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Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Peel and chop the potatoes: Start by peeling the russet potatoes and cutting them into 1-inch cubes. You don’t need to worry about making the pieces perfectly uniform, but try to keep them similar in size to ensure they cook evenly.
- Rinse the potatoes: After chopping, rinse the potatoes under cold water to remove excess starch, which will help them cook more evenly and result in a creamier soup.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
- Crisp the bacon: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook until the bacon is crispy and browned, about 6-8 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Save the bacon grease: Don’t throw out the bacon grease! It adds incredible flavor to the soup. You can either use it in the next steps or remove a little if there’s too much left in the pot.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
- Cook the onion: In the same pot with the bacon grease (or with a little butter if you prefer), sauté the chopped onion over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Add the garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter.
Step 4: Make the Soup Base
- Add the potatoes and broth: Add the chopped potatoes to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Mash the potatoes: Once the potatoes are soft, use a potato masher to mash about half of the potatoes in the pot. This will give the soup a thicker, creamier texture while still leaving some chunks of potato for heartiness. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender or transfer a portion of the soup to a blender, but leaving some of the potatoes unmashed adds to the rustic charm.
Step 5: Add the Cream
- Stir in the half-and-half: Once the potatoes are mashed and the soup is thickened, pour in the half-and-half (or milk) and stir to combine. The cream will create a smooth, velvety texture and make the soup rich and comforting. For extra richness, you can also add a tablespoon of butter.
- Season the soup: Add salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika (if using). Stir everything together and taste the soup to adjust the seasoning as needed. The combination of bacon and potatoes already brings a lot of flavor, but a little extra seasoning can make a big difference.
Step 6: Add the Bacon and Simmer
- Return the bacon to the pot: Add the cooked bacon bits back into the soup and stir. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 7: Serve and Top
- Serve the soup: Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving has a good amount of creamy broth, tender potatoes, and crispy bacon.
- Top with garnishes: Add your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions or chives, and extra crispy bacon bits. For an added creamy touch, serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Tips for Making the Best Potato and Bacon Soup
1. Use Russet Potatoes for Creaminess
Russet potatoes are ideal for this soup because they break down well when cooked, creating a naturally creamy texture. If you prefer a creamier version, you can use Yukon Gold potatoes, which have a buttery texture and cook up soft and smooth.
2. Get the Right Amount of Bacon Crispiness
The bacon adds a ton of flavor, so make sure it gets crispy! If you prefer a bit more crunch in every bite, cook the bacon until it’s nicely browned and crisp before adding it to the soup.
3. Adjust the Thickness
If your soup is too thick, you can always add more broth or milk to loosen it up. For a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce the liquid.
4. Customize the Toppings
The toppings are what make this soup fun! While the classic shredded cheddar and crispy bacon are always a hit, feel free to get creative. You can add a swirl of sour cream, sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, or even toss in some croutons for extra texture.
5. Make It Ahead
Potato and bacon soup makes excellent leftovers! It stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors only improve as they sit. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little extra cream or broth to restore the creamy texture.
6. Freeze for Later
You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stovetop. Keep in mind that dairy-based soups can sometimes change texture when frozen, so you might want to add a bit more cream or broth when reheating to bring it back to the right consistency.
Why You’ll Love Potato and Bacon Soup
1. Hearty and Filling
With its combination of creamy potatoes and crispy bacon, this soup is incredibly hearty and satisfying. It’s a one-bowl meal that fills you up and leaves you feeling content.
2. Easy to Make
This soup is quick and simple to prepare, with basic ingredients that come together to create a rich and flavorful dish. There’s no need for fancy techniques — just a few steps to create a bowl of comfort.
3. Customizable
You can make this soup your own by adjusting the seasonings or adding your favorite vegetables like carrots or leeks. Want a bit more spice? Toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
4. Perfect for Any Occasion
Potato and bacon soup is ideal for any meal — whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner, a weekend lunch, or part of a larger holiday spread. It’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Conclusion
Potato and Bacon Soup is the ultimate comfort food — warm, creamy, and packed with flavor. With the combination of tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a velvety cream base, this soup will quickly become a family favorite. It’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own, yet versatile enough to pair with almost any main dish.
Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or preparing a batch for meal prep, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So grab your potatoes, cook up some bacon, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of one of the best comfort foods around!
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