This creamy potato soup with bacon recipe is a comforting, rich, and flavorful dish perfect for chilly days. Packed with hearty potatoes, savory bacon, and a velvety cream-based broth, this soup is easy to make and perfect for family meals. The combination of crispy bacon and tender vegetables creates a satisfying texture and taste. Ready in less than an hour, it’s a delicious option for lunch or dinner. This recipe can also be customized with various seasonings and toppings to suit your preferences, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.

Ingredients:

6 strips thick-cut bacon, chopped into small pieces
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
2 sticks celery, finely chopped
1 large carrot, peeled and finely chopped
1/4 cup flour
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
4 cups chicken broth or stock
1 cup heavy cream or whipping cream
2 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
Seasoning salt & pepper, or Tony’s Seasoning, to taste

Instructions:

In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until crispy, about 10 minutes. Once crispy, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrot to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Stir in the flour, garlic, and Italian seasoning, cooking for about a minute while stirring constantly.
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir to combine and dissolve the flour.
Add the heavy cream, diced potatoes, and most of the crispy bacon (save a little for garnish). Bring the soup to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and fall apart easily. Stir occasionally, allowing the soup to thicken.
Season with seasoning salt and pepper to taste. Serve with the remaining crispy bacon sprinkled on top for garnish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy potato soup with bacon is a perfect comfort food, combining hearty potatoes, savory bacon, and a rich, creamy broth. It’s simple to prepare, yet delivers a satisfying and filling meal that everyone will love. The crispy bacon adds the perfect touch of flavor and crunch, making each bite irresistible.

Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this soup due to their starchy texture, which helps thicken the soup. If you prefer, you can use Yukon Gold potatoes for a slightly creamier texture.
Bacon: For a healthier option, you can use turkey bacon, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
Vegetarian Version: To make the soup vegetarian, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Add Cheese: For extra richness, stir in shredded cheddar cheese just before serving.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.

FAQs

Can I freeze this soup? Yes, this potato soup freezes well. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Absolutely! After sautéing the vegetables and bacon, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the potatoes are tender.

Serving

Serve this creamy potato soup with warm, crusty bread or crackers on the side. A simple green salad also makes for a great accompaniment to complete the meal. For an extra touch, top the soup with shredded cheese, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream.

Suggestions

For added protein, consider adding cooked chicken or sausage to the soup.
If you like your soup smoother, you can use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup, leaving some potato chunks for texture.