bacon
- In a large soup pot, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving a little bacon fat in the pot.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic
- Add diced onion to the pot and cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Potatoes
- Add diced potatoes, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 15–20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Blend Soup (Optional)
- Use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash some of the potatoes for a creamier texture.
- Add Cream and Cheese
- Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve
- Ladle soup into bowls. Top with reserved bacon, green onions, and extra cheddar if desired. Serve warm.
🧾 Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Protein: 14 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
💡 Tips
- For extra thickness, mash more potatoes before adding cream.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3 days; reheat gently.
- Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a subtle kick.
🔄 Variations
- Loaded Version: Add sour cream, extra cheese, and chives for a loaded baked potato flavor.
- Vegetable Boost: Add corn, celery, or carrots for more texture.
- Slow Cooker Version: Cook bacon, onion, potatoes, and broth on LOW for 4–6 hours, then stir in cream and cheese.
- Low-Carb Version: Substitute cauliflower for potatoes.
