Name: Creamy Potatoes and Bacon Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 6 slices of bacon, diced; 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves of garlic, minced; 3 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and diced; 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 2 cups milk; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried parsley; Salt and pepper to taste

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Nothing beats a warm, hearty bowl of soup on a chilly day, and this Potatoes and Bacon Soup is the ultimate comfort food. With the perfect blend of creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, and savory seasonings, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓

What sets this Potatoes and Bacon Soup apart is the incredible depth of flavor and the satisfying texture contrast. The silky-smooth potatoes are complemented by the crisp, salty bacon, creating a truly irresistible combination. Plus, this recipe is incredibly easy to make, using pantry staples and minimal prep time. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this soup is sure to hit the spot.

Ingredients

6 slices of bacon, diced
1 onion, diced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
3 lbs Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups milk
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

The beauty of this Potatoes and Bacon Soup is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of creamy potatoes, savory bacon, and aromatic herbs creates the classic comfort food flavor profile that has made soup recipes perennially popular.

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pot, reserving the bacon fat.
Step 2: Add the diced onion to the bacon fat and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Step 3: Add the diced potatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, milk, flour, dried thyme, and dried parsley to the pot. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the soup, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender, about 20-25 minutes.
Step 5: Use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender in batches to puree until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Return the pureed soup to the pot and stir in the reserved crispy bacon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Timing Overview

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes

Compared to traditional potato soups which can take up to an hour to prepare, this Potatoes and Bacon Soup saves you 25% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 330
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 590mg

These Potatoes and Bacon Soup provide approximately 20% of your daily protein requirements and 12% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.

🥬 Make It Even Healthier

• Reduced-fat option: Use low-fat milk and reduced-sodium broth to lower the overall fat and sodium content.
• Lower-carb version: Substitute half the potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lower-carb take on the recipe.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
• Added protein: Stir in shredded chicken or turkey for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add diced celery, carrots, or spinach to increase the vegetable content.

These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Potatoes and Bacon Soup.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with crusty bread or buttery crackers
• Pair with a fresh garden salad for a complete meal
• Complement with a glass of crisp white wine or a cold beer
• For a cozy dinner, serve alongside roasted chicken or baked ham
• Create a soup and sandwich platter with grilled cheese or panini

These versatile Potatoes and Bacon Soup can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, making them the perfect choice for a comforting weeknight supper or a satisfying weekend lunch.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the potatoes: This can result in a grainy, mushy texture. Be sure to simmer the potatoes until just tender, about 20-25 minutes.
• Not blending the soup enough: For the best creamy consistency, use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a regular blender and puree until smooth.
• Skimping on the bacon: The bacon adds a wonderful salty, smoky flavor that really makes this soup shine. Don’t be afraid to use the full 6 slices.
• Forgetting to season properly: Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking for the perfect balance of flavors.

By avoiding these common pitfalls, you’ll ensure your Potatoes and Bacon Soup turns out perfectly creamy, flavorful, and satisfying every time.

🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe

These Potatoes and Bacon Soup retain their quality remarkably well:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the soup up to the blending step, let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop, blending again if needed.
• Freezing baked: Allow the finished soup to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop until warmed through.

With these storage tips, you can enjoy the comforting flavors of this Potatoes and Bacon Soup any time you crave it.

❓ FAQs

How far in advance can I make this soup?

This Potatoes and Bacon Soup can be made up to 4 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. You can also freeze the unbaked soup for up to 3 months, thawing it overnight in the fridge before reheating and blending.

Can I substitute the bacon with something else?

Absolutely! You can use diced ham, crumbled sausage, or even cooked, chopped turkey bacon as alternatives to the traditional pork bacon. Each will impart a slightly different flavor, but the soup will still be delicious.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can easily make this soup dairy-free by substituting the milk with unsweetened almond, oat, or coconut milk. Just be sure to choose a milk alternative that is creamy in texture to maintain the soup’s rich, velvety consistency.

What if my soup is too thick or too thin?

If your Potatoes and Bacon Soup turns out too thick, simply add more broth or milk a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if the soup is too thin, mix a tablespoon of flour with a tablespoon of water and stir it into the pot to thicken it up.

Can I add any extra vegetables to the soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to stir in diced carrots, celery, spinach, or kale to boost the vegetable content. You can also try roasting some cauliflower or broccoli florets to blend into the soup for extra nutrition and flavor.

🎉 Final Thoughts

These Creamy Potatoes and Bacon Soup represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy weeknight meal or a comforting appetizer, they’re sure to impress with their rich, velvety texture and irresistible bacon-y goodness. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Potatoes and Bacon Soup demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the blending process. So grab your spoon and get ready to indulge in a bowl of this ultimate comfort food!