Potato and Bacon Soup

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Here’s a complete, detailed recipe for your family-favorite Potato and Bacon Soup, written in the big, rich style you’ve been asking for. 🍲🥓

🥔 Potato and Bacon Soup Recipe

🌟 Introduction

Potato and Bacon Soup is the very definition of comfort food. Creamy, hearty, and rich in flavor, this classic dish combines the earthiness of potatoes with the smoky saltiness of crispy bacon. Loved across generations, it’s the kind of soup that warms not just your body but also your heart. Perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or gatherings where you want to serve something that pleases everyone—even the picky eaters!

🧂 Ingredients

  • 6 medium russet potatoes (peeled and diced)
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon (cooked and crumbled)
  • 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for creamier soup)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
  • 2 green onions (chopped, for garnish)
  • Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

🍳 Instructions & Methods

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

  • In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy.
  • Remove the bacon and place on paper towels to drain. Reserve 2 tbsp of bacon fat in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

  • In the bacon fat, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant (about 3–4 minutes).

Step 3: Build the Base

  • Stir in the butter and flour, whisking to form a roux.
  • Slowly add the chicken broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

Step 4: Add Potatoes

  • Add the diced potatoes to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 15–20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Step 5: Creamy Finish

  • Stir in milk, cream, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  • Use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash some of the potatoes, leaving some chunks for texture.

Step 6: Add Cheese & Bacon

  • Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
  • Crumble half of the bacon into the soup, reserving the rest for garnish.

Step 7: Serve

  • Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
  • Top with extra cheese, crispy bacon, chopped green onions, and parsley.

📜 History of Potato and Bacon Soup

Potato soup has deep roots in European cuisine, especially in Ireland and Germany, where potatoes were a staple crop. Bacon, being an affordable preserved meat, was often added to soups for flavor and nourishment. Over time, the combination of creamy potatoes and smoky bacon became a rustic comfort dish passed down through generations, particularly popular in cold-weather countries. Today, it remains a timeless family recipe across the world.

💚 Benefits

  1. Nutritious & Filling – Potatoes provide fiber, potassium, and vitamin C.
  2. Protein-Packed – Bacon and milk/cream add protein and healthy fats.
  3. Comforting – Warm, creamy texture soothes and satisfies.
  4. Family-Friendly – Loved by kids and adults alike.
  5. Customizable – Can be made lighter with skim milk or richer with extra cream.

🏗 Formation (Serving Ideas)

  • Serve with warm crusty bread or dinner rolls.
  • Pair with a crisp green salad to balance the richness.
  • Offer toppings like sour cream, chives, or jalapeños for extra flavor.

🍽 Nutrition (per serving, approx. 1 ½ cups)

  • Calories: 420
  • Protein: 13g
  • Fat: 24g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sodium: 880mg
  • Calcium: 210mg

❤️ Conclusion with Lovers

Potato and Bacon Soup is not just a meal—it’s a hug in a bowl. Families love it because it’s hearty, flavorful, and endlessly comforting. Lovers of creamy soups and smoky bacon will fall head over heels for this recipe. Whether served on a cold winter night or as part of a cozy family dinner, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles around the table.

✨ For soup lovers, this is the recipe that proves sometimes the simplest ingredients create the most unforgettable flavors.

Would you like me to also create a slow-cooker version of this soup so it’s even easier for family nights?

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