Few things say “comfort” quite like a warm bowl of Hearty Potato & Bacon Comfort Soup. It’s creamy, rich, smoky, and full of flavor — everything you want on a cozy evening or a cold winter day. Each spoonful delivers tender potatoes, crispy bits of bacon, and a velvety broth that wraps you up like a blanket.
This soup takes all the best parts of a loaded baked potato and turns them into a spoonable masterpiece. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something homemade and satisfying, this recipe checks every box. It’s simple, filling, and packed with flavor — the kind of meal that brings everyone back for seconds.
Serve it with crusty bread or a light salad, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate comfort dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Potato & Bacon Comfort Soup
- Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly smoky.
- One-pot recipe — minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
- Made with simple, budget-friendly ingredients.
- Ready in under an hour.
- Great for meal prep or cozy family dinners.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This soup is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few everyday ingredients — potatoes, bacon, broth, and cream — you can create something indulgent and deeply satisfying. The secret lies in layering flavor: crisping up the bacon, sautéing onions in the rendered fat, and simmering everything together until the potatoes turn soft and creamy.
Whether you make it for a weeknight dinner or a lazy weekend lunch, this hearty soup never fails to hit the spot. It’s like a hug in a bowl — warm, rich, and full of love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Soup Base
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
For the Finish
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional but recommended)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for extra richness)
- 2 tablespoons flour (optional, for thickening)
- Chopped chives or green onions (for garnish)
How to Make Hearty Potato & Bacon Comfort Soup (Step by Step)
Step 1: Cook the bacon
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, leaving about 1–2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot.
Step 2: Sauté onions and garlic
Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the potatoes and seasonings
Stir in the diced potatoes, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the potatoes in the flavorful base.
Step 4: Add broth and simmer
Pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Step 5: Make it creamy
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to make a roux, then slowly whisk in milk until smooth and thickened. Pour this mixture into the soup pot, followed by the cream.
Step 6: Add bacon and cheese
Stir in most of the cooked bacon (save some for garnish) and the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue simmering on low heat for 5–10 minutes until the soup thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
Step 7: Serve and enjoy
Ladle into bowls and top with remaining bacon, chives, and a sprinkle of extra cheese if desired. Serve hot with bread or biscuits.
Tips for the Best Hearty Potato & Bacon Comfort Soup
Use the right potatoes
Yukon Gold potatoes give a creamy texture, while Russets break down more for a thicker soup — choose based on your preference.
Render the bacon slowly
Start the bacon in a cold pan and cook low and slow to get perfect crispiness and flavorful drippings.
Don’t skip the roux
It helps thicken the soup naturally while adding a buttery depth.
Add dairy at the end
Avoid curdling by stirring in milk and cream off the heat.
Use freshly shredded cheese
Pre-shredded cheese can make the soup grainy due to anti-caking agents.
Season gradually
Bacon and cheese both add salt, so taste before seasoning.
For a smoother texture
Mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot or use an immersion blender.
Make it ahead
The flavors deepen overnight — perfect for next-day lunches.
Add a smoky twist
Smoked paprika or even a drop of liquid smoke enhances that bacon flavor.
Serve warm
This soup thickens as it cools, so reheat gently with a splash of milk before serving.
Variations & Substitutions
- Loaded Potato Soup: Top with sour cream, chives, and extra cheese.
- Vegetable Add-In: Add corn, peas, or spinach for color and texture.
- Low-Carb Version: Swap potatoes for cauliflower florets.
- Cheesy Bacon Soup: Use sharp cheddar or smoked gouda.
- Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Lighter Option: Replace heavy cream with evaporated milk.
- Herb Lovers: Stir in rosemary or parsley.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based bacon, non-dairy milk, and vegan cheese.
- Instant Pot Method: Sauté bacon and onions, add ingredients, and pressure cook for 10 minutes; stir in cream and cheese after release.
- Slow Cooker Version: Combine everything except dairy and cheese, cook on LOW 6–7 hours, then stir in milk, cream, and cheese before serving.
What to Serve With Hearty Potato & Bacon Comfort Soup
- Garlic bread or crusty baguette
- Green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Cheddar biscuits or cornbread
- Grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort pairing
- Roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots
- Iced tea or apple cider for a cozy drink pairing
Storage & Reheating Tips
To Store:
Cool completely, then refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
To Freeze:
Freeze before adding dairy for best results. Thaw overnight and stir in milk and cream after reheating.
To Reheat:
Warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of milk or broth if it thickens. Avoid boiling to keep the cream smooth.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use turkey bacon?
Yes — it’s leaner but still adds great flavor.
Can I make it without cheese?
Yes — it’ll still be deliciously creamy and savory.
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
Absolutely! Stir them in during the final simmer for extra creaminess.
Can I use plant-based milk?
Yes, unsweetened almond or oat milk works well.
Can I thicken it without flour?
Yes — mash some of the potatoes or add a bit of cream cheese.
Can I make it in a crockpot?
Yes, just add all ingredients (except dairy and cheese) and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours. Stir in cream and cheese before serving.
Can I use red potatoes?
Yes, but they’ll hold their shape more and won’t make the soup as creamy.
Can I add protein?
Shredded chicken or sausage can be added for extra heartiness.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but for best texture, freeze before adding dairy.
Does it taste better the next day?
Yes — the flavors meld and deepen overnight, making it even more comforting.