Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe

Looking for the ultimate comfort food that combines rich, creamy textures with the smoky goodness of bacon? This creamy potato soup with bacon is the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly day. It's a hearty, flavor-packed soup that’s simple to make, full of satisfying ingredients like tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a velvety broth. Whether you're serving it as a starter or as the main event, this recipe will become a staple in your comfort food collection. Read on for the full recipe, variations, and tips to make it your own!

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What is Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon?

Creamy potato soup with bacon is a rich and flavorful soup made from tender potatoes, creamy broth, and, of course, crispy bacon. The addition of bacon adds a smoky, savory element that pairs perfectly with the creaminess of the potatoes. The soup is thickened with flour or a roux, then enriched with cream or milk to create a velvety smooth texture. Topped with extra bacon, cheese, and fresh herbs, this soup is indulgent and satisfying—perfect for a cozy night in or a special family meal.

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Ingredients List for Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon

Here’s everything you need to make this delicious soup:

• 6 medium russet potatoes (peeled and diced)
• 1 lb bacon (cut into small pieces)
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• ½ cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for garnish)
• Chopped green onions or chives (optional, for garnish)

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Substitutions and Variations

This creamy potato soup with bacon is incredibly versatile, allowing you to make substitutions and add variations to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:

1. Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for their starchy texture, but you can also use Yukon Gold for a creamier consistency or red potatoes for a slightly different flavor.
2. Bacon: For a lighter version, substitute turkey bacon or even a plant-based bacon alternative. You can also use pancetta for an extra rich, Italian twist.
3. Broth: Chicken broth adds flavor, but vegetable broth is a great alternative if you prefer a vegetarian option (just omit the bacon or use plant-based alternatives).
4. Cream: For a lighter soup, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also use whole milk or a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk or almond milk, though this will slightly change the flavor.
5. Extra Veggies: Feel free to add extra vegetables like carrots, celery, or even corn to boost the flavor and nutritional value.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your creamy potato soup with bacon:

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 7-10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In the same pot with the bacon fat, add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
3. Make a Roux: Add the butter to the pot and let it melt. Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for 2 minutes while stirring to eliminate the raw flour taste.
4. Add the Potatoes and Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add the diced potatoes, bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce the heat. Let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
5. Mash or Blend the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are soft, use a potato masher to mash them directly in the pot for a chunkier texture. For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until creamy.
6. Add the Cream and Sour Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and sour cream (if using) until fully incorporated. Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Season and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
8. Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions or chives. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.

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How to Cook Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon: A Step-by-Step Guide

For a quick overview, here’s a summary of the steps:

1. Cook Bacon: Fry bacon until crispy and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Cook onions and garlic in the bacon fat.
3. Make Roux: Stir in butter and flour to make a roux.
4. Add Potatoes and Broth: Add diced potatoes and chicken broth, simmer until potatoes are tender.
5. Mash or Blend: Mash or blend the soup to your desired consistency.
6. Add Cream and Season: Stir in cream, sour cream, and seasonings.
7. Serve: Garnish with bacon, cheese, and herbs, and serve hot.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your creamy potato soup with bacon turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:

1. Overcooking the Bacon: Be careful not to burn the bacon. Cook it until crispy, but still chewy, so it doesn’t turn too brittle when crumbled into the soup.
2. Not Cooking the Roux Properly: Make sure to cook the roux (butter and flour mixture) long enough to remove the raw flour taste. This usually takes about 2 minutes.
3. Overcooking the Potatoes: Potatoes should be tender but not falling apart. Check them regularly to avoid turning the soup into a mushy consistency.
4. Adding Cream Too Early: Adding cream while the soup is still too hot can cause it to curdle. Be sure to add the cream after the soup has been blended and the heat has been reduced.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

The presentation can make your creamy potato soup with bacon even more inviting. Here are a few ideas to take it up a notch:

• Top with Generous Garnishes: Add crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped green onions or chives for a visually appealing and delicious finishing touch.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: A side of warm, crusty bread or garlic toast is perfect for soaking up the creamy broth.
• Use Fun Bowls: Serve the soup in rustic bowls or even bread bowls for a fun, restaurant-style presentation.

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How to Serve Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon

This creamy potato soup is versatile enough to be served as a main course or a side dish. Here are some serving ideas:

1. As a Main Dish: Serve a hearty portion of the soup with a side of bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
2. As a Side Dish: Pair the soup with a sandwich, like a grilled cheese or BLT, for the ultimate comfort food combo.
3. For Meal Prep: This soup keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days and can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave for an easy, comforting meal.

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Presentation Ideas for Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon

Take your soup to the next level with these presentation ideas:

• Bread Bowls: Hollow out small loaves of bread and serve the soup inside for a fun and edible serving dish.
• Layered Toppings: Create a layered look by adding bacon, cheese, and herbs in separate layers on top of the soup.
• Sprinkle with Paprika: For an extra pop of color and subtle smoky flavor, sprinkle a little paprika or smoked paprika over the top.

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Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe Tips

• For Extra Creaminess: If you want an even richer soup, stir in a little cream cheese or mascarpone during the final stages of cooking.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
• Boost the Flavor: Stir in a dash of Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard for a subtle, savory flavor boost.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze creamy potato soup with bacon?
A: Yes, this soup can be frozen. However, soups with dairy may change texture slightly after freezing. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. When reheating, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stove, stirring in additional cream if needed.

Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day. Make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just

reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Q: How can I make this soup gluten-free?
A: To make this soup gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or use cornstarch as a thickening agent. Simply mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry and add it to the soup.

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Conclusion

This creamy potato soup with bacon is the ultimate comfort food, blending rich, velvety textures with the savory crunch of bacon. Whether you’re serving it as a cozy dinner for the family or prepping it ahead for the week, this soup is sure to satisfy. With its simple ingredients and endless customization options, it’s a versatile dish that can be tailored to suit any taste or dietary preference. So grab your ingredients and enjoy a bowl of creamy, bacon-y goodness!

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