Are you craving a warm, comforting bowl of deliciousness that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This creamy potato and bacon soup recipe is the perfect answer for a cozy weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend lunch. It’s a simple yet elegant dish, bursting with rich flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. This healthy meal is also a fantastic way to use up leftover potatoes, making it both budget-friendly and delicious. Get ready to elevate your homemade cooking game with this easy recipe!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and diced (Yukon Gold or russet work best)
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or cream (heavy cream for extra richness)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Easy as 1, 2, 3!
This easy-to-follow guide will have you enjoying a bowl of this delightful soup in under an hour.
Step 1: Bacon Bliss
Start by cooking the diced bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the bacon grease in the pot. Set the crispy bacon aside; we'll use it later for garnish.
Step 2: Aromatic Base
Add the chopped onion to the pot with the bacon grease and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Potato Perfection
Add the diced potatoes, vegetable or chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Creamy Dreamy
Once the potatoes are tender, carefully transfer the soup to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until smooth and creamy. Stir in the milk or cream. If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can partially blend the soup or mash some of the potatoes before adding the cream.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Return the soup to the pot (if using a blender) and gently heat through. Stir in the reserved crispy bacon. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh chives.
Cooking Tips and Variations: Make it Your Own!
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Cheese please: Stir in some shredded cheddar cheese or Gruyere for extra cheesy goodness.
- Herby delight: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary or parsley.
- Leftover magic: This soup is even better the next day! The flavors meld beautifully overnight.
- Make it vegan: Use vegetable broth and plant-based milk or cream for a delicious vegan version.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 300-400
- Fat: 15-25g
- Protein: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This creamy potato and bacon soup is a true comfort food classic. It’s a quick dinner idea perfect for busy weeknights and a delicious dish that everyone will enjoy. Try it today and experience the warmth and flavor for yourself! Share your culinary creations with us – we'd love to see your delicious results!