Creamy Potato Soup With Bacon Recipe

Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe: Hearty Comfort in a Bowl

Potato lovers adore this hearty soup that brings comfort and warmth to chilly evenings.

Crispy bacon bits dance across a velvety landscape of smooth potatoes.

Creamy textures mingle with smoky undertones, creating a symphony of flavor in every spoonful.

Rich ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a satisfying meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Nested in your favorite bowl, this soup whispers stories of home-cooked goodness.

Subtle herbs and robust bacon create a perfect balance that will make you swoon.

You won’t be able to resist grabbing seconds of this delightful, soul-warming recipe.

What Makes Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon So Comforting

  • Comfort in a Bowl: This potato soup wraps you in warmth with its rich, creamy texture and hearty ingredients that feel like a cozy hug on a chilly day.
  • Bacon Lover's Dream: Crispy bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch that elevates the soup from simple to spectacular, creating layers of irresistible flavor in every spoonful.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: With just one pot and basic ingredients, you can whip up this restaurant-quality soup faster than ordering takeout, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
  • Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt the soup by adjusting toppings or consistency, ensuring it appeals to everyone from picky kids to discerning adults with different texture preferences.

Ingredients for Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon

Meat Base:
  • Bacon: A flavor-packed ingredient that adds a smoky and rich taste to the soup.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Celery, Carrots, Garlic: A classic combination of aromatic vegetables that create a deep and savory flavor foundation for the soup.
Soup Base and Thickeners:
  • Chicken Stock: A flavorful liquid that provides the primary cooking liquid for the soup.
  • Milk: Adds creaminess and smoothness to the soup's texture.
  • Flour: Helps to thicken the soup and create a smooth, velvety consistency.
  • Potatoes: The main ingredient that provides heartiness and substance to the soup.
Seasonings:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the soup.
Garnishes:
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Scallions: Toppings that add extra flavor, texture, and visual appeal to the finished soup.

Step-by-Step Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Instructions

Step 1: Crisp Up Bacon

Cook bacon in a large pot over medium heat until it turns golden and crispy.

Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, allowing excess grease to drain.

Preserve the delicious bacon drippings in the pot for added flavor.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Toss these vegetables into the bacon drippings:
  • Onions
  • Celery
  • Carrots
  • Garlic

Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and translucent, releasing their wonderful aromas.

Step 3: Create a Flavor Base

Sprinkle flour over the softened vegetables and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes.

This process creates a roux that will help thicken the soup and develop a rich flavor profile.

Step 4: Build the Liquid Foundation

Slowly pour in:
  • Chicken stock
  • Milk

Stir constantly to ensure a smooth, lump-free mixture that combines beautifully with the vegetable base.

Step 5: Cook Potatoes to Perfection

Add potatoes to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.

Reduce heat and let the soup simmer gently.

Cook until potatoes become tender and easily pierced with a fork, typically 15-20 minutes.

Step 6: Customize Soup Texture

Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup.

You can choose to create a slightly creamy consistency or keep it chunky, depending on your preference.

Step 7: Season and Enhance

Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste.

Adjust seasonings until the flavor profile is exactly to your liking.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Top the soup with:
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Chopped scallions
  • Crispy bacon pieces

Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, hearty potato soup.

Pro Tips for Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon

  • Save some crispy bacon bits for a crunchy topping that adds extra flavor and texture to your soup.
  • Cooking flour in bacon drippings helps prevent a raw flour taste and creates a rich, smooth base for the soup.
  • Use an immersion blender carefully to maintain some potato chunks for a rustic, hearty feel – don't over-blend.
  • Replace milk with half-and-half or heavy cream for an even more luxurious and creamy soup consistency.
  • Substitute cauliflower for some potatoes to reduce carbohydrates while keeping the soup's comforting essence.

Flavorful Variations on Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon

  • Vegetarian Potato Soup: Replace bacon with smoked paprika and use vegetable stock. Add sautéed mushrooms for umami flavor and depth.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Swap milk with coconut milk or almond milk. Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a creamy, cheesy taste.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and chili powder. Top with pepper jack cheese and jalapeño slices for extra heat.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon

  • Cozy Comfort Bowl: Pair this hearty soup with a warm slice of crusty bread or cornbread for dipping and soaking up the delicious creamy broth.
  • Salad Sidekick: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy soup and add a fresh contrast.
  • Lunch Champion: Make this soup a complete meal by adding a grilled cheese sandwich on the side for a classic, satisfying combination that feels like a warm hug.
  • Garnish Galore: Experiment with extra toppings like a dollop of sour cream, extra crispy bacon bits, chopped chives, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to elevate the flavor profile.

How to Store Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Properly

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing toppings like bacon and cheese.
  • Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken stock or milk to restore creamy consistency if needed. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warm.
  • Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Add fresh toppings after reheating to maintain crispness.

FAQs

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, substitute bacon with vegetable bacon or smoked paprika for flavor, use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock, and skip bacon drippings by using olive oil.

  • Is this soup healthy?

The soup contains vegetables and can be moderately nutritious, but it’s also rich due to bacon, cheese, and dairy. To make healthier, use lean bacon, low-fat milk, and increase vegetable portions.

  • What type of potatoes work best?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal. They hold their shape well and provide a creamy, smooth texture when blended. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes.

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Creamy Potato Soup With Bacon Recipe

Creamy Potato Soup With Bacon Recipe


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4.5 from 16 reviews

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

Description

Comforting creamy potato soup with bacon delights taste buds with its rich, hearty blend of smooth potatoes and crispy bacon bits. Warm spoonfuls promise a satisfying meal that brings wholesome flavor to your table.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
  • 2 cups (236.588 ml) whole milk
  • 2 cups chicken stock

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 3 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Thickeners and Toppings:

  • 1/3 cup (40 grams) all-purpose flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
  • Diced scallions (for topping)
  • Bacon pieces (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Render bacon in a large pot over medium heat until golden and crisp, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, preserving the rendered fat.
  2. Sauté diced onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic in the bacon drippings until vegetables become translucent and tender, approximately 5 minutes.
  3. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste and create a smooth base.
  4. Slowly pour chicken stock and milk into the pot, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a silky consistency.
  5. Add cubed potatoes and increase heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce temperature and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
  6. Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, creating a velvety texture while maintaining some vegetable chunks for rustic appeal.
  7. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
  8. Garnish with sharp cheddar cheese, thinly sliced scallions, and crumbled bacon pieces just before serving.

Notes

  • Choose thick-cut bacon for richer flavor and crispier texture, which enhances the overall soup experience.
  • Swap bacon drippings with olive oil and use turkey bacon for a lighter version that still delivers great taste.
  • Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to make the soup celiac-friendly without compromising thickness.
  • Substitute bacon with smoked paprika and use vegetable stock to create a similar depth of flavor while keeping the recipe meat-free.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

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