Creamy Potato Soup With Bacon Recipe

If you're looking for a hearty, delicious, and satisfying soup, look no further! Our Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon recipe is the ultimate comfort food that combines the richness of potatoes with the smoky flavor of bacon. This soup is perfect for cold nights or as a satisfying lunch any time of year. Whether you're an experienced cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow, and you can even adapt it to suit your dietary preferences! Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about making this savory soup, along with tips, tricks, and substitutions.

this Recipe

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What Is Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon?

Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon is a luscious, thick, and rich soup that brings together the creamy texture of russet potatoes with the crunch and flavor of bacon. The potatoes serve as the base, while the bacon adds a wonderful, smoky depth to the dish. It's a dish that's perfect on its own or paired with crusty bread. This versatile soup can easily be customized with various toppings, making it a go-to for family dinners, potlucks, or a simple meal at home.

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Ingredients List for Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon

Before diving into the cooking process, let's take a look at all the ingredients you'll need to make this savory and delicious soup. Here's what you’ll require for the recipe:

1. 6 slices thick-cut bacon – diced (For those looking to make this vegetarian, consider using a meat-free bacon alternative or simply omit this ingredient. See more substitution ideas below.)
2. 1 small yellow onion – diced
3. 3 stalks of celery – diced
4. 2 carrots – peeled and diced
5. 2 cloves garlic – minced
6. ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (40 grams) – This thickens the soup to give it a creamy consistency.
7. 2 cups chicken stock – If you're going vegetarian, feel free to substitute this with vegetable broth.
8. 2 pounds russet potatoes (907 grams) – peeled and diced. Russet potatoes work best for their starchy texture, which makes the soup extra creamy.
9. 2 cups whole milk (236.588 ml) – For a richer consistency, use whole milk, but you can also substitute this with plant-based milk like almond or oat milk if needed.
10. Salt and pepper to taste – Season to your preference.
11. Shredded cheddar cheese – for topping. This is optional but adds a rich, cheesy finish to the dish.
12. Diced scallions – for topping. Adds a burst of color and fresh flavor.
13. Bacon pieces – for topping. Use extra crispy bacon for added texture in every bite.

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Substitutions and Variations

There are endless ways to modify this Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon recipe to fit your needs or dietary restrictions. Here are a few substitutions and variations that you can consider:

1. Vegetarian Version: Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth in place of chicken stock. To replace the bacon's smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the soup base.
2. Vegan Version: In addition to the vegetarian modifications, substitute the whole milk with a plant-based option like almond, oat, or coconut milk. Use olive oil instead of butter, and vegan cheese for the topping.
3. Lighter Version: Use turkey bacon in place of regular bacon, low-fat milk, and reduced-fat cheddar cheese. You can also increase the proportion of vegetables to cut down on the number of potatoes while maintaining a filling soup.
4. Spicy Potato Soup: Add a diced jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper to the soup for a spicy kick. The heat pairs surprisingly well with the creamy base and savory bacon.
5. Loaded Potato Soup: For an extra indulgent version, stir in sour cream, additional shredded cheese, and even a dollop of butter right before serving.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to dive into the cooking process? Let’s go over the step-by-step instructions to make this Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon.

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon pieces using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot (drain the rest), as this will be used to sauté the vegetables.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onions, celery, and carrots to the bacon grease in the pot. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and the onions are translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
3. Add Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir to coat them evenly. Cook for 2-3 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
4. Add Stock and Potatoes: Slowly pour in the chicken stock while stirring to combine it with the flour and vegetables. Add the diced russet potatoes to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
5. Blend the Soup (Optional): For an ultra-creamy texture, you can blend part of the soup. Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup directly in the pot, leaving some chunks of potato for texture. Alternatively, you can transfer half of the soup to a blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
6. Add Milk and Season: Stir in the whole milk and allow the soup to heat through, about 5 minutes. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, diced scallions, and the crispy bacon pieces set aside earlier.

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How to Cook Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon: A Step-by-Step Guide

This guide is designed to make sure you get the best results every time you prepare Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon. Here are the major steps summarized:

1. Prepare and Cook Bacon: Dice and cook until crispy.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Cook onions, celery, carrots, and garlic.
3. Thicken with Flour: Add flour to create the creamy texture.
4. Add Potatoes and Stock: Cook until potatoes are tender.
5. Blend for Creaminess (Optional): Blend part of the soup for a smoother texture.
6. Add Milk and Season: Stir in milk and season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve and Garnish: Garnish with toppings of your choice.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Potatoes: If the potatoes are overcooked, they may break down too much, making the soup overly thick and pasty. Keep an eye on them during the simmering process and test with a fork after 15 minutes.
2. Skipping the Flour Step: The flour acts as a thickening agent. If you skip this step, your soup may end up watery and lacking in that creamy texture.
3. Not Blending Properly: While blending is optional, be cautious if you do choose to blend part of the soup. Don’t over-blend; you want some chunks of potatoes left for texture.
4. Adding Milk Too Early: Adding milk before the potatoes are fully cooked can cause curdling. Always add milk after the potatoes are tender.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

When it comes to serving and presenting your Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon, keep these tips in mind to elevate the experience:

1. Bowls and Toppings: Serve the soup in warm bowls to keep it hot. A generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, a handful of diced scallions, and crispy bacon pieces make for the perfect finishing touches.
2. Add Croutons: Homemade garlic croutons can add a delightful crunch to each bite.
3. Side Dishes: Pair your soup with a side of warm, crusty bread or a simple green salad to balance out the richness of the soup.

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Presentation Ideas for Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon

1. Layered Garnishes: Start with cheese, then add bacon pieces, and finish with a few slices of scallions for a beautiful, layered look.
2. Swirl of Cream: For an elegant touch, drizzle a bit of heavy cream or sour cream on the surface of the soup and swirl it with a toothpick for a restaurant-style presentation.

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Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon Recipe Tips

1. Prep Ingredients Ahead: Have all your vegetables diced and ingredients measured before starting to ensure smooth cooking.
2. Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day. Make a big batch and store it in the fridge for easy reheating throughout the week.
3. Freeze for Later: This soup freezes well, but leave out the milk before freezing and add it when reheating for best results.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes! This soup actually tastes even better when reheated, so feel free to make it a day or two in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove when ready to serve.

2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For freezing, leave out the milk and add it in after reheating.

3. Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes, but russet potatoes are best due to their starch content, which makes the soup extra creamy. Yukon Gold potatoes are a good alternative.

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Conclusion

This Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon recipe is the perfect combination of rich, hearty, and savory flavors. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or preparing it ahead for meal prep, this soup is guaranteed to be a hit. The best part? It’s easily adaptable to fit various dietary needs, and you can add your favorite toppings to make it your own. We hope you enjoy making and eating this comforting dish as much as we do!

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