Soup with Potatoes, Bacon, Parmesan, and Sour Cream

2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic

• Sauté the onion and garlic: In the same pot with the bacon fat, add the diced onion. Cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning the garlic.

3. Cook the Potatoes

• Add the potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir to combine with the onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the potatoes to lightly brown and soak up the flavors from the bacon fat and sautéed onions.
• Add the broth: Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring that the potatoes are fully covered. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.

4. Blend the Soup (Optional)

• Blend the soup: For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot, or carefully transfer half of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth. You can blend the entire soup or leave some chunks for texture—this step is entirely optional depending on how smooth you prefer your soup.

5. Add the Cream and Parmesan

• Stir in the cream: Once the potatoes are tender and the soup has reached your desired consistency, add the heavy cream and stir to combine. This will give the soup its creamy base and rich texture.
• Add the Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the soup. The Parmesan will add a savory, salty depth of flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients.

6. Finish with Sour Cream and Bacon

• Add the sour cream: Stir in the sour cream for an extra creamy finish and a tangy kick that elevates the soup’s flavor. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and thyme (if using) as needed.
• Top with bacon: Just before serving, sprinkle the crispy bacon you set aside earlier into the soup and give it a gentle stir. The bacon adds a savory, crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup.

7. Serve and Garnish

• Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. You can also add a little extra grated Parmesan on top if desired.
• Enjoy: Your rich, creamy, and indulgent soup with potatoes, bacon, Parmesan, and sour cream is now ready to enjoy! Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Why This Recipe Works

• Creamy and Rich: The combination of heavy cream, Parmesan, and sour cream creates a luxuriously creamy base that is both satisfying and indulgent.
• Perfect Texture: Blending some of the soup makes it thick and velvety, while leaving some potato chunks provides heartiness and texture.
• Crispy Bacon: The crispy bacon not only adds flavor but also provides a delightful crunch that complements the creamy soup.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: This recipe relies on a few basic ingredients that, when combined, create a flavorful and comforting dish. The bacon, Parmesan, and sour cream come together to elevate the simple potato soup to something truly special.

Tips for Success

• Use starchy potatoes: For the creamiest texture, use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold. They break down slightly as they cook, thickening the soup naturally.
• Adjust consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or let it simmer longer. If you like it thinner, add more broth or water.
• Make ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together!
• Vegetarian option: To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can replace the bacon with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for added depth of flavor.

Conclusion

This Soup with Potatoes, Bacon, Parmesan, and Sour Cream is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor. The savory combination of crispy bacon, creamy potatoes, tangy sour cream, and rich Parmesan makes for a soup that is as delicious as it is satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner on a chilly evening or a hearty lunch, this soup will hit the spot every time.

Easy to make and full of flavor, it’s the perfect dish to serve your family or guests when you want something both comforting and indulgent. Try this recipe today and enjoy the warmth and richness of this classic soup with a twist!