Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! When the temperatures drop and you’re craving a hearty, warming meal that feels like a big hug, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of Creamy Potato and Bacon Soup. This isn’t just soup; it’s a rich, velvety, and incredibly satisfying concoction packed with tender potatoes, savory bacon, and often a touch of cheesy goodness. It’s pure comfort in every spoonful and guaranteed to warm you from the inside out!
Why I Love This Recipe
What’s not to love about a soup that’s both wholesome and incredibly indulgent? I’m absolutely obsessed with Creamy Potato and Bacon Soup because it strikes that perfect balance. The tender, starchy potatoes create a naturally thick and creamy base, while the crispy bacon adds a crucial layer of salty, smoky flavor and delightful texture. It’s fantastic for a cozy weeknight dinner, perfect for feeding a hungry family, or an absolute must for chilly evenings. Plus, it’s easily customizable with your favorite toppings, making it a versatile and deeply satisfying meal for everyone. The aroma that fills your kitchen while it simmers is simply divine!
The Enduring Appeal of Potato Soup
Potato soup, in various forms, is a comfort food staple found in cuisines worldwide, celebrated for its hearty and budget-friendly nature. Its popularity soared in America, especially during colder months, due to the humble potato’s versatility and ability to create a thick, satisfying base. The addition of bacon, a universally beloved savory ingredient, elevates a simple potato soup into a richer, more complex dish.
“Creamy” versions of potato and bacon soup further enhance its comfort appeal, often incorporating dairy products like milk, cream, or cheese to create a luxurious, velvety texture. This Creamy Potato and Bacon Soup recipe embodies that wholesome tradition, offering a nourishing, flavorful, and incredibly comforting meal that feels both familiar and deeply satisfying. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special, a perfect bowl for any time you need warmth and flavor.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting and flavorful Creamy Potato and Bacon Soup:
- 8 slices bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
- 4-5 medium Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (about 2 lbs), peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or extra milk for a lighter soup)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
- Optional Garnishes: Sliced green onions or fresh chives, extra sour cream
Swaps and Notes
- Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for more flavor and texture. Cook it until extra crispy so it crumbles well and adds a fantastic crunch. You can use pre-cooked bacon bits for convenience, but freshly cooked offers superior flavor.
- Potatoes: Russet potatoes are excellent for thickening the soup as they break down easily. Yukon Gold potatoes offer a creamier texture. Dice them into uniform 1/2-inch cubes for even cooking.
- Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth gives you control over the overall saltiness. Vegetable broth can be used for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Dairy: The combination of milk and heavy cream provides richness and creaminess. You can adjust the ratio or use all milk for a lighter soup, though it will be less decadent.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a wonderful tang. You can also use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for extra meltiness, or even a touch of cream cheese for added richness.
- Veggies: Onion, celery, and garlic form a classic aromatic base. You can add other vegetables like corn (add in the last 5 minutes) or finely diced carrots.
- Herbs: Dried thyme is a perfect complement to potatoes and bacon. A bay leaf added with the broth and removed before serving can also deepen the flavor.
Steps for the Recipe
Let’s get this comforting potato and bacon soup simmering!
- Cook Bacon: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the bacon pieces over medium heat until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot (drain off any excess). If you don’t have enough bacon grease, add olive oil to make up the difference.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and celery to the pot with the reserved bacon grease (or olive oil). Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Potatoes & Seasonings: Stir in the diced potatoes, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring to coat the potatoes in the aromatics and seasonings.
- Add Broth & Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook Potatoes: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender.
- Mash (Optional): Once the potatoes are tender, use a potato masher or the back of a large spoon to gently mash about 1/4 to 1/3 of the potatoes against the side of the pot. This will naturally thicken the soup and create a creamier consistency while still leaving some potato chunks.
- Add Dairy & Cheese: Stir in the milk, heavy cream (if using), and 1 cup of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir well until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is smooth and creamy. Bring the soup back to a gentle simmer (do not boil rapidly once dairy is added).
- Serve & Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning (salt, pepper) if needed. Ladle into bowls, top with the remaining crumbled crispy bacon, extra shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions or chives, and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve hot.
Tips for Success
- Crispy Bacon is Key: Make sure your bacon is cooked to a nice crispness for the best texture and flavor contrast in the soup.
- Don’t Drain All Bacon Fat: A little bit of bacon grease in the pot adds incredible flavor to the sautéed vegetables.
- Mash Potatoes for Thickness: Mashing some of the cooked potatoes is a natural way to thicken the soup without needing a roux, creating a hearty texture.
- Gentle Simmer with Dairy: Once you add milk and cream, keep the heat low and maintain a gentle simmer to prevent the dairy from scorching or curdling.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: For the creamiest, smoothest cheese melt, shred cheese from blocks. Pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents that can make the soup grainy.
- Generous Toppings: Toppings are essential for loaded potato soup! Don’t skimp on the extra bacon, cheese, and fresh herbs.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Creamy Potato and Bacon Soup is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
- Crusty Bread: Essential for dipping and soaking up all that delicious creamy broth.
- Simple Side Salad: A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast.
- Sandwich: A classic grilled cheese sandwich or a simple ham sandwich would be a wonderful companion.
- Casseroles: A lighter side for hearty casseroles like my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
- Beverage Pairings: A simple glass of water, iced tea, or a crisp lager would complement this soup nicely.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Creamy Potato and Bacon Soup makes fantastic leftovers, and the flavors often deepen even more the next day!
- Refrigerate: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The soup will thicken considerably upon chilling.
- Reheat: To reheat, gently warm portions in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to thin out the soup and bring it back to your desired creamy consistency. Stir frequently. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through.
- Freezing: Freezing is possible, but the texture of the potatoes and cream can sometimes change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, use freezer-safe containers and leave some headspace. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently, adding liquid as needed.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed the comfort and savory flavors of this soup, you might also like these other hearty and easy-to-make meals:
- For another deep, comforting bowl with Southern flavors, my This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort is a must-try.
- If you love quick and flavorful skillet dinners, check out This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor.
- For truly simple, satisfying comfort food that lets your oven do the work, you’ll love These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays.
- And for another fantastic cheesy dip that’s always a hit, check out This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is The Reason I Never Have Leftovers.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Potato and Bacon Soup is a true triumph of comfort food – it offers all the rich, savory, and cozy flavors you crave in a hearty bowl. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, easy meal prepping, or simply indulging in pure, cheesy comfort. This recipe is a game-changer that will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
I hope you give this amazing soup a try and enjoy every comforting spoonful! Let me know in the comments below if this becomes your new go-to soup recipe, or what your favorite loaded soup toppings are. I always love hearing from you! Happy cooking!
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