Description
This Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for chilly days. Made with tender Russet potatoes simmered in a rich and savory broth, blended with crispy bacon, sautéed vegetables, and a touch of cream, this soup offers a perfect balance of creamy texture and smoky flavor. Easy to make on the stovetop, it’s a crowd-pleaser ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 6 strips thick cut bacon, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 sticks celery, finely chopped
- 1 large carrot, peeled & finely chopped
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 cups chicken broth or stock
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 2 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled & diced
Seasoning
- Seasoning salt & pepper or Tony’s Seasoning, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: Add the bacon pieces to a Dutch oven or large soup pot set over medium-high heat. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and browned.
- Set Aside Bacon: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the crispy bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Leave the rendered bacon fat in the pot for added flavor.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the finely chopped onions, celery, and carrots to the pot with the bacon fat. Sauté the vegetables over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Flour and Seasoning: Stir in the flour, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Cook this mixture for about one minute, stirring almost constantly to form a roux and prevent burning.
- Add Broth and Scrape: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to dissolve the flour. Scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot to enhance the soup’s flavor.
- Add Cream, Potatoes, and Bacon: Stir in the heavy cream, diced potatoes, and most of the cooked bacon pieces (reserve some bacon for garnish). Increase heat to high and bring the soup to a boil.
- Simmer Until Tender: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a rapid simmer with the lid slightly ajar. Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fall-apart tender and the soup has thickened.
- Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning by adding salt, pepper, or Tony’s seasoning to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the reserved crispy bacon pieces before serving.
Notes
- Use Russet potatoes for the best texture—they break down easily and thicken the soup.
- If you prefer a smoother consistency, partially mash the potatoes as they cook or use an immersion blender.
- The bacon fat adds essential flavor; do not discard it after cooking the bacon.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute the cream with coconut milk or almond milk, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
- Season to taste with either seasoning salt, black pepper, or Tony’s seasoning for an extra kick.
