Old-Fashioned Potato & Bacon Soup 🥔
There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of homemade soup. Whether it’s a chilly winter evening, a cozy rainy day, or simply a time when you crave something hearty and fulfilling, this Old-Fashioned Potato & Bacon Soup is the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings.
This recipe is packed with creamy, velvety potatoes, crispy bacon, and aromatic seasonings that will make your kitchen smell absolutely divine. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make with simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
Comforting & Hearty – This soup is thick, creamy, and loaded with flavors that remind you of home-cooked goodness.
Easy to Make – With just a few basic ingredients and simple steps, anyone can whip up this classic dish.
Customizable – You can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste, making it chunkier, creamier, or even adding extra veggies for more nutrition.
Budget-Friendly – Potatoes and bacon are inexpensive, making this a cost-effective yet delicious meal.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need:
4 russet potatoes – Peeled and diced. Russet potatoes are ideal for soups because they break down beautifully, making the soup naturally thick and creamy.
6 slices bacon – Chopped into bite-sized pieces. Bacon adds a smoky, salty depth to the soup.
1 onion – Diced. It provides a sweet, aromatic base.
3 cloves garlic – Minced for a boost of flavor.
4 cups broth – Chicken or vegetable broth works best.
1 cup heavy cream (or milk) – Makes the soup rich and creamy.
Salt, pepper, and thyme – To season the soup perfectly.
Green onions & cheddar cheese – For garnish, adding extra flavor and color.
🔪 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:
1️⃣ Cook the Bacon:
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until it turns crispy and golden brown. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon from the pot and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess grease.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t discard the bacon fat! It adds an incredible depth of flavor to the soup. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot for sautéing the vegetables.
2️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the reserved bacon grease. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions turn soft and translucent. This step enhances the overall flavor of the soup by developing the sweetness of the onions and the richness of the garlic.
3️⃣ Add the Potatoes & Broth:
Toss in the diced potatoes and pour in the 4 cups of broth. Give everything a good stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
💡 Pro Tip: If you like a chunkier soup, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot instead of blending everything.
4️⃣ Blend the Soup (Optional):
Depending on your preferred texture, you can either blend the soup for a smooth, creamy consistency or leave it chunky for a more rustic feel. If blending:
Use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the pot.
Alternatively, transfer portions of the soup to a stand blender and blend until smooth. Be sure to allow steam to escape while blending to prevent pressure build-up.
If you prefer a chunky soup, just mash some of the potatoes with a fork or potato masher while keeping some whole.
5️⃣ Add Cream & Season:
Once the soup has reached your desired consistency, stir in the heavy cream (or milk) for extra creaminess. Add salt, black pepper, and thyme to taste. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
💡 Pro Tip: For a thicker soup, let it simmer for an extra 5-10 minutes. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to adjust the consistency.
6️⃣ Serve & Garnish:
Ladle the soup into bowls and top it with crispy bacon, chopped green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Pair it with warm, crusty bread or buttery biscuits for a complete, comforting meal. 🥖
💡 Serving Idea: This soup tastes even better the next day! The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it perfect for meal prep.
🍽️ How to Store & Reheat:
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Stovetop: Heat on low-medium, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or broth if it has thickened too much.
Microwave: Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
🔄 Variations & Add-Ins:
Want to put your own spin on this classic recipe? Here are some creative ways to customize it:
✔️ Loaded Baked Potato Soup – Stir in sour cream and extra cheese for a flavor reminiscent of a baked potato.
✔️ Vegetable-Packed Version – Add diced carrots, celery, or corn for extra nutrition.
✔️ Spicy Kick – Stir in a dash of cayenne pepper or a spoonful of hot sauce for some heat.
✔️ Lighter Option – Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or low-fat milk to cut down on calories.
✔️ Extra Protein – Stir in cooked shredded chicken for a heartier meal.
❓ FAQs About This Recipe:
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a dairy-free version.
What type of potatoes work best?
Russet potatoes are ideal because they break down easily, making the soup creamy. However, Yukon Gold or red potatoes work too if you prefer a chunkier texture.
Can I use turkey bacon instead?
Absolutely! Turkey bacon is a leaner option, though it won’t render as much fat for sautéing. You might need to add a bit of olive oil or butter.
How do I make this in a slow cooker?
Cook the bacon separately and set it aside.
Add all ingredients (except cream and cheese) to the slow cooker.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Blend (if desired), stir in the cream, and serve!
🏆 Final Thoughts:
This Old-Fashioned Potato & Bacon Soup is a timeless classic that brings warmth and comfort with every spoonful. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or just meal-prepping for the week, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking! 🍲