Creamy Potato and Bacon Soup

A hearty, comforting, and soul-warming dish, Potato and Bacon Soup is perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you’re craving something rich and satisfying. This creamy soup combines tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a velvety broth for a bowl of pure comfort food.

• Prep Time:
  Prep Time: 15 minutes
  Cook Time: 30 minutes
  Total Time: 45 minutes
  Servings: 6 servings
  Ingredients
  Soup Base:
  6 slices of bacon, diced
  1 medium onion, finely chopped
  3 cloves garlic, minced
  4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced (Yukon Gold or Russet work well)
  3 cups chicken broth
  1 cup whole milk
  1 cup heavy cream
  2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  1 teaspoon dried thyme
  Salt and black pepper, to taste
  Toppings:
  1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  1/2 cup sour cream
  Chopped green onions or parsley
  Directions
  1. Cook the Bacon
  In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy.
  Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot.
  2. Sauté Aromatics
  Add the chopped onion to the pot with the bacon grease and sauté over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, until softened.
  Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Cook the Potatoes
  Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, and dried thyme to the pot.
  Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
  4. Thicken the Soup
  In a small bowl, whisk the flour with the milk until smooth. Slowly stir this mixture into the pot.
  Simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the soup begins to thicken.
  5. Add Cream and Blend
  Stir in the heavy cream and let the soup simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.
  For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup directly in the pot, or transfer half the soup to a blender and puree it, then return it to the pot.
  6. Add Bacon and Season
  Stir in half of the cooked bacon, reserving the rest for garnish.
  Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve and Garnish
  Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, crispy bacon bits, and chopped green onions or parsley.
  Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.
  Tips for Success
  Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more chicken broth for a thinner soup or blending more potatoes for a thicker one.
  Cheese: For an extra cheesy flavor, stir in a handful of cheddar cheese directly into the soup before serving.
  Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen if needed.
  Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
  Calories: ~350 kcal
  Protein: 10g
  Carbohydrates: 28g
  Fat: 22g
  Why You’ll Love This Recipe
  Classic Comfort: Warm, creamy, and rich, this soup is like a hug in a bowl.
  Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, it’s perfect for a cozy family dinner.
  Easy to Customize: Add vegetables like carrots or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.