Rich and Creamy Potato & Bacon Soup (Comfort in a Bowl)
There’s nothing quite like a rich, creamy potato and bacon soup to warm you from the inside out. This classic comfort dish is silky, hearty, and packed with smoky bacon, tender potatoes, and a luscious cream base—perfect for chilly evenings, cozy weekends, or whenever you crave soul-satisfying food.
This recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Potato & Bacon Soup
- Ultra-creamy without being heavy
- Loaded with smoky, savory bacon
- Comforting, filling, and family-approved
- Perfect for meal prep or freezing
🧄 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lbs russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled & diced
- 3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional but recommended)
- Fresh chives or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar, sour cream, extra bacon
🍲 How to Make Creamy Potato & Bacon Soup
1️⃣ Cook the Bacon
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave about 1–2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot.
2️⃣ Build the Flavor Base
Add butter to the pot, then sauté the onion for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3️⃣ Thicken It Up
Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1 minute to form a light roux. This is what gives the soup its velvety texture.
4️⃣ Add Potatoes & Broth
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring to avoid lumps. Add diced potatoes, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender.
5️⃣ Make It Creamy
Stir in the milk and heavy cream. Using an immersion blender, blend part of the soup until creamy while leaving some chunks for texture. (Or blend half in a blender and return to the pot.)
6️⃣ Finish & Serve
Stir most of the bacon back in, reserving some for garnish. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, topped with crispy bacon, fresh chives, and optional cheese or sour cream.
