Old-Fashioned Potato & Bacon Soup

Warm, creamy, and filled with smoky bacon flavor, this Potato & Bacon Soup is pure comfort in a bowl. This recipe brings back the nostalgia of homemade, slow-cooked goodness with simple ingredients that come together beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Rich & Creamy: Perfectly velvety with chunks of tender potatoes.
Savory Bacon Flavor: Every bite is infused with the smoky goodness of crispy bacon.
One-Pot Wonder: Simple, easy, and minimal cleanup!
Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.

Ingredients:

6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1 cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
Salt and black pepper, to taste
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the bacon is crispy and golden (about 6-8 minutes).
Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 tbsp of bacon grease in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add the butter to the bacon grease in the pot. Once melted, toss in the diced onion. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the onions become translucent and soft.
Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Potatoes and Broth

Add the diced potatoes to the pot and toss to coat them in the bacon and onion mixture.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 4: Thicken the Soup

In a small bowl, mix the flour with ¼ cup of cold water to create a smooth slurry. Slowly pour this into the pot while stirring to prevent lumps.
Simmer for another 5 minutes until the soup thickens.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream (or milk). Continue to simmer for 5 more minutes until the soup becomes rich and creamy.
Season with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste.

Step 6: Blend (Optional)

For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to puree about half of the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, transfer half the soup to a blender, puree it, and return it to the pot.

Step 7: Add Bacon & Serve

Stir the crispy bacon back into the soup, saving a little for garnish.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with green onions, cheddar cheese, or extra bacon crumbles.

Old-Fashioned Potato & Bacon Soup