There’s nothing better than a bowl of warm potato bacon soup on a cold day. It’s creamy, hearty, and full of flavor. This easy soup recipe comes together quickly and is perfect for busy nights or cozy weekends. The crispy bacon and tender potatoes make every bite satisfying, and it’s a comforting meal the whole family will enjoy.
Why We Love This potato bacon soup
Potato bacon soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s creamy, hearty, and full of rich flavors that feel like a warm hug in a bowl. Here’s why it’s a favorite in our kitchen:
- Easy to make: This stovetop soup recipe is incredibly simple to prepare, even on a busy weeknight. With just a few ingredients like potatoes, bacon, and chicken broth, you can create a satisfying meal in no time.
- One-pot wonder: Everything cooks in a single pot, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy the cozy vibes of your meal. It’s also a family-friendly recipe that everyone will love.
- Versatile: While this creamy potato soup is perfect as a standalone meal, it pairs wonderfully with fresh bread, a crisp salad, or even a side of cheese. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or lunch, it’s guaranteed to please.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether you’re winding down after a long day or hosting a casual gathering, this soup fits every mood. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for colder weather but also works for any season.
The combination of crispy bacon and tender potatoes makes this soup incredibly satisfying. The heavy cream adds a richness that takes it to the next level, and every spoonful is filled with comfort.
Ingredients for potato bacon soup
To make this potato bacon soup, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together to create a comforting, rich flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
Russet potatoes – Essential for a creamy, hearty texture.
Bacon – Adds smoky flavor and crunch.
Onion – Adds sweetness and depth.
Garlic – Brings aromatic flavor.
Chicken broth – Forms the flavorful base.
Heavy cream – This makes the soup creamy.
Shredded cheddar cheese – This adds richness and flavor.
Salt and pepper – For seasoning.
Green onions – Optional garnish for freshness.
Instructions
Making potato bacon soup is as simple as it is delicious! Follow these easy steps to create a comforting bowl of soup that will warm you up from the inside out.
Cook the bacon: In a pot, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy (5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside, saving some bacon fat for later.
Sauté the aromatics: In the same pot, cook chopped onion for 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add potatoes and broth: Add diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
Blend the soup: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until creamy, leaving some potato chunks. Alternatively, blend half the soup and return it to the pot.
Add cream and cheese: Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar. Season with salt and pepper.
Finish with bacon: Stir the crispy bacon back in, saving a little for garnish.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with green onions, and enjoy!
This hearty soup is perfect for dipping with warm bread or pairing with a simple salad. The creamy texture, crispy bacon, and tender potatoes make this a meal everyone will love.
Pro Tips
To make sure your potato bacon soup turns out perfect every time, here are a few tips and tricks to elevate the flavor and texture:
Use good quality bacon: The bacon really shines in this recipe, so choose a high-quality, thick-cut bacon. It will crisp up beautifully and bring out the savory, smoky flavor that adds depth to the soup.
Don’t rush the simmering step: Let the potatoes simmer in the broth until they’re tender. This step helps them break down and create that creamy base we all love in a hearty soup. The longer you let them cook, the thicker the soup will get!
For extra creaminess: If you want a super smooth and velvety texture, try adding an extra splash of heavy cream just before serving. This will give the soup a luxurious finish.
Play with the cheese: While cheddar is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile. Adding a little bit of cream cheese will also enhance the creaminess.
Adjust seasoning: After adding the cheese, give the soup a taste test and adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or even a pinch of garlic powder for added flavor. A little sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add a nice kick if you prefer some heat.
Make it ahead: Potato bacon soup actually gets better after sitting for a few hours or even the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld. Make a batch in advance and reheat it for an easy, no-fuss meal later in the week.
Storage tip: If you have leftovers, store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months, though the texture may change slightly once it is thawed.
Variations
This potato bacon soup is already a crowd-pleaser, but there are plenty of ways you can put your own twist on it. Whether you want to add a bit of heat, go for a vegetarian version, or try new flavors, here are some variations to consider:
Add some heat: If you like a little spice, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the soup while it’s simmering. You can also stir in a bit of hot sauce just before serving for an extra kick.
Go vegetarian: For a meatless version, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can still get plenty of savory flavor by sautéing the onions and garlic in olive oil and even adding a few extra herbs like thyme or rosemary for depth.
Cheesy variations: While cheddar is a classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Gruyère or Monterey Jack will give the soup a creamy and slightly different taste. You can also top the soup with a generous layer of Parmesan for an extra cheesy bite.
Serving Suggestions
This potato bacon soup is a complete meal on its own, but there are plenty of ways to serve it up for a fuller experience. Here are a few ideas to make the most of this comforting soup:
Pair with crusty bread: A warm, crusty baguette or sourdough makes the perfect dipping companion for this rich and creamy soup. The bread will soak up all that delicious broth, creating the ultimate comforting combination.
Add a side salad: Serve your soup with a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast to the creamy, hearty soup. A light vinaigrette or a tangy Caesar salad will provide a nice balance.
Top with extra toppings: Give your soup a little extra texture and flavor by topping it with additional crispy bacon, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream. Fresh herbs like chives or parsley can also add a pop of color and freshness.
Serve as an appetizer: This soup can easily be served as a starter for a larger meal. Pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich for a classic comfort food combination that everyone loves.
Make it a meal prep favorite: This soup is perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch and store it in individual containers for an easy lunch or dinner throughout the week. It also freezes well for later use.
This potato bacon soup is versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides to suit your taste. Whether you enjoy it with bread, salad, or extra toppings, there’s no wrong way to serve it!
More soup recipes you will love!
crockpot chicken tortilla soup
FAQs about potato bacon soup
How can I thicken my potato bacon soup?
If you prefer a thicker potato bacon soup, there are a few simple ways to achieve that creamy, hearty consistency:
Mash some of the potatoes: After cooking, use a potato masher to mash a portion of the potatoes directly in the soup. This will help thicken the broth while still keeping some texture.
Blend part of the soup: For an ultra-smooth texture, blend a portion of the soup in a blender or use an immersion blender. Just be sure to leave some chunks for texture.
Add a slurry: You can also mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water, then stir it into the soup. This will thicken the broth without affecting the flavor.
Can I make potato bacon soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make this soup in a slow cooker:
Combine all the ingredients (except the cream and cheese) in the slow cooker.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the potatoes are tender.
Once the potatoes are cooked, add the cream and cheese, then cook for an additional 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Is potato bacon soup gluten-free?
Yes, potato bacon soup can easily be made gluten-free. Just make sure to use gluten-free broth and check that the bacon you use does not contain any gluten-based additives. The rest of the ingredients, like potatoes and cream, are naturally gluten-free.
How can I make potato bacon soup lighter?
If you’re looking for a lighter version of this comforting soup, here are a few simple swaps:
Use low-fat milk or half-and-half in place of heavy cream.
Substitute turkey bacon or chicken bacon for regular bacon to cut down on fat.
Reduce the amount of cheese or use a lower-fat option, such as reduced-fat cheddar.
potato bacon soup
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes peeled and diced
- 6 slices of bacon chopped
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once crispy, remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess fat. Pro Tip: Save a little of the bacon fat in the pot to sauté the onions and garlic—this adds extra flavor to the soup.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the potatoes and broth: Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir to combine with the onions and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the potatoes are just covered with liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Blend for creaminess: Using an immersion blender, carefully blend the soup until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency, leaving some chunks of potatoes for texture. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer half of the soup to a regular blender, blend it, and return it to the pot.
- Add the cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the soup becomes rich and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pro Tip: If you like a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot before adding the cream and cheese.
- Finish with bacon: Stir the crispy bacon back into the soup, saving a small amount for garnish if desired.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, top with green onions for a pop of color and freshness, and enjoy!