This Old-Fashioned Potato & Bacon Soup is a comforting, creamy dish that’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a warm bowl of deliciousness. Packed with tender potatoes, smoky bacon, and a rich broth, this classic soup is a family favorite that’s easy to make with simple ingredients.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and nostalgic: Brings back the classic flavors of traditional homemade soup.
- Easy to make: Uses everyday ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Hearty and filling: Perfect as a standalone meal or paired with crusty bread.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with your favorite herbs, seasonings, or toppings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Potatoes
- Bacon
- Onion
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Milk or cream
- Butter
- Flour
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: Cheddar cheese, chives for garnish
Directions
- Cook the bacon: In a large pot, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Sautรฉ the aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the bacon fat. Cook until softened and fragrant.
- Prepare the roux: Stir in butter and flour, cooking for a minute to create a thickened base.
- Add potatoes and broth: Pour in chicken broth and add diced potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until potatoes are tender.
- Blend for creaminess: Using an immersion blender, partially blend the soup for a creamy texture while leaving some potato chunks for heartiness.
- Stir in milk or cream: Add milk or cream, stir well, and heat through.
- Garnish and serve: Crumble the cooked bacon on top and garnish with optional cheddar cheese and chives. Serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian option: Skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Loaded potato soup: Add sour cream, shredded cheddar, and a sprinkle of green onions for a loaded baked potato twist.
- Herbaceous flavor: Include fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley for an extra layer of flavor.
- Spicy kick: Add diced jalapeรฑos or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens during storage, add a splash of milk or broth to thin it out.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup reheats beautifully, making it a great make-ahead option.
2. Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes, Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best, but you can experiment with other varieties.
3. Can I skip the flour?
Yes, you can use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour substitute for thickening.
4. What can I substitute for bacon?
Smoked turkey or vegetarian bacon can be used for a different twist.
5. How do I make the soup thicker?
Use less broth or add extra potatoes. You can also mash more of the potatoes for a thicker consistency.
6. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Carrots, celery, or leeks make great additions.
7. Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, use plant-based milk and butter substitutes.
8. What toppings go well with this soup?
Shredded cheese, sour cream, crispy bacon, green onions, or croutons are excellent choices.
9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and adjust cooking times as needed.
10. What goes well with this soup?
Serve it with a side of crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or a sandwich for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Old-Fashioned Potato & Bacon Soup is a timeless recipe that’s easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just need a bowl of comfort food, this soup is sure to hit the spot. With its creamy texture, smoky bacon, and hearty potatoes, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Try it today and savor the classic flavors!
PrintOld-Fashioned Potato & Bacon Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy and hearty potato and bacon soup is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for cold days. Packed with tender potatoes, smoky bacon, and a rich, velvety broth, it’s a timeless recipe that will warm you up with every spoonful.
Ingredients
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced (about 4 medium potatoes)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (or heavy cream for a richer taste)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels.
- In the same pot, sautรฉ the onion in the bacon drippings until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the butter and let it melt. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking to prevent lumps. Add the diced potatoes and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Use a potato masher or immersion blender to lightly mash some of the potatoes for a creamier texture, leaving some chunks for a rustic feel.
- Stir in the milk (or heavy cream) and shredded cheese (if using). Heat gently until warmed through, but do not let it boil.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with crispy bacon, green onions, or parsley.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth slightly or mash more potatoes.
- If you prefer a lighter soup, substitute the cream with additional milk or a non-dairy alternative.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra flavor.
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