Easy Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon
Enjoy our creamy potato soup recipe featuring golden potatoes, rich cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon. This easy-to-make comfort food is perfect for chilly evenings and is customizable with your favorite toppings. Enjoy a warm bowl of deliciousness in just 45 minutes!
There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of creamy potato soup to soothe the soul and satisfy your taste buds. This easy-to-make comfort food is perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving a filling meal.
Today, we’re sharing a delectable creamy potato soup recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Ready in 30 minutes, this delicious soup recipe is perfect for busy weeknight dinners!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Potato Soup
This creamy potato soup recipe is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons:
- It’s quick and easy to prepare, taking only about 30 minutes of cooking time.
- The soup is incredibly creamy and flavorful, thanks to the combination of milk, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese.
- Golden potatoes provide a rich, buttery taste and smooth texture.
- The addition of bacon enhances the flavor even more, plus other customizable toppings allow everyone to personalize their bowl.
Ingredients for the Perfect Creamy Potato Soup
- 2 pounds cubed golden potatoes
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups of 2% milk
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream, or to taste
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping
- Chives for topping
- Crumbled bacon for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make the Perfect Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon
Start by melting the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become slightly softened and aromatic. This step builds a flavorful base for your soup. Pour in the chicken broth and milk, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
Add the cubed golden potatoes to the pot and cover with a lid. The potatoes are the star of this dish, so make sure they’re evenly cut for consistent cooking. Allow the soup to simmer until the potatoes are tender, which should take about 30 minutes. You can test the potatoes by piercing them with a fork – they should be soft but not falling apart.
Once the potatoes are cooked, reduce the heat to low. It’s time to add the creamy elements that make this soup so indulgent. Pour in the heavy cream and add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the soup.
Ladle the hot soup into bowls, and get ready for the fun part – toppings! Sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top, add a dollop of sour cream if desired, and garnish with fresh chives and crispy bacon crumbles. Serve your creamy potato soup immediately while it’s hot, and enjoy the comforting flavors!
Tips for the Best Creamy Potato Soup
To elevate your soup-making game, consider these helpful tips:
- Choose the right potatoes: Golden potatoes are ideal for this recipe as they have a naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture when cooked.
- Don’t overcook the potatoes: While you want them tender, overcooked potatoes can make your soup gummy.
- Adjust the consistency: If the soup is too thick, add more milk or broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered to reduce.
- Make it vegetarian: Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth.
- Prep ahead: You can chop the onions and potatoes in advance to save time.
Variations to Try
While this creamy potato soup recipe is delicious as is, don’t be afraid to experiment with these variations:
- Loaded baked potato soup: Add sour cream to the soup and top with extra bacon, cheese, and green onions.
- Cheesy broccoli potato soup: Stir in some steamed broccoli florets before serving.
- Spicy potato soup: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños for heat.
- Herb-infused: Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist.
Storing and Reheating
This creamy potato soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to thin it out as it reheats.
Perfect Pairings
Creamy potato soup pairs wonderfully with:
- A crisp green salad
- Crusty bread or garlic toast
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- A light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Add all ingredients except the cream and cheese to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cream and cheese before serving.
Is it possible to freeze this creamy potato soup?
While you can freeze it, cream-based soups tend to separate when thawed. If freezing, do so before adding the cream and cheese, then add these when reheating.
Can I use different types of potatoes?
Absolutely! While golden potatoes are recommended for their creamy texture, you can use Russet or red potatoes as well. Each will give a slightly different texture and flavor to the soup.
How can I make this soup healthier?
Try using low-fat milk instead of 2%, and reduce the amount of cheese. You can also add more vegetables like celery or carrots for added nutrition.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter version.
This creamy potato soup recipe is a versatile, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next gathering, this soup is sure to impress. So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort food bliss!
Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon
Ingredients
- 2 pounds cubed golden potatoes
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups of 2% milk
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream, or to taste
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping
- Chives, for topping
- Crumbled bacon, for topping
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven on the stove over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot and saute until slightly softened and aromatic.
- Add the chicken broth and milk, season with the desired amount of salt and pepper, and stir to combine.
- Add the cubed potatoes and place a lid on the pot.
- Allow the soup to simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream and shredded cheese. Stir until combined and the cheese is fully melted.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra shredded cheese, chives, and bacon crumbles. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Last updated on December 2nd, 2024 at 07:19 am
