The Coziest Potato & Bacon Soup Recipe with Cheesy Toast

Crispy bacon bits dance through this hearty potato and bacon soup that promises pure comfort on chilly evenings.

Cold days call for warm, soul-soothing meals that wrap you in delicious memories.

Simple ingredients come together miraculously, creating something extraordinary with minimal effort.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with smoky bacon notes, promising a satisfying experience in every spoonful.

Rich potatoes absorb incredible flavors while cheese-topped toast adds a delightful crunch to each serving.

Weekend cooking feels like a celebration when such amazing dishes emerge from your kitchen.

You’ll want seconds—maybe even thirds—of this irresistible soup that transforms ordinary ingredients into something spectacular.

Why Potato and Bacon Soup with Cheesy Toast and Bacon Hits the Spot

• Comfort Food Champion: This potato and bacon soup delivers pure warmth with its rich, creamy texture and comforting flavors that hug your taste buds like a cozy blanket.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Win: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delicious meal that's perfect for busy families wanting a satisfying dinner without complicated cooking techniques.
• Versatile Flavor Customization: The soup offers flexible blending options, letting you choose between smooth or chunky textures, while the cheesy bacon toast adds a crispy, indulgent side that elevates the entire dining experience.
• Economical Gourmet Delight: Using affordable ingredients like potatoes, bacon, and basic pantry staples, this recipe proves you can create restaurant-quality comfort food without breaking the bank.

What Goes into Potato and Bacon Soup with Cheesy Toast and Bacon

• Bacon: Adds rich, smoky flavor and crispy texture to the soup and toast.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a flavorful liquid base for the soup, enhancing overall taste.

• Potatoes: Starchy base that provides thickness and hearty texture to the soup.
• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the soup's foundation.
• Garlic: Brings intense, aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Thyme: Provides a subtle herbal note that complements the bacon and potatoes.

• Milk or Heavy Cream: Adds richness and smoothness to the soup.
• Butter: Enhances creaminess and provides a rich, smooth finish.
• Bread: Serves as a crispy, cheesy accompaniment to the soup.
• Cheese (Shredded): Creates a golden, melty topping for the toast with a salty, tangy flavor.

How to Make Potato and Bacon Soup with Cheesy Toast and Bacon

Step 1: Crisp Up the Bacon

Grab your favorite large pot and toss in the diced bacon. Cook over medium heat, letting the bacon sizzle and turn golden brown. Once crispy, scoop out the bacon bits with a slotted spoon and let them rest on paper towels. Keep a couple tablespoons of that delicious bacon grease in the pot.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Drop the chopped onions into the bacon-scented pot. Let them dance and soften for 4-5 minutes, creating a fragrant base. Sprinkle in the minced garlic and let it mingle for another minute, releasing its wonderful aroma.

Step 3: Potato Party

Toss in the diced potatoes and sprinkle of thyme. Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a bubbling boil. Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let the potatoes simmer until they’re tender and dreamy (about 15-20 minutes).

Step 4: Smooth Operator

Time to transform the soup! Grab an immersion blender and puree until silky smooth. If you’re using a countertop blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches. Want some texture? Blend only half the soup, leaving some chunks for a rustic feel.

Step 5: Creamy Finishing Touches

Stir in the milk or heavy cream and a pat of butter. Season with salt and black pepper until the flavors sing. Give it a taste and adjust as needed.

Step 6: Cheesy Toast Magic

• Shredded cheese
• Crumbled bacon bits

Broil for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden blanket.

Step 7: Serve with Love

Ladle the creamy soup into bowls. Scatter the remaining crispy bacon pieces on top. Serve the cheesy toast right alongside, ready to dip and devour.

Chef’s Whisper: This soup hugs you from the inside out – pure comfort in a bowl!

Top Tips for Potato and Bacon Soup with Cheesy Toast and Bacon

• Bacon Crispiness Control: Cook bacon slowly over medium heat to achieve perfect crispiness without burning, ensuring maximum flavor and texture.
• Potato Texture Mastery: Dice potatoes uniformly to guarantee even cooking and a consistent soup texture when blending.
• Blending Brilliance: Use an immersion blender for easier cleanup and smoother soup consistency, leaving some chunks for added texture if desired.
• Cream Integration Trick: Add cream or milk off the heat to prevent curdling and maintain a silky, rich soup base.
• Cheesy Toast Pro Tip: Watch broiler carefully to prevent burning, ensuring golden-brown cheese and crispy bread in just 1-2 minutes.

Storing Potato and Bacon Soup with Cheesy Toast and Bacon

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top. Freeze for 2-3 months, ensuring you label with the date.
• Reheat Stovetop: Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore original consistency if too thick.
• Reheat Microwave: Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.

Perfect Sides for Potato and Bacon Soup with Cheesy Toast and Bacon

• Amplify Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp, light-bodied white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the soup's richness and complement the bacon's smoky flavor.
• Boost Beer Selection: Grab a malty amber ale or a smooth brown ale that matches the soup's hearty nature and balances the creamy texture with its robust character.
• Create Salad Companion: Toss a bright, tangy arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and toasted almonds to provide a fresh, zesty contrast to the rich, creamy soup.
• Enhance Side Dish: Prepare a quick pickled vegetable medley with cucumber, radish, and carrots to add a crisp, acidic element that refreshes the palate between bites of the decadent soup.

Flavor Variations for Potato and Bacon Soup with Cheesy Toast and Bacon

• Rustic Veggie Potato Soup: Replace bacon with roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version that keeps the hearty flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Potato Soup: Add diced jalapeños, cumin, and chili powder during cooking. Top with fresh cilantro, sour cream, and pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Creamy Herb Garden Soup: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, and parsley. Use goat cheese instead of regular cheese for a tangy, creamy texture. Garnish with additional chopped herbs for brightness.
• German-Inspired Potato Soup: Include sliced bratwurst instead of bacon. Add a splash of beer while cooking for deeper flavor. Sprinkle with caraway seeds and serve with dark rye bread for an authentic touch.

FAQs for Potato and Bacon Soup with Cheesy Toast and Bacon

• What type of potatoes work best for this soup?

Waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and create a creamy texture without falling apart during cooking.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the bacon and use olive oil instead of bacon grease. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a fully vegetarian version.

• How can I make the soup thicker or thinner?

To thicken the soup, mash some potatoes or add a bit of cornstarch mixed with cold water. To thin it out, gradually add more broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency.

• Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! Cool the soup completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just note that dairy-based soups might separate slightly when reheated, so stir well after thawing.

Potato And Bacon Soup With Cheesy Toast And Bacon Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty “Potato and Bacon Soup” brings comfort to cold evenings, blending rich flavors from crispy bacon and creamy potatoes. Cheesy toast crowns this classic dish, promising warmth and satisfaction for those craving a delightful winter meal.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 medium potatoes (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g), peeled and diced
• 12 slices of bacon, diced (6 for soup, 2 for toast, 4 for garnish)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Dairy Ingredients:

• 4 cups (1 liter) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk or heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for extra richness)

Bread and Cheese Ingredients:

• 6 slices of crusty bread (baguette or sourdough)
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar or Gruyere cheese
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Render the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until golden and crisp. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, preserving 1-2 tablespoons of the rendered fat within the pot.
2. Sauté the diced onions in the bacon drippings until translucent and softened. Quickly introduce minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Add cubed potatoes and fresh thyme to the aromatic base. Pour chicken broth into the pot, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil before reducing heat and allowing the potatoes to simmer until fork-tender.
4. Transform the soup’s texture using an immersion blender or carefully transferring portions to a standard blender. For a rustic consistency, partially blend the soup, leaving some potato chunks intact.
5. Incorporate milk or cream to create a luxurious, velvety finish. Introduce butter for additional richness, then season with salt and freshly ground pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
6. Activate the broiler and arrange bread slices on a baking sheet. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over each slice, then garnish with reserved bacon crumbles. Broil until the cheese melts and develops a golden, bubbly crust.
7. Distribute the creamy soup into serving bowls, garnish with remaining crisp bacon pieces, and accompany with the golden, cheesy toast alongside.

Notes

• Select thick-cut bacon for richer flavor and better texture, ensuring it crisps evenly without burning.
• Save extra bacon grease for sautéing vegetables or adding depth to future dishes, storing it in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
• Experiment with different potato varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for varied consistency and subtle flavor differences.
• For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and use turkey bacon as a healthier alternative.
• Customize the soup’s thickness by adjusting liquid amounts or blending techniques – partially blend for rustic texture or completely smooth for elegant presentation.
• Create gluten-free options by using gluten-free bread for cheesy toast and checking chicken broth ingredients carefully.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding chopped kale or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrients and color.
• Make the dish vegetarian by replacing bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar depth of flavor, and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg