Description
This Old-Fashioned Potato & Bacon Soup is rich, creamy, and packed with comforting flavors. Made with simple ingredients like tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a velvety broth, this classic soup is perfect for cold days or whenever you need a warm, satisfying meal. Serve it with crusty bread for the ultimate cozy experience!
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
- ½ cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Bacon:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 2 tbsp of bacon grease in the pot.
Sauté the Aromatics:
- Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cook the Potatoes:
- Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender.
Make It Creamy:
- In a small bowl, mix butter and flour to form a paste. Stir into the soup to help thicken it.
- Pour in the heavy cream and sour cream, stirring well. Simmer for another 5 minutes until the soup thickens slightly.
Blend (Optional):
- For a chunkier soup, leave the potatoes whole.
- For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup.
Serve & Garnish:
- Stir in half of the crispy bacon. Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Top with remaining bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions.
- Serve warm with crusty bread!
Notes
- Make It Lighter: Substitute whole milk for heavy cream.
- Thicker Soup: Add an extra tablespoon of flour or mash some potatoes.
- Extra Flavor: Use smoked bacon for a deeper taste.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: potato bacon soup, creamy soup, homemade soup, hearty soup, easy soup recipe, comfort food