Creamy Bacon Potato Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining the rich flavors of crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and a velvety soup base. This hearty dish is perfect for a cozy night in or as an appetizer for a family dinner. Topped with cheddar, scallions, and sour cream, it tastes like a loaded baked potato in soup form!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- For the Soup:
- ¼ pound bacon, chopped into matchsticks
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 sprig thyme
- 1 cup half-and-half
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded yellow cheddar cheese
- 6 scallions, thinly sliced
- ¾ cup sour cream
Directions
- Cook the Bacon:
- Scatter the chopped bacon in a cold Dutch oven. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the bacon renders its fat and becomes crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Cook the Onion:
- Add the butter to the pot. Once melted, stir in the diced onion. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and lightly browned.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Add garlic, potatoes, chicken stock, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Blend the Soup:
- Remove the thyme sprig. Stir in the half-and-half. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped scallions, and a dollop of sour cream. Alternatively, serve the garnishes on the side for a customizable dining experience.
Nutrients
- Serving Size: 1 portion (out of 6 servings)
- Calories: ~310 kcal
- Nutritional Breakdown:
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
This Creamy Bacon Potato Soup is the perfect blend of hearty and indulgent flavors, making it an ideal choice for colder days. Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal!
What Makes Creamy Bacon Potato Soup So Irresistible
A Symphony of Flavors
The soup achieves its rich and comforting flavor profile through a harmonious blend of smoky bacon, savory potatoes, and aromatic garlic and onion. The addition of thyme adds an earthy note, while the half-and-half lends creaminess without overpowering the other flavors.
Loaded Toppings for Extra Indulgence
The garnishes—cheddar cheese, scallions, sour cream, and crispy bacon—are what elevate this soup to a new level. They add layers of flavor and texture, turning a simple soup into a decadent treat.
Customizable and Versatile
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to dietary preferences and pantry availability:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the bacon with smoked paprika and the chicken stock with vegetable broth.
- Dairy-Free Variation: Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of half-and-half and skip the cheese and sour cream or use dairy-free alternatives.
- Texture Options: Blend the soup completely for a smooth consistency or leave it chunky for a more rustic appeal.
Key Ingredients That Shine
Potatoes
The backbone of this soup, potatoes bring a hearty and satisfying texture. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal due to their creamy texture when cooked.
Bacon
Bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor that permeates the soup. Cooking it first ensures the rendered fat becomes a flavorful base for sautéing the onions.
Onion and Garlic
These aromatics provide depth to the soup, enhancing the overall flavor profile with their natural sweetness and savory notes.
Chicken Stock
A good-quality chicken stock forms the foundation of the soup, balancing the richness of the bacon and cream with a light, savory undertone.
Half-and-Half
The addition of half-and-half gives the soup its signature creaminess. It’s a lighter alternative to heavy cream but still delivers a luxurious texture.
Toppings
The toppings are more than decorative; they contribute texture and flavor. Shredded cheddar provides a sharp, tangy richness, scallions offer a fresh and zesty contrast, and sour cream adds a tangy creaminess that ties everything together.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Soup
1. Render the Bacon Slowly
Starting the bacon in a cold pot allows the fat to render out gradually, creating crisp bacon and a flavorful base for the soup.
2. Blend to Your Desired Consistency
An immersion blender makes it easy to control the soup’s texture. Blend completely for a velvety finish, or blend just half for a balance of creaminess and chunks.
3. Season Gradually
Add salt and pepper in layers as you cook. Potatoes absorb a lot of seasoning, so taste the soup before serving and adjust as necessary.
4. Use Fresh Thyme
Fresh thyme imparts a more vibrant flavor than dried thyme. Simply toss in a sprig and remove it before blending for a subtle herbal note.
5. Make It Ahead
This soup is a fantastic make-ahead option. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even better the next day. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or stock if it thickens too much.
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Bacon Potato Soup
Pair It with Crusty Bread
A slice of warm, crusty bread or a garlic baguette is the perfect companion to this creamy soup. Use it to scoop up the soup or soak up the flavors in the bowl.
Add a Fresh Salad
A side of crisp greens with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
Serve as a Starter
For a multi-course meal, serve smaller portions of this soup as an appetizer to whet the appetite before the main course.
Make It a Meal
Add grilled chicken or roasted vegetables on the side to turn this soup into a complete, hearty dinner.
Why This Recipe is a Keeper
Quick and Easy Preparation
Despite its luxurious flavor, this soup comes together quickly with basic pantry ingredients. It’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights or when you’re craving comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal
The familiar flavors of bacon and potatoes make this soup a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings.
Adaptable for Leftovers
Have extra soup? It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep. You can also use leftover soup as a sauce for casseroles or pasta dishes.
Health Benefits of Creamy Bacon Potato Soup
- Rich in Fiber: Potatoes provide dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes satiety.
- Protein-Packed: Bacon and chicken stock contribute protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.
- Vitamins and Minerals: This soup is a good source of potassium (from potatoes), vitamin C, and calcium (from the cheese and half-and-half).
- Comfort Without Guilt: The use of half-and-half instead of heavy cream keeps the soup creamy while reducing calories and fat.
Conclusion: A Bowl of Pure Comfort
Creamy Bacon Potato Soup is more than just a dish; it’s an invitation to indulge in comfort and nostalgia. Its rich, hearty flavors and velvety texture make it the ultimate choice for cozy evenings or special occasions. Whether served as a main course or a starter, it’s a versatile recipe that never fails to impress.