Posted by The Ultimate Comfort Food – Creamy Potato and Bacon Soup
Nothing warms the soul on a chilly winter evening quite like a hearty bowl of soup. This creamy potato and bacon soup is the perfect blend of rich flavors, wholesome ingredients, and comforting textures. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet family dinner, this soup is sure to be the highlight of your table.
Imagine tender chunks of russet potatoes, savory bites of crispy bacon, and the cheesy goodness of melted Cheddar or Pepper Jack, all swimming in a creamy, velvety broth. This is not just soup—it’s a warm hug in a bowl! Let’s dive into how to prepare this irresistible dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With a slow cooker, the prep is simple, and the flavors have hours to meld into perfection.
- Versatile: Add your favorite garnishes like green onions, extra cheese, or reserved bacon for a personal touch.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish has been a favorite among friends and family for years—perfect for cozy dinners or potluck parties.
Key Ingredients for Creamy Bliss
To craft this decadent soup, we’re using a mix of fresh vegetables, flavorful seasonings, and rich dairy. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken Broth: About 3.5 cups of this savory base provide depth to the soup.
- Russet Potatoes: The star ingredient! Peeled and diced, these starchy potatoes break down to create the perfect creamy texture.
- Diced Tomatoes: A 14-ounce can adds a hint of acidity and balance.
- Yellow Onion: Diced and sautéed for that sweet, caramelized flavor.
- Carrots and Celery: Shredded carrots and diced celery add a subtle crunch and earthy notes.
- Ground Beef and Bacon: A pound of ground beef and 12 ounces of cooked, chopped bacon bring rich, meaty flavor.
- Cheddar or Pepper Jack Cheese: Melty, gooey cheese ties everything together with its creamy consistency.
- Herbs and Spices: A blend of dried parsley, garlic powder, basil, salt, and pepper ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
Preparation Tips for Success
- Bacon Perfection: Bake your bacon on a parchment-lined tray for evenly cooked, crispy pieces without the mess.
- Slow Cooker Settings: Low and slow (6-8 hours) is ideal for fully melding the flavors, but if you’re short on time, the high setting (3-4 hours) works beautifully too.
- Cheese Melting Tip: To avoid clumps, stir the shredded cheese into the soup a little at a time, ensuring it melts smoothly.
Serving Suggestions
Top your soup with freshly sliced green onions, reserved crispy bacon bits, or a handful of shredded cheese. Pair with crusty bread or warm rolls for a complete, satisfying meal.
Recipe for Creamy Potato and Bacon Soup
Ingredients:
- 3.5 cups chicken broth
- 4 russet potatoes, peeled and diced (3–4 cups)
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 package (12 ounces) bacon, cooked and chopped
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup flour (use gluten-free flour if needed)
- 2 cups half and half
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Pepper Jack cheese
- Optional garnishes: green onions, reserved chopped bacon
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients:
Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, potatoes, onion, carrots, celery, parsley, garlic powder, basil, salt, and pepper to your slow cooker. Cover with the lid. - Cook:
- Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften.
- Prepare the Meats:
- About 30 minutes before serving, brown the ground beef in a skillet. Drain the grease and add the cooked beef to the slow cooker.
- Cook the bacon, crumble it, and transfer most of it to the soup, reserving some for garnishing.
- Make the Roux:
- Melt butter in a skillet. Stir in flour and whisk until combined. Gradually add the half and half, whisking constantly for 2–3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Combine and Finish:
- Pour the roux into the slow cooker and stir well. Add shredded cheese and stir until fully melted and incorporated.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with green onions, reserved bacon, and extra cheese if desired. Enjoy warm!
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings Per Recipe 2 | |
| Calories 393 | |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Total Fat 18g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat 11g | 54% |
| Cholesterol 55mg | 18% |
| Sodium 1102mg | 48% |
| Total Carbohydrate 43g | 16% |
| Dietary Fiber 5g | 17% |
| Total Sugars 14g | |
| Protein 16g | 31% |
| Vitamin C 37mg | 41% |
| Calcium 307mg | 24% |
| Iron 2mg | 13% |
| Potassium 1104mg | 23% |
This creamy potato and bacon soup is a must-try recipe that never fails to impress. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for warming up on a cold day. Enjoy!
