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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.