This Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon is the ultimate comfort food! It’s rich, creamy, and loaded with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and flavorful vegetables. Every spoonful of this soup is warm, satisfying, and full of hearty goodness, making it perfect for cold days or whenever you’re in the mood for something cozy and delicious. The best part? It’s easy to make and uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon :
What’s not to love about a soup that’s creamy, hearty, and packed with bacon? The smoky, crispy bacon adds incredible flavor, while the potatoes give the soup a rich, satisfying texture. The combination of sautéed onions, celery, and carrots, along with garlic and Italian seasoning, ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor. This soup is also customizable—you can adjust the seasoning to your taste and garnish with your favorite toppings.
“This is my go-to recipe for potato soup. It’s comforting, rich, and the bacon adds such an incredible flavor. I love how easy it is to make too!”
Ingredients You’ll Need for Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon :
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon:
- 6 strips thick cut bacon, cut into small pieces: Adds a smoky, salty flavor and a nice crunch.
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped finely: Adds sweetness and depth to the soup.
- 2 sticks celery, chopped finely: Provides an earthy flavor and a bit of texture.
- 1 large carrot, peeled & chopped finely: Adds color, sweetness, and flavor.
- 1/4 cup flour: Helps thicken the soup to a creamy consistency.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic richness.
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
- 4 cups chicken broth or stock: Forms the flavorful base of the soup.
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream: Makes the soup creamy and indulgent.
- 2 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled & diced: The star ingredient—Russets are ideal for this soup because they become tender and creamy as they cook.
- Seasoning salt & pepper or Tony’s Seasoning, to taste: For seasoning and an extra boost of flavor. You can use Tony’s Original Creole Seasoning or Lawry’s Seasoned Salt.
Optional Garnishes
- Reserved bacon pieces: For topping the soup with crispy, smoky goodness.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: For an extra cheesy twist.
- Sour cream: To add a bit of tanginess.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon :
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Add the chopped bacon to a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Cook the bacon, stirring occasionally, until it becomes crispy. This should take about 10 minutes. Once the bacon is fully cooked, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
Pro Tip: The bacon fat left in the pot adds incredible flavor to the soup. Don’t discard it—use it to sauté the vegetables for a richer taste!
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot with the bacon fat, add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and become fragrant.
“Sautéing the vegetables in bacon fat infuses them with a smoky, savory flavor that elevates the entire soup.”
Step 3: Add the Garlic and Flour
Once the vegetables have softened, stir in the minced garlic, flour, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to cook off the raw flour taste and allow the flavors to bloom.
Step 4: Add the Broth and Potatoes
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir well to ensure the flour has fully dissolved into the broth. Add the diced Russet potatoes, the heavy cream, and most of the crispy bacon (save some for garnish later).
Pro Tip: For a vegetarian version, simply substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth.
Step 5: Cook the Soup
Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to a rapid simmer, cover the pot with the lid slightly open, and cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The potatoes should be fork-tender and starting to fall apart, which will help thicken the soup naturally.
Pro Tip: The longer you cook the soup, the thicker it will get as the potatoes break down. If the soup becomes too thick, you can always add a little more broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Once the potatoes are soft, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add seasoning salt, regular salt, pepper, or Tony’s Creole Seasoning for an extra kick. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the reserved crispy bacon.
Pro Tip: For an extra pop of flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to give the soup a little heat.
Frequently Asked Questions :
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes! This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits. Just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this potato soup?
A: While you can freeze it, the texture of the potatoes may change slightly when reheated. If you plan to freeze the soup, you may want to omit the cream and add it in when reheating.
Q: Can I make this soup without bacon?
A: Absolutely! You can omit the bacon and sauté the vegetables in olive oil or butter instead. You can also use turkey bacon or a plant-based bacon alternative for a healthier or vegetarian option.
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon :
This Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon is a meal on its own, but here are some great pairings to serve alongside it:
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the soup.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing for any creamy soup!
“A warm bowl of potato soup paired with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich is comfort food heaven!”
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Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon
This Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon is the perfect cozy meal for any occasion. Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 6 strips thick cut bacon, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped finely
- 2 sticks celery, chopped finely
- 1 large carrot, peeled & chopped finely
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 cups chicken broth or stock
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 2 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled & diced
- Seasoning salt & pepper or Tony's Seasoning, to taste