Introduction
Enjoy the decadent flavors of Creamy Potato and Bacon Soup, a combination of earthy potatoes and smoky bacon in a comforting, delicious soup. This simple recipe for household comfort perfectly mirrors the favorite loaded baked potato, piled high with a creamy soup base, crispy bacon, and cheesy bits.
Why Make This Recipe
If you love soup and comfort food, this Creamy Potato and Bacon Soup is for you. It is not only hearty and filling but it is also relatively quick to whip up, perfect for weeknight dinners. The bacon infuses the soup with savory flavor while the potato makes it hearty and satisfying. Best of all, the ingredients list is simple and straightforward.
How to Make Creamy Potato and Bacon Soup
Ingredients :
– 6 slices of bacon, chopped
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup milk
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
– 2 tablespoons chopped chives (optional)
Directions :
1. Firstly, cook the chopped bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Then, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside.
2. Using the bacon drippings in the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
3. Add the peeled and diced potatoes to the pot, followed by the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil then lower the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender.
4. Blend the soup using an immersion blender for a smooth texture. You can also leave some chunks for added texture.
5. Stir in the milk, heavy cream, thyme, and season it with salt and pepper. Let it simmer on low heat until heated through.
6. Finally, stir in the crispy bacon and add the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined. Serve hot, garnished with chopped chives if you like.
How to Serve Creamy Potato and Bacon Soup
Serve the Creamy Potato and Bacon Soup hot. You can top it with extra crispy bacon, some shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped chives. A side of crusty bread or a simple green salad would also be great accompaniments.
How to Store Creamy Potato and Bacon Soup
Store the leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge. It would last for about 3 days.
Tips to Make Creamy Potato and Bacon Soup
Always cool the soup before storing it in the fridge. For reheating, slowly heat the soup at a low temperature to avoid it from curdling.
Variation (if any)
Instead of bacon, you can try using pancetta or ham. For a vegetarian option, you could leave out the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
FAQs
1. Can I use a blender or food processor instead of an immersion blender?
Yes, you can use a regular blender or food processor. Just be careful not to overfill it, and let the soup cool slightly first.
2. Can I freeze the soup?
Cream-based soups sometimes separate when thawed and reheated. If you plan to freeze it, hold off on adding the cream. Thaw the soup in the fridge overnight before reheating and adding the cream.
3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cheddar cheese with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère.