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
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Sauté the diced onions in the bacon drippings until translucent and softened. Quickly introduce minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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