Potato and Bacon Soup 

Instructions:

1. Cook the Bacon:

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the pot with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Leave a small amount of bacon grease in the pot for flavor.

2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:

In the same pot with the bacon drippings, add the diced onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

3. Add the Potatoes and Broth:

Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir to coat them in the onion and garlic mixture. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and bring the soup to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once it starts simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

4. Mash the Potatoes:

Once the potatoes are soft, use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot. This helps to thicken the soup and gives it a creamy, chunky texture. You don’t need to mash all of the potatoes—leave some whole for added texture.

5. Add the Milk and Seasonings:

Stir in the whole milk (or heavy cream for a richer soup) and add the dried thyme, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Continue to cook the soup for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is well combined and heated through. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.

6. Finish with Bacon and Garnish:

Return the crispy bacon to the pot and stir it into the soup, saving a little for garnish. Once everything is well combined, ladle the soup into bowls. Top each bowl with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the soup hot with a side of crusty bread for dipping, and enjoy the creamy, savory goodness of Potato and Bacon Soup. It’s the perfect dish for warming up on a cold day or satisfying your comfort food cravings any time of year.

Tips for Making the Best Potato and Bacon Soup:

1. Use Russet Potatoes: Russet potatoes break down nicely when cooked, which helps thicken the soup and gives it that creamy texture. However, you can also use Yukon Gold potatoes for a slightly creamier soup.
2. Crispy Bacon: The bacon is a key ingredient in this soup, so make sure it’s crispy for the best flavor and texture. You can also save a little of the bacon fat to sauté the onions and garlic for extra flavor.
3. Make It Creamier: For a richer soup, replace some or all of the milk with heavy cream. You can also add a bit of cream cheese or cream for extra creaminess.
4. Add Veggies: While the classic version is made with just potatoes, onions, and bacon, you can add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or leeks for more flavor and texture.
5. Adjust the Thickness: If you like a thicker soup, you can mash more of the potatoes. If you prefer a thinner consistency, simply add more broth or milk to reach your desired texture.
6. Spicy Version: For a little heat, add some red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or hot sauce to the soup while it simmers. The smokiness of the paprika also adds depth to the flavor.
7. Toppings Galore: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings! In addition to cheese, sour cream, and herbs, try adding crispy croutons, green onions, or a sprinkle of bacon bits for even more flavor and texture.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try:

1. Comfort in a Bowl: There’s nothing quite like a bowl of creamy soup with crispy bacon to make you feel warm and satisfied. This soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, filling, and perfect for any occasion.
2. Quick and Easy: With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, this soup comes together in under an hour. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and flavorful without a lot of fuss.
3. Customizable: Whether you prefer it extra cheesy, spicy, or with a little more crunch, this soup is highly customizable to suit your tastes. It’s easy to make it your own by swapping out ingredients or adding extra toppings.
4. Great for Leftovers: Potato and Bacon Soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together. It’s perfect for meal prep, and leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Conclusion:

Potato and Bacon Soup is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, savory, and filling, with a delicious crunch from the bacon. It’s an easy, satisfying meal that you can whip up in under an hour, and it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week. Whether you’re craving a warm bowl of soup on a cold day or need a hearty meal to feed your family, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. So grab your ingredients, cook up some crispy bacon, and get ready to enjoy the cozy, delicious goodness of Potato and Bacon Soup!