When it gets cold outside, homemade potato soup is just what you need. This easy potato soup recipe mixes bacon, sour cream, and spices like ancho chili powder. It’s a cozy meal that will warm your heart and belly.
Looking for a comforting potato bacon soup or a tasty bowl of delicious potato and bacon soup? This one-pot dish is sure to please.
Lisa Longley created this recipe. It combines creamy textures with a mix of gold potatoes, thick-cut bacon, and chicken stock. It’s perfect for winter, ready in just an hour.
Key Takeaways
- This homemade potato soup is a hearty and comforting meal for colder seasons.
- With ingredients like gold potatoes and thick-cut bacon, the flavor profile is rich and savory.
- The recipe is easy to follow and perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
- Includes detailed nutritional information: 521 calories per serving.
- Can be customized with toppings like shredded cheese, diced scallions, and extra bacon bits for added taste.
Ingredients for Hearty Potato and Bacon Soup
Creating a flavorful potato soup starts with the right ingredients. Let’s explore the essentials needed for the best potato and bacon soup. This soup will delight your taste buds and warm your soul.
Primary Ingredients
- 12 slices of bacon
- 1 (32 oz.) carton of low-sodium chicken broth
- 5 russet potatoes, cubed
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 ribs of celery, diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 (8 oz.) package of cream cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
- 1 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups of half-and-half
- Dried parsley and red pepper flakes for seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
The primary ingredients create the hearty potato bacon soup. Russet potatoes and bacon slices sautéed in bacon fat form the base. Add onion, garlic, and celery for extra flavor.
To thicken the soup, mix flour with milk. Finish with heavy cream or half-and-half for creaminess. This mix ensures a balanced taste and a smooth texture.
Keep your soup fresh by refrigerating it for up to 4 days. Heavy cream should be added after thawing to keep it smooth.
| Nutritional Content per Serving | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 343 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 29g |
| Protein | 14g |
| Fat | 19g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 18mg |
| Sodium | 1327mg |
| Potassium | 638mg |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sugar | 8g |
| Vitamin A | 258IU |
| Vitamin C | 17mg |
| Calcium | 196mg |
| Iron | 3mg |
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Potato and Bacon Soup
Start your journey to a delicious potato and bacon soup. This easy recipe is great for a quick meal. It’s especially comforting on cold days.
Preparing the Bacon and Veggies
First, get your ingredients ready. You’ll need 12 oz of bacon, 1 cup of diced white onion, 5 medium Russet potatoes, and 12 oz of frozen corn. Cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Then, remove it and leave the fat in the pot.
Sauté the onion in the bacon fat until it’s tender. Peel and dice the potatoes. Add them to the pot with the corn. Cook until the veggies are slightly tender.
Crafting the Soup Base
To make the soup base, add 1/2 cup of butter to the pot. Then, add 2/3 cup of all-purpose flour. Stir constantly to make a roux.
Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth slowly. Keep stirring to avoid lumps. Add 1 teaspoon each of dried parsley, salt, and pepper for flavor. Bring to a boil, then simmer.
Stir in 2 cups of heavy whipping cream. Cook until the potatoes are tender. For extra creaminess, puree half of the soup and mix it back in.
- Number of Servings: 10
- Calories per Serving: 449
- Total Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 89mg
- Sodium: 1197mg
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 17g
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
This recipe makes a hearty and flavorful soup. It’s quick to make, under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for when you need a comforting meal fast.
Tips for Making the Best Creamy Potato Soup
Pay close attention to detail to make the best potato and bacon soup. A few insider tips can help you master the dish. Follow these suggestions to enhance both texture and flavor.
Ensuring Perfect Texture
Getting the right texture is key for a delicious creamy potato soup. Start by cutting your potatoes into uniform pieces. This ensures they cook evenly, so no piece is too soft or too hard.
If you like a smoother soup, puree some of it. But, keep some chunks for a mix of creamy and chunky. You can adjust the amount of puree to your liking, for a smoother or chunkier soup.
Enhancing Flavor
To make your potato and bacon soup even better, focus on flavor. Use top-quality bacon and cream. Add ancho chili powder for depth and complexity.
Don’t forget the crispy bacon bits from earlier. Their salty crunch adds a nice contrast. Seasoning is crucial. Adjust spices to your taste and use fresh herbs when you can. For a detailed recipe, check out this creamy potato soup recipe.
Here are some tips to improve your creamy potato soup:
- Storage: Can be stored in the fridge for up to four days.
- Freezing: Limited to six months due to texture issues upon thawing.
- Thickening: Use more boiled potatoes, instant potato flakes, or a cornstarch slurry.
- Cooking Methods: Try stove-top cooking, or microwave roux making for convenience.
- Variations: Vegetarian options are available by skipping bacon and using oil instead.
Potato and Bacon Soup: Variations and Substitutions
The delicious potato and bacon soup can be adjusted for different diets or tastes. You can make it vegetarian or vegan, or try new flavors. There are many ways to change this classic dish.
Vegetarians can make this soup without bacon. Start with butter or oil for the roux. For vegans, use plant-based creams and vegetable stock. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy taste without animal products.
For a richer soup, add cream cheese or Boursin Cheese. They make the soup creamier and more flavorful. Using starchy potatoes or blending the soup can also make it more indulgent.
Seasonings are key to changing the soup’s flavors. Try Italian seasoning or a mix of salt and cayenne pepper for unique tastes.
Here’s a quick look at some common variations and substitutions for this versatile dish:
A cheesy baked potato soup for those who love a cheese-infused experience, or a spicy version by adding chopped jalapenos or red pepper flakes.
This soup is great for meal prep. Make a big batch and store it in the fridge or freezer. Then, you can have a warm, nourishing meal in minutes whenever you want.
Potatoes are full of vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Use low-sodium turkey bacon and add fresh veggies to make your soup healthier.
Serving Suggestions and Toppings
Adding the right toppings and sides can make your potato soup even better. Try using shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and chopped green onions. A dollop of sour cream and seasoned croutons also add great flavor and texture.
Pair your soup with crusty bread, dinner rolls, or garlic bread for extra flavor. Quick breadsticks can be made in just one hour. Grilled cheese sandwiches or easy flatbreads also pair well with the soup’s rich taste. For a healthier option, use cauliflower instead of potatoes to cut calories without losing flavor.
Classic Toppings
Make your potato soup even better with classic toppings. Shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits mix well. Chopped green onions add a fresh touch, while sour cream brings creaminess. Seasoned croutons add a nice crunch.
For a more flavorful soup, try adding fresh black pepper, red chili flakes, or a bit of heavy cream. Main courses like roast chicken legs, Air Fryer Salmon, or Philly Cheesesteak Skillet go great with potato soup. Side dishes like roasted veggies, fresh salads, or broccoli salad add nutrition and variety to your meal.
FAQ
What are the primary ingredients needed for homemade potato soup?
You’ll need a few key ingredients to make a tasty potato soup. Start with bacon slices and unsalted butter. Then, add a yellow onion and garlic cloves. Use all-purpose flour, milk, and heavy cream for creaminess.
Don’t forget the Russet or gold potatoes, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and ancho chili powder. These will give your soup a rich flavor.
How can I ensure the perfect texture in my creamy potato soup?
For the right texture, cut potatoes into the same size pieces. You might want to puree some of the soup. This will mix smoothness with chunky bits.
Adjust the texture by pureeing more for a smoother soup or less for a chunkier one. It’s all about your preference.
What steps are involved in making potato and bacon soup?
Begin by crisping the bacon and cooking the veggies until they’re tender. Then, make a roux with the bacon fat, butter, and flour.
Add broth and spices, then the potatoes and dairy. Simmer until the potatoes are tender. Finally, puree some of the soup for creaminess.
Can I make substitutions or variations for dietary needs?
Yes, you can make the soup fit different diets. Vegetarians can skip the bacon and use butter or oil for the roux. Vegans can use plant-based creams and stocks.
Try different seasonings like Italian seasoning or cayenne pepper for unique flavors.
What are some classic toppings for hearty potato bacon soup?
Classic toppings include shredded cheddar cheese and chopped chives. You can also add bacon bits and a dollop of sour cream. These toppings make the soup look and taste great.
What can I serve alongside potato and bacon soup to complete the meal?
Serve the soup with crusty bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables. These options complement the soup’s flavors and add nutrition to your meal.