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Old-Fashioned Potato & Bacon Soup – A Warm Hug in a Bowl

Old-Fashioned Potato & Bacon Soup – A Warm Hug in a Bowl
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This Old-Fashioned Potato & Bacon Soup is a hearty and comforting classic. With creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, and a rich, savory broth, it’s the perfect dish to warm up on a chilly day. Easy to make and full of flavor, it’s a family favorite!

Ingredients

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  • 6 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 6 slices of bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk (whole milk or half-and-half for a creamier version)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Bacon:
    In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the pot.

  2. Sauté the Vegetables:
    Add the diced onion to the pot with the bacon drippings and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the onions are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

  3. Simmer the Potatoes:
    Add the diced potatoes to the pot along with the chicken broth, salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

  4. Mash the Potatoes:
    Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes to your desired texture—some prefer a chunkier soup, while others like it smoother. If you like a creamier consistency, you can also use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup.

  5. Add Dairy:
    Stir in the milk, heavy cream, and butter. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the soup is heated through and creamy.

  6. Finish and Serve:
    Add the crispy bacon back into the soup and stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
    Ladle the soup into bowls, then top with green onions and shredded cheddar cheese if desired.

Notes

  • For extra creaminess, use a combination of heavy cream and sour cream.
  • You can add extra vegetables like carrots or celery for more flavor and texture.
  • This soup stores well and can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbyandy.com/old-fashioned-potato-bacon-soup-a-warm-hug-in-a-bowl/