The Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy, Dreamy Potato and Bacon Soup

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of potato and bacon soup on a chilly evening. It’s the ultimate comfort food, combining the heartiness of potatoes with the smoky, salty goodness of bacon. This recipe will guide you through creating a truly unforgettable pot of soup that’s both simple to make and bursting with flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to a delicious soup. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound bacon, diced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups heavy cream or milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: chives, shredded cheddar cheese, croutons

Making the Magic Happen

Now that you have your ingredients, let’s get cooking!

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving the bacon grease.
2. Add the onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the potatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
4. Using an immersion blender or carefully transferring the soup to a regular blender, blend the soup until smooth and creamy.
5. Stir in the heavy cream or milk and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Return the cooked bacon to the soup and stir to combine.

Tips and Variations

Boosting the Flavor

Want to add even more depth of flavor? Try these tips:

• Use smoked bacon for an extra smoky kick.
• Add a bay leaf during simmering and remove before blending.
• Sauté some chopped celery with the onion for added complexity.

Making it Healthier

For a lighter version, you can:

• Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
• Reduce the amount of bacon used.
• Add more vegetables like carrots or leeks.

Serving and Enjoying

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings. We recommend crispy bacon bits, fresh chives, shredded cheddar cheese, and crunchy croutons. Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience!

Conclusion

This potato and bacon soup recipe is a classic for a reason. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, this soup is sure to be a hit. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a bowl of creamy, dreamy goodness!