Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pot, remove most of the bacon grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor. Add the diced onion and cook over medium heat until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Cook the Potatoes:
Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir to coat them with the onion and garlic mixture. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Blend the Soup:
Once the potatoes are soft, use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend half of the soup and leave the rest for a more rustic feel. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth, but be careful as the soup will be hot.
Add the Cream and Bacon:
Stir in the heavy cream and bring the soup back to a simmer. Add the crispy bacon bits back into the soup, and cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives, if desired. Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread or crackers on the side for a complete meal.
Tips for Serving and Storing:
Serving Tips:
This soup pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad, a slice of buttered bread, or a grilled cheese sandwich for a hearty meal. For a more indulgent touch, top each bowl with additional crispy bacon, extra cheese, or even a dollop of sour cream for creaminess.
Storing:
Store any leftover potato and bacon soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to let it cool to room temperature before storing. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much after refrigeration, add a little more broth or cream to thin it out.
Freezing:
This soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth or cream to bring it back to its creamy consistency. Keep in mind that potatoes can sometimes change texture when frozen, so the soup may be slightly different once thawed, but still delicious!
Variants:
Loaded Potato and Bacon Soup:
Make your soup even heartier by adding extra toppings, such as sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, or even a handful of cooked chicken or sausage for additional protein.
Vegetarian Option:
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and use olive oil or butter to sauté the onion and garlic. You can substitute the bacon with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a smoky flavor without the meat.
Spicy Potato and Bacon Soup:
Add a little heat to the soup by stirring in some diced jalapeños, chili flakes, or a splash of hot sauce. This gives the soup a spicy kick that pairs well with the creamy base and bacon.
Dairy-Free Version:
To make this soup dairy-free, replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use dairy-free cheese if desired. You can also substitute the butter with olive oil.
FAQ:
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! Potato and bacon soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. You can make it a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
What can I use if I don’t have an immersion blender?
If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully blend the soup in batches using a regular blender or food processor. Just be sure to let the soup cool a little before blending to avoid splattering hot liquid.
Can I make this soup spicier?
Absolutely! Add more heat by incorporating diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a bit of hot sauce to the soup. Adjust the spice level to your taste.
Can I use other types of potatoes?
While Yukon Gold and russet potatoes are ideal for this soup, you can use other types like red potatoes or fingerling potatoes. Just keep in mind that different potatoes may affect the texture of the soup slightly.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this potato and bacon soup is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free broth and avoid any gluten-containing add-ins like croutons or bread.
Potato and Bacon Soup is the ultimate comfort food, offering a creamy, rich texture with the perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a comforting dish to serve on a cold day, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. With its versatility, ease of preparation, and mouthwatering taste, this hearty soup is bound to please everyone at the table.
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